A PCN is a group of GP practices working closely together, aligned to other health and social care staff and organisations, providing integrated services to their local population.  A PCN covers a patient population, of 30,000 – 50,000 patients, although by approval of the commissioner, this may be lower in rural and remote areas, and higher where it is appropriate. 

NHS England believes it is at around this size that networks will best keep the features of traditional community-based general practice.  The vision is to offer a balance between effective and efficient care provision within the local population whilst enabling the delivery of patient-centred care to meet the needs of individuals and the wider community.

There are around 1,250 PCNs in England, with over 99% of practices signed up to deliver the Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service (DES).  Whilst practices are not mandated to join a PCN, they will lose out on significant extra funding if they do not.  Figures published in May 2020 showed that very few practices had chosen not to be part of a PCN.  Those that do not sign up to a network need to be aware that 100% of their patients will still have access to network services via neighbouring practices, GP federations and other member organisations.

Related GPG content

• GP contract
• Video consultation tools
• Interoperability

Other helpful resources

• Kings Fund, guide to PCNs
• NHS England, PCN frequently asked questions (3^rd iteration)
• NHS England, guide to planning and developing new roles in primary care
• NHS England, guidance on the information governance framework for shared care records
• NHS England, guidance on information sharing in multidisciplinary teams (MDTs)
• NHS England, guidance on sharing information with the voluntary sector