Primary care networks (PCNs) are a new initiative as part of the NHS long-term plan (NHS, 2019). The plan involves practices working together to provide the structure and funding for services that are required in their local area.
GP surgeries will come together to provide increased appointments, specialized services and out of hours care for patients in their area, with an expected 30 000–50 000 patients covered by each PCN.
The PCN incorporates a variety of health professionals, including GPs, clinical pharmacists, practice nurses and allied health professionals, and they work together to improve services within their local area.
West Kent PCN lead nurses
Within West Kent there was a recognition that there was little to no nurse representation within the Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and this needed to change with the development of PCNs. West Kent Education Network (WKEN) then developed the idea of PCN lead nurses.
There were seven PCN lead nurses across West Kent and it was planned to expand to nine by the end of 2019. The nurses are all currently in post as part-time practice nurses and commit 10 hours a month to the PCN role.
A varied and diverse role
I became one of the PCN lead nurses. Our role is currently varied and diverse with the recognition that it is a new position and needs time to develop.
Our purpose is to provide support and expertise in the development of local PCNs on behalf of WKEN. We provide a nursing voice within primary care to highlight issues affecting nursing and involvement in future service delivery.
The key responsibilities of the role include attending and actively participating in PCN meetings, both locally and across Kent. We also liaise and meet regularly with the other PCN nurses to develop our role and share responsibilities in planning and organizing protected learning time (PLT) events for the other nurses working in the local area.
Improving training and education
We have an emphasis on training and education and liaise with our local university who provide nursing students to our practices. Through this communication we are able to increase the number of students placements in our area and deal with any issues arising from both mentors and students. There is a lot of change in nurse training at present, and we are able to advise and disseminate information directly to the mentors. It is hoped that we can achieve better outcomes for both parties through direct and regular communication with the university.
Working as leaders
We are encouraged to work as leaders and have all recently completed a management into leadership development programme delivered by a consulting company.
The course took place over 6 months and involved class sessions, as well as one to one coaching, which we all found to be highly valuable and empowering. The main outcome of the process was that it gave us direction and confidence as a team of nurses who are new to management.
Tackling priority issues
We have recently developed a questionnaire for the nurses within West Kent to identify and highlight the issues that will need tackling as a priority going forward.
At present we are drawing up a wish list of issues we would like to tackle, such as reintroduction of clinical supervision and improving nurse appraisals. We all share an ambition to make West Kent a great place to work for nurses and allied health professionals both through retention of the existing workforce and encouraging applications from future workforce.
Becoming a formidable force
Since becoming a PCN lead nurse it has changed my perspective of local care provision by allowing me an insight into the difficulties faced with making change. With the new skills we are developing we shall be a formidable force in raising awareness of nursing issues and being strong advocates for our nursing colleagues.
I would highly recommend other nurses get involved with their local PCN. It is imperative for nurses to have a strong voice in the development of services and in creating improved work environments for the benefit of our students and future nurses. Good leadership is vital for our profession to progress and involvement with your own PCN can enable this.