The times they are a-changin’ and as we enter the third year since the formation of primary care networks (PCNs), Ben is joined by podcast regular and primary care management guru Tara Humphrey to take stock of the current situation in general practice. Are we still surviving, rather than thriving? What gains have been made over the last 28 months? Where do the pressures lie and where are the incumbent Clinical Directors up to in their thinking of where to go next in taking their networks forward and/or handing on responsibility to a new leader? Have we made any progress in making sure the work of individual practices intertwines with network goals and our overall vision? Do we still have an overall vision? All this and more in this week’s fascinating episode…

 

Introduction (9 secs)

An update from Tara (26 secs)

What are the key challenges in the PCN world currently? (1 min 23 secs)

The pressure of the new delivery requirements (1 min 58 secs)

How a PCN Manager can help (4 mins)

The link between PCN Manager and ARRS staff (5 mins 3 secs)

Managing capacity and keeping up (5 mins 44 secs)

Recent BMA reaction and the impact of this on the ground (6 mins 51 secs)

Bridging the gap between practices and PCN (7 mins 43 secs)

Taking stock at this point in the PCN journey (9 mins 55 secs)

Face to face versus virtual working (11 mins 10 secs)

Next steps into the future (11 mins 49 secs)

Passing on the baton of Clinical Directorship (13 mins 4 secs)

Balancing hierarchical structure (13 mins 57 secs)

Re-establishment of the PCN purpose and why this is so important (15 mins 43 secs)

Getting in touch (17 mins 37 secs)

To connect with Tara and to access all the available resources on offer from THC Primary Care, do check out:

The THC Primary Care website

The Business of Healthcare Podcast to get the latest insights into business and management behind the scenes in primary care.

Tara’s Twitter and LinkedIn accounts

Applications for the second round of the incredibly popular New to General Practice Partnership training programme are open! If you are considering stepping into partnership, or are a newly appointed GP partner, the Ockham Health / THC Primary Care / McCartney Health Associates training course is scheduled to begin again in February 2022. If you would like to know more, or you would like to sign up, please get in touch with Ben at [email protected]