Our primary care network (PCN)

What we do: a primary care network (PCN) is a way of organising healthcare services in a local area to provide more co-ordinated and integrated care to patients.

Here are some key points about PCN’s:

PCNs bring together general practices, community services, mental health services, social care, pharmacies, and voluntary organisations to work at the local level to improve care and support for patients.

• They typically cover populations of around 30,000 to 50,000 people living in a nearby geographic area.
• The aim is to provide more proactive, holistic care by enabling greater collaboration between different healthcare providers serving the same communities.
• PCNs were established as part of the NHS long term plan in 2019, driven by the need for a less fragmented approach to healthcare delivery.
• They allow additional staff like clinical pharmacists, physiotherapists, paramedics and social prescribing link workers to be recruited to support GP practices.
• The intended benefits include better access to care, improved health outcomes, reduced inequalities, and more focus on prevention and self-care.

For patients, a PCN should mean more co-ordinated services, tailored to their needs, with a joined-up team of professionals involved in their care across organisations.

So, in summary, a PCN aims to integrate primary, community, mental health and social care services at a local level around patient needs.

Enabled by additional staffing and closer collaboration between providers.

GP practices:                                    

• Eastwood Group Practice – Belfairs branch
• Eastwood Group Practice – Kent Elms
• Eastwood Group Practice – Rayleigh Road
• Highlands surgery – Main surgery
• Highlands surgery – Branch surgery
• Dr Krishnan & Partners
• Pall Mall surgery
• The Leigh surgery                                          

Extended access appointments

From October 1, 2022, additional out-of-hours GP appointments are available:

These extended access slots must be booked in advance through your regular GP practice. The appointment may not be at your usual surgery location.

To book an extended hours appointment, contact your GP practice as normal. They will advise on available time slots and the appropriate healthcare professional.

Finally, for urgent medical assistance when it’s not an emergency, you can also visit NHS 111 online or call 111.