The NHS Confederation has expanded the board of its PCN Network to reflect the diversity of roles within primary care networks, including greater geographical representation across England.
This marks over eighteen months since the Confederation first launched its PCN Network. During that time there have been many benefits of PCNs, such as supporting general practices, collaborating with other system partners, and playing a key role in delivering the vaccination programme.
The PCN Network has expanded its board from 12 to 28 members, bringing in a greater mix of PCN clinical directors including GPs, nurses, pharmacists and paramedics as well as strong representation from the PCN manager community. The board now has four representatives across the seven NHS England and NHS Improvement regions.
It comes as the primary care sector is expected to be more in demand by the NHS, in order to support local communities stay well, following the disruption to services over the last year. The services will also be vital to manage the long-term impact it will have on the nation’s physical and mental health.
Ruth Rankine, Director of primary care at the Confederation, said: “This is a critical time for primary care networks, which have proven their value throughout the pandemic, and now we have to ensure primary care is supported to be fit for the future, particularly with the upcoming Health and Care Bill and recovery plans.
“The clinical and managerial experience from our new board, which includes experts from all over the country, will mean the NHS Confederation has the insight and guidance necessary to make us a really strong voice and influencer for all primary care networks. There has never been a better time to join us.”
By bringing a wide range of expertise and knowledge from across the sector and country, the board will work with the Confederation to ensure its PCN Network remains member-focused, is a strong voice for the sector, and maximises its influence for the benefit of PCNs and the wider system.
This will include steering the imminent legislation on the future of health and care, which aims to strengthen the system working across the sector as part of the biggest reforms to healthcare in a decade.
Details of the new board and its members can be found here.
