What is a Primary Care Network?
A Primary Care Network (PCN) is a formal grouping of neighbouring GP practices that work together to deliver a wider range of services to their local community. PCNs were introduced as part of the NHS Long Term Plan in 2019 and now cover virtually all GP practices in England.
By working collaboratively in these groups, practices can do more together than any single practice could manage alone. This means sharing expertise, coordinating care for patients with complex needs and, crucially, being able to employ a broader range of clinical staff who work across the network.
Our PCN: Who Are We?
Mythe Medical Practice is part of the TWNS PCN ( TWNS stands for Tewkesbury, West Cheltenham, Newent and Staunton). Our network brings together five local GP practices:
- Mythe Medical Practice – Tewkesbury
- Church Street Medical – Tewkesbury
- Newent Doctor’s Practice
- Staunton & Corse Surgery
- West Cheltenham Medical
Together, the five practices in the TWNS PCN serve a combined registered population of around 54,000 patients. This scale allows us to pool resources, share learning and deliver services that would not be viable for a single practice to run independently
What Does This Mean for You?
PCN membership has a direct impact on the care available to you as a patient at Mythe Medical. In practical terms it means:
- Access to a wider range of clinical professionals directly through your GP practice, without needing a hospital referral
- Proactive and coordinated care for older patients and those living with dementia and cancer through our dedicated Health and Wellbeing Team
- Support with non-clinical needs such as housing, finances and social isolation through our Social Prescribing Link Workers
- Clinical Pharmacists who ensure you are on the right combination of medications and handle medication queries, freeing GPs for more complex patient care
- Community Paramedics who carry out urgent home visits for patients who are too unwell to attend the surgery
- Shared best practice and learning across all five practices in the network, raising the standard of care for everyone
Who Works in Our PCN?
Through the ARRS, our PCN is able to employ a range of clinical professionals who work alongside GPs and practice nurses. Each PCN chooses which roles best suit the needs of its local population. At TWNS PCN, the additional roles currently include:
- Clinical Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
- First Contact Physiotherapists
- Community Paramedics
- Social Prescribing Link Workers
- Health and Wellbeing Team (Frailty, Dementia and Cancer)
For more information on Primary Care Networks please see the NHS England website