Becoming a lead nurse in a primary care network

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.

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.