Despite how difficult and challenging it is to lead a PCN there are very events that are directly and uniquely for PCN Clinical Directors and leaders, but I am delighted to say that we are putting on just such an event in the New Year – and you can attend for free!

Let me take a step back to explain the context for this event.  A year ago I got together with three amazing colleagues: Dr Hussain Gandhi, PCN CD and co-presenter of the eGPlearning podblast and all round advocate for general practice and in particular technology in general practice; Dr Andy Foster, former PCN CD and also co-presenter of the eGPlearning podblast; and Tara Humphrey, PCN management expert and presenter of the Business of Healthcare podcast.

Our combined experience of both directly leading and supporting PCNs led us to the realisation that there is very little available for those leading PCNs by means of learning and guidance, and that we were best placed to put that right.  We came up with a brand new course specifically designed for PCN leaders, and PCN Plus was born.

We launched the PCN Plus programme back in April this year with just under 30 PCN leaders.  The group have met every month since then, and we have covered a whole range of topics including how to establish a vision for what you want your PCN to achieve, how to engage your practices effectively and deal with any conflict that comes up, how to make the most of the ARRS roles, and how to manage your PCN operations and finances effectively.

It has been great working with such a dedicated group of PCN leaders who have been so keen to find out more about how they can be more effective in their leadership role, and not only learn from us as a group of facilitators but also learn from each other and share their own experiences to the benefit of everyone else.

But as we reach the end of the course there was one thing we all felt was missing – actually meeting up in person!  It is fantastic being able to meet online and there is a great convenience to it, but there is something special about meeting up in person, even more special now we do it so infrequently.  So we agreed that we will hold an event where everyone who attended the course can come in person, and all finally meet with each other and with the four of us who run the course.

The great news is that if you are leading a PCN you too can attend this event!  As well as learning from the experiences of those who have been on the course so far, we will be focussing specifically on the future of PCNs, on what PCNs can do to be effective within the new Integrated Care System, on what is next for PCN CDs and how can PCN leaders prepare for the challenges ahead.

The event is totally free, but places are extremely limited (there are only 40 available in total) and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.  The event will take place on Wednesday 1st March in Nottingham and runs from 1pm to 4.45pm with lunch (also free!) available from 12.30.  You can reserve your place here – I look forward to seeing you there!