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 » Primary Care bulletin
Examples of Roles in Primary Care?
General Practitioner | Clinical Director | Dental Nurse |
Practice Partner | Medical Secretary | Dispenser |
Practice Manager | Therapist (Counsellor/OT/other) | Pharmacy Technician |
Practice Nurse | Optometrist | Finance Staff |
PCN managers | Advanced Clinical Practitioner | Nursing Associate |
Social Prescribing Link Worker | Community Pharmacist | Facilities Manager |
Receptionists | Nursing Partner | Physician Associate |
Advanced Nurse Practitioner | HR Manager | Apprentice |
Trainee | Other managers | Health Coach |
Administrative Staff | Phlebotomist | Dietician |
Practice Pharmacist | Finance Manager | IAPT Staff |
Health Care Assistant | Physiotherapist | Apprentices |
Dentist | Paramedic | Care Coordinator |
Managing Partner | HR Staff | Podiatrist |