PCN Services
Services that we provide
Enhanced Access
Evening and weekend services
PCN Enhanced Access is aimed at improving access to primary care services. This initiative is part of broader efforts to ensure patients can more easily access general practice services and other primary care resources.
Practices within a PCN collaborate to offer services outside of typical working hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate patients’ schedules.
Our enhanced access hours are 6.30pm to 8pm weekdays and 9am-5pm on Saturdays. Appointments are bookable in advance and are available through your registered practice reception lines.
All practices have access to book appointments in enhanced access hours, but not all practices deliver the appointments at all times/days. Patients will be directed to the most appropriate location for their preferred appointment type/time.
All practices have access to book appointments in enhanced access hours, but not all practices deliver the appointments at all times/days. Patients will be directed to the most appropriate location for their preferred appointment type/time.
PCN Services
ARR Roles
ARR (Additional Roles Reimbursement) roles aims to expand the workforce within primary care by providing funding to employ a variety of healthcare professionals. These roles are intended to complement the work of GPs and practice nurses, enhancing the range and quality of services available to patients. Here are some of the key ARR roles:
Clinical Pharmacists
They work directly with patients to manage long-term conditions, conduct medication reviews, and provide expert advice on medicines.
Social Prescribing Link Workers
They connect patients with non-medical support in the community, such as social activities, exercise programs, and housing advice, to improve their overall wellbeing.
First Contact Physiotherapists
They provide initial assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions, reducing the need for GP consultations for these issues.
Physician Associates
They support doctors in the diagnosis and management of patients, carrying out physical examinations, diagnosing illnesses, and interpreting test results.
Dieticians
They provide expert dietary advice to patients, helping to manage conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Mental Health Practitioner
They offer support and treatment for patients with mental health conditions, working alongside GPs to provide holistic care.
Care Co-ordinators
They help to manage and coordinate care for patients with complex needs, ensuring that they receive appropriate services and support.
Health & Wellbeing Coaches
They work with patients to set and achieve health-related goals, promoting healthier lifestyles and self-management of conditions.
Meet the Teams of the PCN
Care Homes
Enhanced Health in Care Homes is part of the NHS’s effort to improve the health and care of residents in care homes. The EHCH model aims to provide proactive, coordinated, and comprehensive care to residents, leveraging the collaborative approach of PCNs. These are some key aspects of the PCN EHCH initiative:
Enhanced Primary Care Support
PCNs work to ensure that care home residents have regular access to GP services, including routine visits, medication reviews, and health assessments. This proactive approach helps in early identification and management of health issues.
Personalized Care and Support Plans
– Residents receive personalized care plans tailored to their individual health needs and preferences. These plans are developed collaboratively with input from the resident, their family, and healthcare professionals, ensuring that care is person-centered and holistic.
Access to Urgent Care
The EHCH model ensures that care home residents have timely access to urgent care services when needed, helping to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and ensuring that acute health issues are addressed promptly
Medication Reviews
Regular medication reviews are conducted by clinical pharmacists to optimize medication use, reduce polypharmacy risks, and ensure that residents are receiving the most appropriate treatments.
Care Homes
Enhanced Health in Care Homes is part of the NHS’s effort to improve the health and care of residents in care homes. The EHCH model aims to provide proactive, coordinated, and comprehensive care to residents, leveraging the collaborative approach of PCNs. These are some key aspects of the PCN EHCH initiative:
1. Enhanced Primary
Care Support
PCNs work to ensure that care home residents have regular access to GP services, including routine visits, medication reviews, and health assessments. This proactive approach helps in early identification and management of health issues.
2. Personalized Care and Support Plans
Residents receive personalized care plans tailored to their individual health needs and preferences. These plans are developed collaboratively with input from the resident, their family, and healthcare professionals, ensuring that care is person-centred and holistic.
3. Access to
Urgent Care
The EHCH model ensures that care home residents have timely access to urgent care services when needed, helping to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and ensuring that acute health issues are addressed promptly.
