Why Primary Care Networks (PCNs) Need To Reboot

We’ve come through year end for the Primary Care Networks, and for many of them, this is a time for looking forward. When they think about 2023/24, some of them will be dealing with reformation where the original set-up didn’t work, and so they’re looking at a new PCN. Some of them will be embedding…

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Why GPs need permission to say no – or we risk losing them

I’ve written many times about the pressure of workload, how that’s affecting GPs and some of the tactics they can use to address the problems that a heavy workload is creating for them. But it’s a problem that is really coming to a head now, especially with the new instruction in the GP Contract update…

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6 Ways To Win An Audience With The NHS

When I sit down with people working within the Pharma, Med Tech and Appliance sector, typically, they want to know three things: 1.    How do you get a game-changing product in front of the NHS? 2.    How do you get access to the correct decision-makers? 3.    What’s the best way to get them to quickly see the benefits…

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Conflicts Within Primary Care Networks Are On The Rise – Is Dispute Resolution The Answer?

Disputes are on the rise within the NHS, and we should not be surprised by that. Working under indescribable pressure, crippling staff shortages and ever-increasing workloads are not ingredients usually found within harmonious professional relationships.  And there’s no sign of an immediate improvement. The latest data shows GP appointments are still way above pre-pandemic levels,…

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What If Your PCN Is Not Delivering What You Need It To?

We’re at that time of year when GPs, nurses, pharmacists and others start to ask themselves if they are in the right primary care network. PCNs were formally established across England on July 1 2019. They were reshuffled in March 2020, again in 2021 and again in 2022. I’ve no doubt this year some networks…

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How do successful Primary Care Networks make their money?

Most of my NHS clients understand they must work out their priorities well in advance in order to attract the most income from the Primary Care Network Direct Enhanced Service (DES) and the Investment and Impact Fund (IIF), which is what I help them to do. In essence, the more indicators – clinical objectives –…

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