Understanding the PCN challenge

PCNs operate in a complex environment: ever-evolving regulations (such as Care Quality Commission requirements), changing funding and commissioning arrangements, staffing pressures, increasing patient demand, and the need to deliver high-quality care whilst keeping costs sustainable.
Having spent decades in primary care management and delivered support across many practices and PCNs, PCMS is uniquely placed to understand those pressures – because we’ve seen them first hand.

Tailored support for PCNs

We don’t believe in a “one size fits all” model. Instead, we work with PCNs (and their constituent practices) across a range of support areas:

• Operational/management support: helping PCNs map their governance structures, decision-making frameworks, and embedding strong management systems so that practices and the network can operate more efficiently.
• Regulatory and compliance support: helping with CQC registration, inspection preparation, policy and protocol development, mock visits and post-visit remedial action.

• Staffing and recruitment: assisting PCNs in attracting, onboarding and retaining the right staff, and helping build workforce resilience and team culture.
• Financial and commissioning support: performing financial health checks, helping PCNs identify income opportunities, cost-efficiencies and prepare for commissioning changes.
• Resilience and change management: supporting PCNs to respond to change (e.g., service reconfigurations, data collection demands, integration with other services) and build sustainable models.

Real outcomes for PCNs

Here are examples of how PCMS support has delivered tangible results for PCNs and their member practices:

• A practice that was in special measures and facing potential contract removal was turned around with PCMS’ support — we provided a pre-inspection scoping report, established governance and protocols and helped embed leadership. The practice regained stability and continued operations.

• A PCN that was preparing to expand and take on new services was supported by PCMS through commissioning readiness, staffing models, and operational design — enabling the network to take on the contract with confidence.
• Practices within PCNs have benefitted from our staffing and recruitment expertise, enabling them to fill critical roles promptly, reduce instability and maintain patient access.

Why PCNs choose PCMS

• Deep primary-care experience: Our founding team are practice managers and healthcare consultants who have worked in the field for 20+ years. PCNs get the benefit of that insight.
• Flexible, scalable support: Whether the PCN covers two practices or many, whether it’s first set-up or ongoing support, we tailor our solutions.
• Proactive & responsive: We don’t just react. We help PCNs anticipate future pressures, regulatory changes and service opportunities, so they’re ahead rather than behind.

Focus on quality and sustainability: It’s not just about “getting by”. It’s about building healthy, high-performing networks that deliver excellent care and sustainable operations.

Looking ahead

The health-care landscape will continue to change. PCNs will play a pivotal role in integrated care systems, in delivering population health outcomes, and in transforming the way services are delivered locally. At PCMS, we are committed to ensuring that PCNs are not only ready for that future, but are positioned to lead it.

If you are a PCN or practice within a PCN looking for strategic, operational or regulatory support — we’d love to talk. Let us partner with you to enhance your delivery, embed resilience and achieve sustainable growth.

Get in touch: www.pcmsolutions.co.uk
(Phone: 08444 781 444 – Email: info@pcmsolutions.co.uk