4. Medication Reviews
Regular medication reviews are conducted by clinical pharmacists to optimize medication use, reduce polypharmacy risks, and ensure that residents are receiving the most appropriate treatments.
COVID-19 Information
Primary Care Networks (PCNs) played a crucial role in the COVID-19 vaccination program in the UK. Their involvement was instrumental in the rapid and efficient rollout of vaccines to the population in 2020. PCNs coordinated the vaccination efforts within their respective areas, organizing clinics and vaccination sites. This included setting up vaccination centres in GP practices, community centres, and other suitable locations.
Overall, the involvement of PCNs in the COVID-19 vaccination program was vital for its success. Their local knowledge, established patient relationships, and integrated care approach allowed for an effective and efficient vaccination rollout, significantly contributing to the public health response to the pandemic.
Our Aims
PCN Capacity and Access refers to the initiatives and strategies implemented by Primary Care Networks to enhance the ability of primary care services to meet patient demand and ensure timely access to healthcare. This involves various measures to expand capacity, improve efficiency, and ensure that patients can access the care they need when they need it. Key components include:
- Evening and Weekend Appointments: PCNs offer appointments outside of regular working hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate patients’ schedules.
- Online Consultations: Utilization of digital platforms for remote consultations, allowing patients to have virtual appointments with healthcare providers.
- Telephone Triage: Implementing telephone triage systems to manage patient flow and ensure that those needing urgent care are prioritized.
- Diverse Workforce: Employing a range of healthcare professionals, such as pharmacists, physiotherapists, mental health workers, and social prescribers, to provide a broader spectrum of care.
- Training and Development: Investing in the training and development of staff to enhance their skills and expand the range of services they can provide.
- Integration with Secondary Care: Working closely with secondary care providers to streamline patient pathways and reduce unnecessary referrals.
- Community Partnerships: Collaborating with local community organizations and social care providers to support holistic patient care.
- Personalized Care Plans: Developing personalized care plans that consider patients’ individual health needs and preferences.
- Patient Engagement: Involving patients in decisions about their care and encouraging self-management where appropriate.
By focusing on these areas, PCNs aim to enhance their capacity to meet patient needs, reduce wait times, and improve overall access to primary care services. These efforts contribute to a more efficient, responsive, and patient-centred healthcare system.
Cancer Care
What is Cancer?
Cancer is when abnormal cells divide in an uncontrolled way, growing and reproducing in a specific part of the body. Some cancers may eventually spread within the body, invading and destroying surrounding healthy tissue, including organs.
Signs and Symptoms of Cancer
Spotting cancer at an early stage saves lives – so tell your doctor if you notice anything that isn’t normal for you. You don’t need to try to remember all the signs and symptoms of cancer; listen to your body and talk to your doctor if you notice anything that isn’t normal for you.
Signs and symptoms are more often caused by something less serious than cancer, but if it is cancer spotting it early can make a big difference.
1 in 2 people may develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. According to the NHS, in the UK, the 5 most common types of cancer are:
How We Can Help
Our Cancer Care Coordinator, Alex Jones, works with patients to improve the uptake of cancer screening, facilitate early diagnosis, and help people who have been diagnosed with cancer. Her aim is to provide a support service to cancer patients right from the start, throughout treatment, and beyond, offering a dedicated Cancer Care Review appointment within 3 months of diagnosis (Cancer Care Reviews in Primary Care | Macmillan Cancer Support ).
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for Weight Management
It was announced on 23 June 2025 that, following NICE approval, people living with obesity will be able to access tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) for weight loss in primary care settings. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) will only be available on the NHS for eligible patients who meet the strict, nationally set criteria. Anyone not meeting these criteria will not be eligible for assessment in the first year of the drug being available.
This announcement does not mean prescriptions will be provided immediately to all eligible patients in GP practices across the country; please do not contact your GP. If you are eligible for assessment, you will be contacted over the coming months and invited to attend an assessment appointment. Those with the greatest clinical need will be contacted first, so you may have to wait a little longer for an appointment. It is our intention that anyone who meets the criteria within Cohort 1 will be invited for an assessment within the next few months.
