Report

Primary care networks: two years on

A report on the progress made by primary care networks and the challenges they have faced, two years since their creation.
Julia Swift

2 August 2021

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Despite still being in their infancy, primary care networks (PCN) have played a leading role in England’s response to COVID-19. Two years on from their creation, and approaching the mid-point of their five-year contract, this report considers their progress and successes so far, the challenges they have faced and the opportunities that lie ahead with the move to greater system working.

This report is based on a series of engagement sessions, hosted by the PCN Network, and a survey of more than 150 PCN clinical directors and PCN managers. It sets out the key themes from this engagement, alongside a look ahead to the future of PCNs. It also outlines some principles to guide the development of PCNs and key areas for improvement within the network contract DES, followed by opportunities for PCNs in ICSs.

Key points

  • Despite still being in their infancy, primary care networks (PCN) have played a leading role in England’s response to COVID-19. Just two years on from their creation, they have risen to the challenges presented by the pandemic, administering the majority of vaccinations, reaching out to underserved communities and making headway against their objective to tackle health inequalities.
  • Overall, the picture is one of progress, with high levels of enthusiasm for PCNs remaining despite the challenges posed by a high workload and reacting to COVID-19. PCNs’ profile has increased, leading to greater awareness of the services they offer; relationships with local partners have been strengthened; workforce development has been evident in increased numbers, leadership capability and retention; and PCNs are developing creative ways to reach underserved communities, tackle health inequalities and manage population health.
  • Challenges remain. More than nine in ten survey respondents said their workload was greater than expected, with the consistently high workload derailing PCNs’ existing and planned work programmes. New service specifications are causing confusion over the purpose of PCNs, while a lack of consistent infrastructure was seen as hindering progress. Tensions were also identified with some local partners. 
  • Our one year on report, released in July 2020, identified three principles for NHS England and NHS Improvement to consider when developing PCN policy, accompanied by a set of asks. They centred on PCNs having autonomy over their resources and influence over policies determining their future, as well as within ICSs; a flexible approach to be factored into their development; and for the shift towards ICSs to be accompanied by streamlined processes for PCNs.
  • These principles have informed PCN policy over the past year, especially with regards to the health and care bill and ICS guidance. While the 2021/22 network contract DES addressed some of the asks, they have not been resolved fully and remain relevant. We encourage NHSEI to use these principles to underpin the development of PCN policy and all policies that impact PCNs.
  • Through continuing engagement with clinical directors and PCN managers, we will develop specific asks for the 2022/23 network contract DES in the autumn, relating to workload management; funding for PCN leadership and management; certainty around funding streams and contractual arrangements; and consistent and streamlined processes. 
  • Dr Tayo Kufeji

    GP Clinical Director at The Bridge PCN, Milton Keynes

    The last year has indeed been a tumultuous one for PCNs, with the COVID-19 pandemic challenging the way we all work. Nonetheless, PCNs have risen to the challenge and have shown the benefits of collaborative working between practices and the wider primary care.

    Our PCN was one of many that delivered a very successful COVID-19 vaccination programme and it has really enlightened the practices on the potential that can be achieved by working together.

    We have also been able to recruit eight new ARRS roles in the last year, despite the pandemic, further bolstering our support to the community we serve. We are looking forward to developing the mental health role along with our Mental Health Service planning to work with a population health approach and address underlying health inequalities.

    Challenges however remain, including the increasing demands on the role of the clinical director, the large amount of unfunded administrative work in PCNs and also estates for PCN staff /ARRS roles.

    We remain optimistic that PCNs will continue to play a vital role in improving the healthcare of our local populations for years to come.

    Jenny Bostock

    Nurse Clinical Director at Ramsgate PCN

    The last 12 months have been hard. The PCN practices have had to make huge changes in how they consult with patients in order to keep staff and patients safe.

    We have moved mountains and trained staff to address the needs of the patients and staff. The Practices have worked as a team and supported each other especially when one practice had all staff isolated from COVID-19 or COVID-19 contacts.

    We provided a service for our patients and rotated staff to run a COVID-19 'hot site' set up in a week.

    The Practice Nurses adapted their clinics and we were able to support patients with self-management of their chronic diseases, some dressings and monitoring.

    The use of Accurx transformed consultations. Monitoring high risk patients with pulse oximeters also saved unnecessary hospital admissions and ensured those needing oxygen were recognised and treated early.

    Some of our frustrations were related to the lack of secondary care services available, which has impacted now on huge waiting lists.

    COVID-19 has brought us closer, improved infection control, IT and improved systems for a more efficient practice. We now manage more patients than pre-COVID-19 and despite being tired from working hard and running the COVID-19 vaccination programme alongside normal services. We have been incredibly resilient: like a piece of bamboo, strong and firm, but with a hidden flexibility that holds strong.