Working in systems: PCN Network conference session summary
Catch up on the talking points from the PCN Network virtual conference session on working in systems.
Chair and panellists
- Dr Claire Fuller, Senior Responsible Officer, Surrey Heartlands ICS and Interim Accountable Officer, Surrey Heartlands CCG
- Dr Pramit Patel, Clinical Director Board member, PCN Network and Clinical Director, East Surrey PCN
- Dr Brigid Joughin, Clinical Director Board member, PCN Network and Clinical Director, Outer West Newcastle PCN
Key points
Place-based working
Working at place looks different in different parts of the country. The question was posed: "are we trying too hard to define it?" Dr Fuller believes what is important is to not get lost in discussions about how we define place and rather have conversation locally about what we jointly want to achieve. Dr Patel set out his belief that form is secondary and what is most important is the strength of relationships between the partners within systems.
PCN voice within systems
An example was cited that one system has 76 primary care networks (PCNs) and there is therefore a question over how each PCN can be heard when there are so many. Dr Patel represents 25 PCNs at system-level within his integrated care system (ICS) and he states that it can be difficult and time-consuming. However, one-to-one conversations with each PCN clinical director have been very valuable and he is now seen as the go-to person through which they can voice their views and concerns. There are structured forums within the system to bring PCNs together to agree shared priorities.
The NHS Confederation’s PCN Network runs a South East Network for clinical directors which has a monthly meeting. This asks clinical directors across the region what are the current obstacles to delivery and what ‘the bigger picture’ is for the region.
A point raised from a participant is that many PCNs want to engage more but don’t know how to – we need to make it as easy as possible for them to engage. Dr Fuller again argues that all participation in systems (at neighbourhood, place and system levels alike) needs to be driven by the question of ‘what are we trying to achieve?’ There is an important role for the NHS Confederation here in facilitating conversations on this question.
Key quotes
“Let’s not get hung up on language and get on with what we’re trying to fix!”
“If an ICS door is very ready to open, PCNs need to push on it”
Questions for consideration
- Is there a universally accepted definition of 'place'?
- Should there be one, or would that be restrictive?
