What are PCN’s?

Primary Care Networks (PCNs) are a key part of the NHS long term plan and help provide support for all patients. The network provides structure and funding for health services.

In 2019 the NHS introduced Primary Care Networks as part of their Long-Term Plan. This gave the opportunity for GP practices to join networks, each with between 30,000-50,000 patients. There is currently around 1,250 PCN’s across England providing structure and funding in response to the patients they serve. Included in a PCN are GP surgeries, mental health workers, social care, the hospital, pharmacy’s, allied health professionals, local services, and communities.

With life expectancy of individuals increasing, populations growing and people living with more long-term conditions, the need for access to health services was paramount. In order for GP surgeries to keep up the demand, they needed help and so PCNs were created.

PCN’s are supported by the NHS and each individual PCN has their own targets agreements and funding. Each PCN is led by a clinical director, they could be a GP, general practice nurse or other clinical profession working in the general practice.