Primary Care Services

Primary care services provide the first point of contact in the healthcare system, acting as the ‘front door’ of the NHS. Primary care includes general practice, community pharmacy, dental, and optometry (eye health) services.

As part of the National Health Service, Primary Care is continuously adapting to legislative upheavals, financial challenges, and changes to staff and patient needs. Key challenges facing primary care services – as set out in the NHS long-term plan – include: 

  • An ageing population, the need for better health outcomes
  • Workforce recruitment and retention issues
  • An increased use of technology
  • The introduction of Integrated Care Systems
  • Creation of, and greater collaboration through, Primary Care Networks

Leaders will need to work more collaboratively across networks and systems, to be visionary in designing future services, and more effective in leading their teams to help improve the quality of patient care and the health and well-being of local communities. A useful eBook can be accessed below.

NHS Leadership Academy E-book, Primary Care Bulletin, and Medical Director of Primary Care for NHS England – Dr Nikki Kanani

NHS Leadership Academy’s new eBook

NHS England » Dr Nikki Kanani

NHS England » Primary Care bulletin

Examples of Roles in Primary Care?

General PractitionerClinical DirectorDental Nurse
Practice PartnerMedical SecretaryDispenser
Practice ManagerTherapist (Counsellor/OT/other)Pharmacy Technician
Practice NurseOptometristFinance Staff
PCN managersAdvanced Clinical PractitionerNursing Associate
Social Prescribing Link WorkerCommunity PharmacistFacilities Manager
ReceptionistsNursing PartnerPhysician Associate
Advanced Nurse PractitionerHR ManagerApprentice
TraineeOther managersHealth Coach
Administrative StaffPhlebotomistDietician
Practice PharmacistFinance ManagerIAPT Staff
Health Care AssistantPhysiotherapistApprentices
DentistParamedicCare Coordinator
Managing PartnerHR StaffPodiatrist