Clinical Director, Dr Richard Scott, explains more about Whitley Bay PCN:
The development of Primary Care Networks has allowed us to bring in a significant number of additional patient-facing roles which helps patients to see the right professional at the right time and without going through an external referral process. It brings specialist skills directly into our GP practices along with general clinical knowledge and skills that can add capacity to practice GP and nursing teams. It increases choice for patients, who can be seen quicker and for longer, and allows GPs to focus on people with complex needs.
But that is not all; the advent of additional roles into general practice creates real opportunities for us to personalise the care we offer so that we can focus on what really matters to you. We can also focus on reducing health inequalities, particularly for those disproportionately affected by Covid-19. Already in the pandemic, our social prescribing link worker role has come into its own connecting people with essential community services and supporting psychological and social needs.
What does being a part of the Living Well North Tyneside Partnership mean for Whitley Bay PCN?
The seven GP practices who work together as Whitley Bay Primary Care Network (PCN) are excited to have the opportunity to work in a joined-up way, with a wide range of local organisations to help shape and deliver new and better solutions to the problems our patients face. The Living Well North Tyneside Project gives us the opportunity in Primary Care to help create a resource for all, that provides access to trusted information and support that can help people to move from surviving to thriving, and to feel more involved and in control of their own health and wellbeing.
