Doing more for less? Analysis of the experience of primary care networks in socioeconomically deprived areas

This report explores the impact of national policies on PCNs in more deprived areas, using analysis of workforce and funding data, and interviews with PCN leaders about their experiences | The Health Foundation

Primary care networks (PCNs) were established in England in 2019, bringing together general practices into local groups to provide additional services to patients. Backed by extra funding, PCNs were expected to recruit new staff, deliver additional appointments and new services, and work to improve health and reduce health inequalities.

PCN leaders broadly welcome additional staffing and report that PCNs have enabled better collaboration between local general practices and links with other local services. But leaders also felt funding does not reflect the additional workload of caring for patients in deprived areas. Many spoke of challenges engaging patients facing multiple social and economic barriers to good health. In some cases, recruiting and retaining PCN staff in deprived areas was difficult.

PCNs in areas of high deprivation need funding that meets the greater needs of their populations. But with the right long-term resources, stability and organisational support, PCNs could represent an important route for addressing local health inequalities.

Full report: Doing more for less? A mixed-methods analysis of the experience of primary care networks in socioeconomically deprived areas