Pulse PCN roundtable success

The Pulse PCN roundtable on enhanced access was the best attended roundtable since Cogora launched the brand last year.

There were 12 participants, including 10 PCN clinical directors, from across England representing areas including Devon, Bedfordshire, Hampshire, Lancashire, and London.

The hour-long discussion, held virtually in April and chaired by Pulse PCN editor, Victoria Vaughan, shed light on the reaction to the new PCN Network Direct Enhanced Service (DES) contract.

It focussed on the requirement that PCNs must provide appointments in the weekday evenings between 6.30pm and 8pm and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays.

The delegates were largely positive about the move with most feeling it was well funded and within their capabilities. For others though, this latest demand nearly saw their network break-up.

A full report of the roundtable will be out in the summer edition of Pulse PCN in June and also available online here.  Previous topics covered in roundtables include place-based partnerships and population health management.