Summary
Third event as part of the GM PCN Development Programme brings total attendance to almost 300.
Colleagues from Primary Care Networks across Greater Manchester welcome opportunity to learn from each other.
The Primary Care Network (PCN) Development Programme’s third session provided an opportunity for colleagues to network and learn from each other.
The event took place on Thursday, 2 November and covered a range of pertinent topics for people working in PCNs across Greater Manchester.
Topics included ‘Enhanced access – one year on…PCNs and Federations sharing the learning’, ‘QI for PCNs – Making great things happen in small steps’, ‘Improving access models in General Practice’ and ‘PCN Incorporation – the pros and cons’.
In addition, delegates were introduced to the work of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) with a bitesize session entitled ‘How to get started in research’.
The programme has been organised by Greater Manchester Primary Care Provider Board (GMPCB) in response to needs expressed by PCNs, and in line with the Greater Manchester Primary Care Blueprint, the Integrated Care Partnership Strategy and the national Fuller Stocktake Report.
The events have attracted almost 300 delegates over three separate days in May, September and – the latest one – in November.
Rose MacDonald, a digital and transformation lead at Bolton GP Federation, liked the way ‘Enhanced access – one year on…PCNs and Federations sharing the learning’ was delivered.
She added: “There seemed to be an element of trust in the room. You could feel it – it was palpable. The energy in the room was a good energy; it was open and friendly.”
Andrea Ferguson, PCN manager for Victoria, in Stockport, thought the ‘PCN Incorporation – the pros and cons’ session was particularly relevant and current to her role.
She said: “These sessions have been really welcome. I find it great to connect with people. We all do our jobs slightly differently and you get to hear about nuggets and gems of work that people are doing out there.”
Summing up the day, Dr Nikesh Vallabh, GP Partner at Hawkley Brook Medical Practice and Clinical Director at SWAN Primary Care Network, said: “The PCN Development session was a welcome opportunity to hear the diverse experiences of other PCNs. Learning from their challenges, success and unique approaches was incredibly insightful and provided a broader perspective on the issues we face in our respective roles.”
Lisa Stack, programme director, Greater Manchester Primary Care Provider Board Delivery Team, said: “It was great to see so many people at yet another successful PCN Development event and hear about the varied work our PCNs are undertaking for the benefit of patients. These events are designed with our PCN colleagues in mind and hopefully maximise the time spent away from the day job, with useful insights into some excellent practice that we can all learn from and the opportunity to meet and network with colleagues from across Greater Manchester.”
