Dr Pramit Patel has said that delays to the Health and Care Bill could hold back the opportunity for primary care networks to drive population health improvements when they are most needed.

The new chair of the NHS Confederation’s PCN Network said the upcoming reforms provide a golden opportunity for PCNs to have strong influence within integrated care systems and be integral to making sure population health is understood at all levels.

PCNs are groups of GP practices and other primary care providers working directly with  the communities they serve.

Patel said: “Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic the huge value of primary care networks has been crystal clear. We have provided primary care at scale, used data to drive better outcomes for our populations and taken a leading role in the Covid-19 vaccination programme.

“In the next twelve months we have the opportunity to build on this in an exciting and innovative way. In order to do so we need the proposals in the Health and Care Bill to become a reality and we also need PCNs to be given the right support and opportunities to help drive system-level decision making.

“I am proud to have been chosen to chair the PCN Network. I am keen to make sure the network continues to be a strong voice and source of support for PCNs all over the country.”

The NHS Confederation established its PCN Network in 2019. It is a one-stop-shop for primary care network teams, representing their voice in the wider system and supporting them to achieve their ambitions.