Since the NHS was created in 1948, the population has grown and people are living longer. Many people are living with long term conditions such as diabetes and heart disease or suffer with mental health issues and may need to access their local health services more often.

To meet these needs, GP practices are working together with community, mental health, social care, pharmacy, hospital and voluntary services in their local areas in groups of practices known as primary care networks (PCNs).

PCNs build on the core of current primary care services and enable greater provision of proactive, personalised, coordinated and more integrated health and social care. Clinicians describe this as a change from reactively providing appointments to proactively care for the people and communities they serve. Where emerging PCNs are in place in parts of the country, there are clear benefits for patients and clinicians.

PCNs are small enough to provide the personal care valued by both people and GPs, but large enough to have impact and economies of scale through better collaboration between GP practices and others in the local health and social care system.

PCNs are led by clinical directors who may be a GP, general practice nurse, clinical pharmacist or other clinical profession working in general practice.

We want to support patients to make informed decisions about their health care and to connect them to most appropriate health or social care provider to ensure health care that is timely safe and all encompassing.

Watch a short animation that explains the concept of PCNs and how this new way of working enables health and other services to work together to provide better access for patients.

Care Co-ordinators help you to navigate the health and care system as well as supporting co-ordination of some primary care services. They are skilled at reviewing patients’ needs and helping you to access the services and support you require to understand and manage your own health and wellbeing. Care Co-ordinators refer to Social Prescribers, Health and Wellbeing Coaches and other professionals where appropriate.

Clinical Pharmacists are engaged in multiple activities and you will most likely interact with them in the form of a medication review. In these reviews, they will ensure the appropriate blood tests and monitoring has been completed for your medication and review your current medication for appropriateness. This is your chance as a patient to have an in-depth discussion about your medication and any questions or concerns. They have a strong relationship with your GP and any suggestions for your care will be as a multi-disciplinary approach.

First Contact Physiotherapists in general practice are experts in musculoskeletal conditions. They are able to assess, diagnose and treat a range of complex muscle and joint conditions – preventing the need for referrals to hospital. They can arrange swift access to further treatment, investigations and specialists when needed.

They can help with:

• Diagnosing and treating muscular and joint conditions
• Advising on how to manage your condition
• Referrals on to specialist services

Physician Associates (PA) are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and manage a variety of medical disorders. They collaborate with GPs to give care to people, especially those with chronic illnesses who typically benefit from having access to the same doctor.

They are able to assist with:

• Identifying and addressing health issues,
  Organising testing and reviewing outcomes,
  Making physical inspections.

What is social prescribing?

Social prescribers work collaboratively with general practices to support you in a holistic way. They will empower you to take control of your own social wellbeing by focusing on your strengths, needs and aspirations. Social prescribers can connect you to community groups and services for practical and emotional support, signpost to relevant services, resources or support groups and support existing community groups and help you to start new ones. Social prescribers are able to give you the time to identify what matters to you.

How can a Social Prescriber benefit me as a patient:

• Support with managing low mood, bereavement and loss
• Carer support
• Support with managing long-term health conditions
• Support getting into work, volunteering and social activities
• Support with financial worries, benefits and housing difficulties
• Loneliness and isolation
• Taking up a new interest or hobby
• Support to access services in the community to tackle loneliness and isolation

GP Assistants work under the guidance of a nurse or another healthcare professional. They help with routine health checks and provide patients with general health and wellbeing advice.

They can help with:

• Health checks, such as blood pressure monitoring or taking blood samples
• Vaccinations and injections
• Phlebotomy

They are also able to assist the GP with pulling together information require for specific forms that need completing.

Health and Wellbeing Coaching is a service that puts the focus on what matters most to you. They have the time within appointments to support you to set goals and aspirations and empower you to improve and self manage your health and wellbeing. they do this through coaching and motivation techniques.

They can help with:

• Devising personalised care plans to encourage healthy eating and exercise
• Weight Management
• Lifestyle changes
• Managing long term health conditions
• managing chronic pain
• Low mood