Introducing our Primary Care Networks (PCN) Engagement Project 

Healthwatch Lambeth have started work on a Primary Care Networks (PCN) Engagement Project, where we will be working alongside Lambeth PCNs, supporting them to improve the way they engage with their patients.

Primary care networks (PCNs) are groups of GP practices working together to deliver the best possible care for their patients. There are 9 PCNs in Lambeth, with each Lambeth PCN made up of between 3 to 6 GP practices.

This year we will be working alongside Lambeth PCNs and supporting them to improve the way they engage with their patients, especially those from more diverse and seldom heard groups and communities.

The aims of the project are to:

• Ensure patients/the public are shaping health and care services
• Improve access to health and care services
• Improve patient experience of health and care services
• Improve health outcomes and life expectancy and
• Reduce health inequalities

There are two distinct project phases and we are currently in Phase 1, which will run during Summer and Autumn 2023. In this phase, we are working with two selected Lambeth PCNs on a specific engagement theme or topic. We are working with:

• Streatham PCN on engaging with South Asian communities, and
• Fiveways PCN on access (communication, appointments, website) and digital inclusion/digital exclusion  

We have established a small project group in each of the two PCNs, and we will be working with them on their chosen theme. We will use our engagement expertise to run effective engagement activities and events where we can hear directly from patients.

In Phase 2, we will be facilitating and leading interactive workshops on public and patient engagement for all nine Lambeth PCNs. We will run one workshop per PCN (nine in total), where we will highlight and share lessons learnt (successes and failures) and good practice from Phase 1, and talk through engagement tools and resources. Each PCN will identify in advance a theme they wish to focus on at their workshop, and will leave their workshop having developed an engagement plan/framework for their theme. Phase 2 will be delivered in Winter 2023/2024.

We will keep you updated on the project’s progress on our website and in our monthly newsletter.