The Folkestone, Hythe and Rural PCN Hub Pilot Project

The Primary Care Network Access Innovation Pilot: the Folkestone Hythe and Rural PCN Hub 

As part of our PCN access innovation work, we have supported a pilot project led by Folkestone, Hythe and Rural PCN to improve patient access to services and manage increased demand on local GP practices.

The project involved:

  • The integration of PCN services via central appointment booking, seamless referral/communications, and the ability to consult patients via a single system.
  • Improving access for patients by providing additional hub appointments and the delivery of online consultations through a PCN-level eHub.
  • Supporting collaborative working via federated administrative services, the delivery of enhanced services, the development of clinical hubs, and the involvement of other community providers.
  • Enabling PCN-level prescribing via electronic prescribing within a single clinical service.
  • Securing workforce efficiencies via single sign-on for ARRS staff via a dedicated smart card and functionality that allows staff to work remotely.
  • Strengthening business intelligence via demand/capacity modelling, utilisation tools, monitoring of eHub activity and automated tracking of QOF & IIF data.

You can explore the full blueprint for the project or download a range of in-depth guides and practical resources designed for PCNs interested in pursuing the approach.

Perspectives guides and Additional Resources