South Hambleton and Ryedale Primary Care Network within NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group has been shortlisted for a National Association of Primary Care award for improving elderly provision.

The National Association of Primary Care (NAPC) is a membership organisation representing and supporting the interests of all healthcare professionals working across the breadth of primary care. This year they launched their annual awards with a new category – Primary Care Network of the year, to reflect a new landscape and recognise work already achieved by emerging PCNs.

Winning the PCN of the Year award would highlight the significant commitment to South Hambleton and Ryedale’s elderly population and the support which has been established across seven GP practices. This includes:

• A Dementia co-ordinator post the first post of this type in the Vale of York
• Increased prescribing reviews
• Development of an anticipatory model of care, including support from a Consultant Geriatrician
• Co-ordination of services through a new Care Co-ordinator role*
• Piloting a rapid cancer diagnosis pathway**
• Support from the Parkinson’s’ Society to establish a new community nurse working collaboratively with the acute specialist nurse to improve support for patients in this rural locality
• Partnership working with York Teaching Hospital resulting in more patient reviews out of hospital and support for patients at home.

Dr Andrew Lee, the CCG’s Executive Director of Primary Care and Population Health said: “It’s wonderful for South Hambleton and Ryedale to be shortlisted as it recognises the efforts that have taken them this far. They are a wonderful example of how by investing in trust and engaging with local stakeholders this creates productive relationships that are a win-win for both the providers and patients they serve.”

The PCN award for which South Hambleton and Ryedale PCN has been shortlisted for intends to recognise an ‘emerging primary care network that has made outstanding progress and plans in line with the vision for PCNs in the NHS Long Term Plan and GP contract.’

Dr Paula Evans, Clinical Director of South Hambleton and Ryedale PCN said: “Given that we have not been part of any of NAPC's Primary Care Home programmes, our PCN's work, we believe, is very much true to that concept. We're therefore delighted to have the NAPC's recognition. This shortlisting will also give our locality partnership work a welcome boost & confidence as well as promoting even wider engagement.”

*The Care Coordinator project was made possible by York Hospital Charity Fund who provided the Care Coordinator funding for the first 18 months as the role was piloted and developed. This collaborative project is what kick started the care coordinator role and the PCN would not be as far ahead with the project without this support.

The winners of the National Association of Primary Care awards will be announced at an awards dinner on 9 October 2019. For the full NAPC Awards 2019 shortlist visit: https://napc.co.uk/awards-nominees-2019/

For more information on the six Primary care networks within the NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group, visit the CCG’s website: https://www.valeofyorkccg.nhs.uk/about-us/primary-care-networks/

*The Care Coordinator project was made possible by York Hospital Charity Fund who provided the Care Coordinator funding for the first 18 months as the role was piloted and developed. This collaborative project is what kick started the Care Coordinator role and the PCN would not be as far ahead with the project without this support.

**The Macmillan project and funding came out of the early promise of the Care Coordinator role in frailty - another fantastic demonstration of working together as a PCN.

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