GP appointed to lead Primary Care Network for Northern Ireland

NICON is delighted to announce that Dr Siobhán McEntee has been appointed to lead Northern Ireland’s new Primary Care Network.

The Northern Ireland Primary Care Network (NIPCN) is being set up at a crucial time and will support primary care stakeholders to play a key role in delivery of the reset plan for health and social care (HSC) in NI. 

The network will be coordinated by NICON in collaboration with the NHS Confederation’s Primary Care Network. It is funded by its membership, with additional support from the Department of Health (DoH) Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG). 

The network will involve general practice, pharmacy, optometry and dentistry, ensuring that primary care has a strong voice within the HSC system.

Dr Siobhán McEntee is a GP with more than 30 years’ experience. She has held a number of senior positions, including Regional Clinical Director for GP Elective Care with the GP Federations, and Associate Director for GP Training at the Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA). 

Siobhán will play a critical role in supporting the establishment and development of a thriving Primary Care Network, which provides leadership and amplifies the views and perspectives of its members.

Commenting on the establishment of the new network, NICON Director, Heather Moorhead, said: “The formation of this new network marks a significant step in strengthening collaboration across primary care and with the wider HSC system, shaping sustainable, innovative models of care for Northern Ireland. This is strategic opportunity to ensure primary care plays an integral role in the ‘reset’ of health and social care in NI. 

“I want to thank all of our partners, particularly from GP Federations and community pharmacy, who helped make the establishment of this network possible. I also wish to welcome Siobhán into her new role. She brings with her a wealth of experience and the NICON team looks forward to working with her over the coming months.”

Dr Siobhán McEntee said: “I am delighted to take up this strategic role. As PCN Lead, I am committed to advocating for adequately funded, sustainable primary care, including by promoting new ways of working that enable multidisciplinary and neighbourhood-based models of care. I look forward to working with our partners to ensure the network delivers for primary care, the wider HSC system, and, most crucially, for our patients and communities.”

More information about the NI Primary Care Network can be found on this webpage. If you have any questions about the network, please email siobhan.mcentee@niconfedhss.org.