Weight management services are locally commissioned and funded at the Integrated Care Board (ICB) level, so services will differ across some areas. For South East Shropshire Patients, access to tirzepatide (Mounjaro) will initially be through specialist weight management services provided by Shropshire GP Collaborative. The service will be provided via General Practice ‘hubs’, which means you may be asked to attend a location that is not your normal GP practice, but will still be accessible. GP practices have been asked to work together to ensure that you have better access to the specialist skills needed to deliver a holistic lifestyle assessment. The hubs will be managed by clinicians from your local ‘primary care network (PCN)’, and your registered GP will be updated with all your progress and assessments.
Patients who wish to access Mounjaro through the specialist weight management service must meet the Mounjaro eligibility criteria and complete the mandatory requirements to engage with wraparound care support. Medication will not be prescribed in isolation without this support.
Patients who currently pay for Mounjaro outside the NHS and would like to request a prescription through the NHS will need to meet the medication’s eligibility criteria at the time of their referral to the local service. Please refer to the FAQ below for further details.
Please note that acceptance onto the specialist weight management service does not guarantee access to Mounjaro. Access to this medication is prioritised for those with the greatest clinical need and ability to fulfil the requirements; it’s for people living with obesity, in poor health with multiple obesity-related conditions, as they would benefit most from the treatment. Details of the eligibility criteria for Mounjaro are included in the FAQ below.
Find out more through the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below:
Eligibility criteria and access to tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)
What is changing in the treatment of obesity?
The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended a treatment called tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) to help manage obesity. This treatment is to be used alongside healthy eating and physical activity advice.
The use of this treatment is now being rolled out in accordance with NHSE Interim Commissioning guidance.
In Shropshire, this means that tirzepatide will be offered to those patients at highest risk first, and gradually expanding the groups of people who can access this based on clinical risk.
What is the criteria to access tirzepatide (Mounjaro ®)?
Please note that acceptance onto the Tier 3 programme does not guarantee access to weight loss medications. Medication is offered via this service where available and appropriate for patient’s clinical needs.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) will not be accessible to everyone who wishes to use it. People with the highest health risks and who meet the clinical criteria will be prioritised. Full qualifying clinical criteria is a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or more plus four or more of the following diagnosed health conditions:
- type 2 diabetes
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- obstructive sleep apnoea
- abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia)
Access to the drug must be accompanied by wraparound care which will include support for people to make dietary changes and to increase physical activity. Tirzepatide will not be prescribed as a standalone treatment, and patients must fully participate with the wraparound support programme.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro ®) might not be considered clinically suitable for everyone, and not everyone who meets the eligibility criteria will want to use it to support their weight loss. Therefore, there are a number of alternative weight management services available in Shropshire.
Can i access tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) straight away?
The national roll out of tirzepatide for the management of obesity in primary care settings to eligible patients begins on 23rd June 2025. However, the national roll out on 23rd June does not mean people will be able to get a prescription for tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) on this day.
Weight management services are locally commissioned at an Integrated Care Board (ICB) level, which means services will differ in ICBs across England.
Access to tirzepatide through primary care is not expected to start in Shropshire until 2026.
Who will be able to access tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) in primary care settings?
According to NICE’s calculations, as part of its Technical Appraisal for tirzepatide (Mounjaro®), 3.4 million patients would potentially be eligible for the drug, however the NHS does not have the services or existing resources to manage this number of people all at once.
Therefore, access will be phased in gradually through a special agreement between NICE and the NHS in England, to make sure healthcare services aren’t overwhelmed and can manage the extra demand safely. NHS England has acknowledged that it is likely to take up to 12 years for every eligible patient to access this medication.
There will be a phased approach to rollout in primary care settings, and initially access to the medication on the NHS will be prioritised to ensure patients with the greatest clinical need can access the medication. This approach was developed based on discussions with clinical experts and engagement with key organisations.
The following weight related health conditions are considered as a way of prioritising groups of people with the greatest clinical need:
- type 2 diabetes mellitus
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- obstructive sleep apnoea (when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep)
- abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia)
The following groups of patients will be eligible for access to tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) in primary care settings in the first three years.
