The tables are turned again and in this week’s episode Ben is interviewed about the lessons we are learning about Primary Care Networks after two months of their existence. He discusses the role of PCNs and how they are perceived, the challenges they are facing and the issues they are focussing on, their approaches to the new roles, the weight of expectations and the lessons they might learn from the establishment of CCGs.

Show Notes

Is the role of PCNs any clearer? (33secs)

The problem of mismatched expectations (2min 07secs)

The rapid rise of PCNs – a tough start (3mins 30secs)

The Clinical Directors role as inspiring leaders – quick wins (5mins 06secs)

Unforeseen challenges – backwards to move forwards (6mins 27secs)

The role of federations with PCNs (7mins 09secs)

How can ensure the roles of federations and PCNs are clear and distinct (7mins 48secs)

The perceptions of the wider NHS (9mins 28secs)

Two roles for the clinical leaders (10mins 57secs)

Too many expectations placed on PCNs too soon (11mins 19secs)

Supporting a potentially fragile system (12mins 27secs)

Building the support on firm foundations (13mins 26secs)

Approaches to the appointment of new roles (14mins 54secs)

Addressing the 30% funding gap (15mins 45secs)

The challenge of the 30% funding gap (19mins 42secs)

Lessons from setting up the CCGs (17mins 33secs)

Prioritising building relationships and trust (18mins 36secs)

Ben’s advice – control your own agenda, focus on relationships and don’t reinvent the wheel (19mins 53secs)