From 1 July 2019, all patients in England will be covered by a primary care network (PCN) – the most significant reform to general practice in England in a generation.
PCNs should help to integrate primary care with secondary and community services, and bridge a gap between general practice and emerging Integrated Care Systems.
Since January 2019, practices have been organising themselves into local networks to provide care at greater scale by sharing staff and some of their funding.
While PCNs offer huge potential to integrate care and improve services, there is a risk that the speed of implementation will undermine the best intentions of the policy.

This briefing places PCNs in the context of previous changes to general practice funding and contracting. It examines the rationale for networks, explores relevant evidence and draws out intended benefits and possible risks for the future of PCNs.

Read the briefing online now

Jump to section in publication:

Cite this publication

Fisher R, Thorlby R, Alderwick H, 'Understanding primary care networks: context, benefits and risks. Health Foundation; 2019 (https://www.health.org.uk/publications/reports/understanding-primary-care-networks)

Understanding primary care networks Context, benefits and risks

Key points

Jump to section in publication:

Cite this publication

Further reading

NHS reform

About 13 mins to read

Primary care networks: lifeboats launched on stormy seas

You might also like...

Government must be honest about consequences of not introducing new COVID-19 measures for the NHS

Government must be realistic about the time and resources needed to clear the NHS backlog

That was the year that was: health policy in 2021 – with Lord Victor Adebowale and Hugh Alderwick

Get social

Work with us

The Q community

Quick links

Hear from us

Contact us