What is the positive change that has emerged through new collaborations or partnerships during Covid-19 that your project is going to embed?

South Somerset West has been a Primary Care Network (PCN) since 2019, during Covid-19 the individual practices came together to ensure the safe provision of care to the patient population through shared workforce, facilities and access models.

A staff survey conducted in June 2020 to capture the learning during the pandemic, highlighted the feeling that ‘by working together we can achieve’. Recruitment has taken place to expand and compliment the PCN team with additional roles such as pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, social prescribing link workers and care coordinators.

New lines of communication within the PCN neighbourhood have been formed (in the shape of a PCN Neighbourhood forum, including representatives from covid volunteer groups). This has emphasised the increasing numbers of patients feeling isolated, with low mood or anxiety, which we have been seeing in primary care.

What does your project aim to achieve?

To meet this increasing demand we would like to pilot a band 5 mental health nurse to further expand the PCN team. The role would involve being a first contact for patients via the digital triage model the practices have adopted. They would effectively navigate patients to the most suitable local service, linking in with the community mental health teams.

How will the project be delivered?

The pilot will have designated lead from within the PCN leadership team. Following the model for improvement and key stakeholders involved from an early stage, with a clear aim and measures defined.

How is your project going to share learning?

Any learning will be recorded as a case study and shared with neighbouring PCNs and via networks within NHS