Primary Care Networks (PCNs) were created to strengthen collaboration across general practice, reduce pressure on individual surgeries, and improve patient care through shared workforce and innovation. But to truly benefit, GP surgeries need to be active, strategic partners. Here’s how:
1. Communicate Proactively
A strong relationship with your PCN starts with regular, open communication. Designate a PCN liaison or clinical director lead within your surgery to attend meetings and provide consistent updates. Don’t wait for issues to arise, raise concerns early, suggest improvements, and ask questions.
Being proactive also means keeping your whole team informed. Feedback key PCN developments to staff at all levels to ensure alignment and buy-in. Transparent, two-way communication helps prevent misunderstandings and creates a sense of shared ownership across the network.
2. Maximise the Value of ARRS Roles
The Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) offers surgeries access to a range of non-GP staff including social prescribers, health coaches, care coordinators, and physiotherapists. But these roles only add value if they’re embedded into your workflows.
Work with your PCN to understand how these roles can meet your patients' needs. For example, clinical pharmacists can handle medication reviews and free up GP time, while care coordinators can support patients with complex needs, reducing repeat appointments. Clearly defined responsibilities and effective onboarding are essential to integrating these professionals into your team.
3. Collaborate and Share Learning
Your PCN is a resource hub. Use it to share administrative systems, training programmes, digital tools, and even clinical pathways. Collaborative working can reduce duplication, spread good practice, and cut costs across all member practices.
For example, joint chronic disease management initiatives, shared nursing rotas, or co-hosted patient engagement events can all improve efficiency and patient experience. Even informal knowledge-sharing, what’s working well, or what’s not, can be powerful when done openly within a trusted PCN network.
4. Champion Innovation Through the PCN
PCNs are designed to enable new ways of delivering care. If your surgery has an idea, perhaps around digital triage, enhanced access, remote monitoring, or population health management, your PCN can support piloting and scaling it.
Don’t underestimate the influence your practice can have. GP surgeries that lead the way in trying new models or service improvements often attract funding, build influence, and enhance their reputation across the local healthcare system. PCNs also provide a safe space to test and refine approaches before rolling them out more widely.
Final Thought
Strong PCN relationships can lead to better care, greater resilience, and long-term sustainability for general practice. By engaging proactively, integrating shared roles, collaborating with peers, and driving innovation, your surgery can move from simply being part of a PCN to truly benefiting from it.
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