Summary
Greater Manchester's Digital First Primary Care Programme has been shortlisted for an award at the HTN Primary Care Awards 2025.
The Digital First Primary Care (DFPC) Programme has been named as a finalist for Partnership of the Year at the HTN Primary Care Awards 2025.
Co-ordinated by Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership, the DFPC Programme is a joint partnership between Health Innovation Manchester (HInM), Greater Manchester Primary Care Provider Board (GMPCB) and NHS Greater Manchester (NHS GM).
This recognition is a testament to the programme’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and patient-centred care – transforming how patients access primary care across Greater Manchester.
The programme, which spans 407 general practices and 65 Primary Care Networks (PCNs) across Greater Manchester, is tackling healthcare challenges head-on with impressive results. At its heart is a network of 17 digital facilitators who provide hands-on support to practices, helping them embrace digital solutions while ensuring no patient is left behind.
The impact has been remarkable. Between September 2023 and September 2024, monthly NHS App logins more than doubled from 986,958 to over 2.3 million. Repeat prescription orders through the app nearly doubled to 224,829, while 484 practice websites were reviewed and improved to meet national standards.
“The NHS App has changed how I manage my healthcare. I feel more in control,” shared one patient, while a practice staff member noted, “The support boosted our confidence in assisting patients with digital tools, and patient app usage has noticeably increased.”
The DFPC Programme’s success stems from its comprehensive approach, which includes:
- Practice website enhancements
- Virtual consultation implementation
- Digital triage systems
- Cloud-based telephony solutions
- Extensive staff training and support
Through partnerships with local organisations, religious groups, and social enterprises, the programme ensures digital inclusion remains a priority, making healthcare more accessible to all communities across Greater Manchester.
The DFPC Programme stands as a model for digital healthcare transformation, demonstrating how technology, when implemented with a human touch, can significantly improve both patient care and operational efficiency in primary care settings.
The HTN Primary Care Awards winners will be announced at the digital awards evening on Thursday 6 March, 2025.
You can read more about the awards on the HTN website.
