PCN Roles

The clinical lead is a senior healthcare professional responsible for guiding and overseeing the clinical activities within the network. They ensure high standards of patient care by leading clinical governance, developing care protocols, and supporting the implementation of best practices. Additionally, the clinical lead collaborates with other healthcare providers to integrate services, enhance care coordination, and address community health needs. Their leadership helps drive innovation, improve health outcomes, and maintain the overall quality of care within the PCN.

The digital lead works with clinical and operational teams within our Primary Care Network (PCN) to create a vision to guide service improvements, identify opportunities to make tangible positive transformation, and provide the inspiration, resource, and tools to deliver changes in a collaborative way. They also work closely with the Clinical Director to support the PCN and it's staff.

A social prescribing link worker plays a crucial role in connecting individuals to non-medical support within their community to improve their overall well-being. They work closely with patients to understand their needs, preferences, and social circumstances, then guide them to appropriate local services such as community groups, physical activities, volunteering opportunities, and support networks. This approach helps address social, emotional, and practical needs, ultimately aiming to reduce healthcare visits and improve patients’ quality of life.

A mental health nurse helps people in the community with their mental health. They check on and support those with mental health problems, offering treatments, counselling, and managing medications. They work closely with GPs and other health care workers to provide complete care. Their job also includes helping people with ongoing mental health issues and promoting mental wellness through education and prevention.

The APP role provides evidenced-based interventions to support challenging negative thinking, low mood, anxiety and stress management, sleep hygiene and general mental wellbeing. 
APP offers 4 sessions that are 45 minutes long, and a follow up 4-6 weeks later to review the patient. Psychometrics (GAD7 & PHQ9) are used to measure changes throughout intervention. 
Referrals are sent to me mental health practitioner or the Rochdale response hub, APP will then offer an assessment (first session) to assess the patients’ needs and complete a formulation with the patient and set goals to work towards. 

A paramedic in a GP surgery provides urgent and routine care to patients. They assess and treat minor injuries and illnesses, perform health checks, and assist with chronic disease management. Working alongside doctors and nurses, they help ensure patients receive timely and effective care, reducing the need for hospital visits. Their role enhances the overall healthcare service provided by the surgery.

Clinical Pharmacists are highly qualified healthcare professionals with expert knowledge in medication. They work closely with GPS and other members of the multi-disciplinary team to optimise patient outcomes, reduce health inequalities, and improve patient safety.

They use their expert medication knowledge and prescribing qualification to support patients with complex or long-term conditions. Using a shared care decision process to optimise medicine and treatment regimens by improving patient understanding and safety.

Pharmacy Technicians work under the supervision of the Senior Clinical Pharmacist to support and assist the Primary Care Network and Multi-Disciplinary Team in the delivery of clinical pharmacy services to ensure the health and safety of patients. Using their clinical expertise, audits and drug monitoring they ensure the effective and efficient use of medicines to maximise safe, cost-effective prescribing to enhance the quality of patient care.

A care coordinator in the NHS plays a crucial role in managing and organising patient care. They work closely with patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure smooth transitions between different services and levels of care. Their responsibilities include developing personalised care plans, monitoring patient progress, and coordinating appointments and treatments. By providing continuous support and communication, care coordinators help improve patient outcomes and ensure that care is efficient and well-coordinated.

A GP assistant supports doctors in a variety of administrative and patient care tasks within the surgery. They schedule appointments, manage patient records, and handle inquires at reception. Additionally, they may assist during medical examinations, take patients’ vital signs, and prepare treatment rooms. Their role ensures efficient operation of the practice and helps provide a welcoming and organized environment for patients.

The Business Support Officer supports our member practices to deliver the strategic and operational aims of the PCN. This includes:

·       Supporting the day-to-day management of the PCN hub.

·       Supporting the production of performance and quality reports within the PCN and other Network initiatives, liaising with other stakeholders as required

·       Being the first point of contact for PCN Practice Managers regarding delivery of PCN projects/schemes.

·       Supporting the induction of new PCN staff.

·       Providing management and administrative support of monthly meetings, including organising and taking minutes.

·       Manage and Coordinate the ARRS Rota for PCN staff and Record holidays and sickness of PCN staff.

·       Provide project management support for new and existing opportunities.

A first contact physiotherapist is a first contact resource for patients presenting with musculoskeletal conditions. They are experts within their field and able to thoroughly assess and navigate the correct management for patients to free up appointment slots with GPs and other clinicians. Within their role they will complete either a telephone or face to face consultation to understand the presentation of the patient.They assess and treat a variety of physical issues, from sports injuries to chronic conditions. By developing personalised exercise plans, providing hands on therapy, and offering advice on injury prevention and lifestyle changes, they support patients in achieving better physical health and mobility.