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What are Primary Care Networks?
Primary care networks (PCNs) form a key building block of the NHS bringing general practices together to work at scale. Building on existing primary care services and enable greater provision of proactive, personalised, coordinated and more integrated health and social care for people close to home.
Since the NHS was created in 1948, the population has grown and people are living longer. Many people are living with long term conditions such as diabetes and heart disease or suffer with mental health issues and may need to access their local health services more often.
To meet these needs, GP practices are working together with community, mental health, social care, pharmacy, hospital and voluntary services in their local areas in groups of practices known as primary care networks (PCNs).
PCNs build on existing primary care services and enable greater provision of proactive, personalised, coordinated and more integrated health and social care for people close to home. Clinicians describe this as a change from reactively providing appointments to proactively caring for the people and communities they serve.
PCNs are led by clinical directors who may be a GP, general practice nurse, clinical pharmacist or other clinical profession working in general practice.
Lung Cancer Awareness Day: Know the Signs, Act Early
Lung Cancer Awareness Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness of the UK's biggest cancer killer and encourage people to recognise symptoms and seek medical advice early.
Many people associate lung cancer with smoking, but anyone can develop lung cancer. Early diagnosis can make a significant difference to treatment options and outcomes, which is why it is so important to know the signs and symptoms.
Common symptoms of lung cancer include:
- A cough that lasts for three weeks or more
- A long-standing cough that gets worse
- Repeated chest infections
- Coughing up blood
- Breathlessness
- Unexplained tiredness or lack of energy
- Persistent chest or shoulder pain
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
When should I speak to my GP?
If you have any of these symptoms, particularly a persistent cough lasting three weeks or more, please contact your GP practice. Most symptoms will not be caused by cancer, but it is always best to get them checked.
Reducing your risk
While not all cases can be prevented, you can help reduce your risk of lung cancer by:
- Not smoking or seeking support to quit smoking
- Avoiding exposure to second-hand smoke where possible
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet
- Attending health checks and screening appointments when invited
Support to stop smoking
Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. If you would like support to quit, speak to your GP practice or local stop smoking services. Help is available, and it is never too late to benefit from quitting.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
By raising awareness, recognising symptoms early, and encouraging loved ones to seek help when needed, we can all play a part in improving outcomes for people affected by lung cancer.
If you are concerned about any symptoms, please contact your GP practice for advice. Early action could make all the difference.
