A new primary care network (PCN) started in part of east Hampshire today (Friday April 1).
The move follows the decision by Swan Medical Group (Petersfield) and Liphook and Liss Surgery to merge on April 1 – with the two practices setting up their own primary care network (PCN), also from today.
This means that the existing East Hampshire PCN, which presently has around 81,000 patients from its nine member practices, is to become smaller.
From Friday, the seven remaining practices which form part of the East Hampshire PCN will be Badgerswood and Forest Surgery (Bordon and Headley); Pinehill Surgery (Bordon); The Grange Surgery (Petersfield); Riverside Partnership (Liss); Clanfield Practice, Rowlands Castle Surgery and Horndean Surgery.
Dr Joanna Hobbs (Forest Surgery) will take on the role of clinical director of EHPCN from Dr Richard Kershaw (Swan Surgery), who will become clinical director for the new Swan Medical Group PCN.
The change will have no direct impact on any patients or the primary care services offered to them.
In a joint statement, Dr Kershaw, on behalf of the new PCN, and Dr Hobbs, said: “We have been working closely together to manage the change process, and we greatly look forward to building on the strong relationships that have already been formed.
“We would also like to re-assure all our patients that the two PCNs will work closely together for the mutual benefit of all our patients – and there will be no let-up in our existing agenda and priorities to further improve the health and care of the populations that we are proud to serve.”
East Hants PCN was created in 2019. After the change, EHPCN will have around 49,000 patients and Swan Medical Group PCN some 32,000 patients.
The move for two PCNs has been approved by NHS Hampshire Southampton and Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group.