Cohort 1 – will start in 2025
- At least four of the five health conditions listed above plus a BMI of 40 or more.
Cohort 2 – in addition to the patients in Cohort 1 access to the medicine will also be offered to patients meeting the following criteria for year two.
- At least four of the five health conditions listed above plus a BMI of 35 – 39.9
Cohort 3 – in addition to patients in Cohorts 1 and 2, access to the medicine will also be offered to patients meeting the following criteria for year three.
- At least three of the five health conditions and a BMI of 40 or more.
Will everyone who is eligible be able to have access to this drug?
Tirzepatide might not be suitable for everyone and not everyone who meets the eligibility criteria will want to use it to support their weight loss.
A healthcare professional will discuss the most appropriate care and support based on individual patient’s need. This could include behavioural support programmes, and medical options including prescribing or bariatric surgery.
What if I am already using tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)?
Patients can continue taking tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) if they are prescribed it by the NHS to manage their diabetes. If you have any questions, contact a suitable healthcare professional.
If patients are using tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) bought privately, they may be able to access the medication through an NHS prescription if they meet the NHS qualifying criteria outlined above. However, patients should not gain advantage over other patients waiting for NHS care and would join the end of any existing waiting list for that service.
It is important your GP is aware you are taking tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) if it hasn’t been prescribed by the NHS, as it may impact on your health and any other treatments you are having or may need.
What are the plans for the rollout in primary care in Shropshire
NHS Telford, Wrekin and Shropshire ICB is working with local healthcare providers to make access to tirzepatide available in primary care settings in 2026. Until then, access will be through specialist weight management services.
Tirzepatide will only be available on the NHS initially to those with the highest clinical need in line with the clinical criteria for the medication.
Access via primary care won’t necessarily be through a patient’s GP practice; community based programmes and other non-GP primary care providers will also provide access. These models are designed to relieve current pressures on GP practices and ensure weight management services are delivered holistically.
There are currently no plans to make tirzepatide available on the NHS through pharmacies in Shropshire.
What other options do I have for weight loss support via thr NHS?
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) will not be suitable for everyone and not everyone who meets the eligibility criteria will want to use it to support their weight loss.
There are a number of alternative weight management services available in Shropshire. These services are listed on the STW ICB website at Weight management services
About tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) and how it works
How does tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) work?
The weight loss medicine tirzepatide, also known as Mounjaro®, is a GLP-1/GIP agonist. Other medications such as semaglutide (Wegovy ®), liraglutide (Saxenda ®), are known as GLP-1 agonists.
These medications help reduce your appetite by affecting the part of the brain that controls hunger and digestion. It decreases your appetite and slows the movement of food passing through your body, making you feel fuller for longer. They also slow down the time it takes the stomach to empty and help control blood sugar levels.
Until now most of these medicines have been used in the NHS to treat diabetes, to help control blood sugar levels, and to help improve diabetes and other health conditions.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) can only be prescribed by a healthcare professional alongside programmes that support people to lose weight and live healthier lives, by making changes to their diet and physical activity.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) comes as an injection, which you inject yourself once a week.
More information can be found here: GLP-1 medicines for weight loss and diabetes: what you need to know – GOV.UK
The NICE announcement mentioned "wraparound" care. What does that mean?
Any patient prescribed tirzepatide must participate in the specifically designed ‘wraparound’ care required by NICE guidance.
This focuses on diet, nutrition and increasing physical activity levels. As NHS England develops the service, it will provide more details of the wraparound support offer for patients who qualify.
Patients cannot be prescribed tirzepatide if they do not wish to undertake the wraparound care support.
What can I expect to happen if I am eligible for tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)?
Eligible patients will be contacted and invited to attend the service for an assessment.The assessment will include discussions around the different options for weight management. The clinician will carry out checks to make sure you are eligible, this includes BMI, medical assessment, medication history and psychological assessment. The risks and benefits of starting the medication will be discussed, so you have the information to make the right choice for you.
