Other Roles in the PCN
Care Co-ordinators
Care Coordinators are personalised care professionals who help to provide capacity, and expertise to support patients in preparing for or following up clinical conversations with clinical teams.
They work closely with the GPs and other primary care professionals within the PCN to identify and manage a caseload of identified patients. Together they make sure that appropriate support is made available to the patient and their carers and ensure that their changing needs are addressed.
Care Coordinators focus on delivery of personalised care to reflect local PCN priorities, health inequalities or groups of patients identified through risk stratification.
General Practice Assistants
The General Practice Assistant (GPA) plays an important role in both the administrative and clinical functions of the practice, with a strong focus on data analysis and supporting the GP’s with their work.
The role combines both administrative and clinical duties, and is crucial for supporting the efficiency and effectiveness of the practice.
Clinical Directors
A Primary Care Network (PCN) Clinical Director provides strategic leadership, working with member GP practices to improve patient care and develop new services.
Their role involves implementing plans to meet health needs, fostering collaboration, and supporting staff development and quality improvement initiatives.
They are accountable for the provision of services delivered by the PCN’s team
Paramedics
A paramedic in primary care can provide support to patients with minor injuries and minor illness. They can also support patients who require wound care, have fallen, have musculoskeletal problems, and have urinary tract or respiratory infections
Paramedics can support PCNs in responding to on the day demand by offering telephone triage or undertaking home visiting.
They can also support PCNs to improve access to care by managing minor ailments and seeing patients in care homes.
Digital Transformation Leads
The Digital and Transformation Lead is responsible for implementing and managing digital and service improvements to enhance efficiency and patient care within a PCN.
They work with staff and practices to identify areas for improvement, utilize data to drive decisions, and support the adoption of new technologies and processes to improve service delivery and patient experience.
Business Managers
The Business Manager and Digital and Transformation Lead plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective delivery of services within a Primary Care Network (PCN) and its associated practices.
In essence, this role is a blend of strategic management and hands-on leadership in HR, finance, and digital transformation, all aimed at delivering high-quality, patient-centered services that improve the health outcomes of the local population.