If you are eligible, you do not need to decide immediately if you want to start tirzepatide (Mounjaro®). More information can be found in this tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) decision aid produced by NICE. If you do decide to start Tirzepatide, you must also agree to fully participate in the wraparound diet and exercise programme for at least 9 months.
Information for patients who are prescribed tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)
What can I expect to happen if I am eligible for tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)?
Eligible patients will be contacted and invited to attend the service for an assessment.The assessment will include discussions around the different options for weight management. The clinician will carry out checks to make sure you are eligible, this includes BMI, medical assessment, medication history and psychological assessment. The risks and benefits of starting the medication will be discussed, so you have the information to make the right choice for you.
If you are eligible, you do not need to decide immediately if you want to start tirzepatide (Mounjaro®). More information can be found in this tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) decision aid produced by NICE. If you do decide to start Tirzepatide, you must also agree to fully participate in the wraparound diet and exercise programme for at least 9 months.
Wil there be a cost to the patient for being prescribed tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)?
Normal prescription charges will apply unless you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions (for example, because you have a medical exemption certificate).
Follow the link to find out more about whether you are entitled to help with health costs Help with health costs – NHS.
Are there any side effects for the medicine?
Like all medications, tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) can cause side effects and healthcare professionals should discuss the side-effects with you. The medication will come with a Patient Information Leaflet which lists common side effects including:
- feeling sick
- indigestion (heartburn)
- constipation
- diarrhoea.
There can be some more serious side effects, such as low blood sugar, gallstones and inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) is a new medication, so any side effects should be reported through the Yellow Card Scheme, which is the government system used for recording side effects with medicines in the UK.
Will I be supported hilst taking the medication?
NICE guidance recommends if you do not lose enough weight (5%) after 6 months of being on the highest dose you can manage, tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) should be stopped. This is because the medication is not working as well as it should be for you.
Currently there is no specified time limit for being prescribed tirzepatide (Mounjaro®). The decision to continue or stop tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional at least annually.
How long should I take it for?
Patients taking tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) on the NHS for obesity management will be supported by the healthcare professional who is prescribing the medication – this may be in a primary care setting or specialist weight management service.
Healthcare professionals will focus on prescribing the medication, managing side-effects, monitoring the other long-term health problems, and managing any potential medicine interactions.
Patients must also participate in a lifestyle support programme that focuses on diet and nutrition advice when taking the medication and physical activity advice. Through the programme, people will be encouraged to make lasting habits that encourage long-term improvements in metabolic health, physical wellbeing and lifestyle. Patients must participate in this lifestyle support programme for the first 9 months of being prescribed the medication.
Patients cannot be prescribed tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) if they do not wish to undertake the wraparound care support. This is because the NICE recommendations state tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) must be prescribed alongside diet and physical activity advice.
Can I take tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) if I'm pregnant or trying to get pregnant?
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) should not be taken during pregnancy or just before trying to get pregnant. This is because there is not enough safety data to know whether taking the medicine can cause harm to the baby.
There is specific information about how these medications affect contraceptive methods, like the pill. The Faculty for Sexual and Reproductive Health has produced this information leaflet for patients to read: Patient-information-GLP-1-agonists-and-contraception.pdf
Is it okay to take tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) with the other medications I take?
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) can affect the absorption of other medications being taken. In some cases, this may affect how well and/or how fast those medications work; or it may make no difference. For this reason it is particularly important that patients receive follow up care and advice from a healthcare professional. This medication is still relatively new, and the healthcare community are learning about how tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) interacts with other medications, for example HRT.
Before starting the medicine, a healthcare professional will check which other medications you are taking to see if there may be any medicine interactions and to see if they are compatible when taken together. While taking the medicine, some people may find that their long-term health conditions (like high blood pressure) improve, and they might need less medication. Your healthcare professional will talk to you about this, any monitoring that might need to happen and make any necessary changes to your treatment.
It is important to be honest with the healthcare professional if you are eligible for the medication. Let them know about any medical conditions, other medicines you are taking, the dose and if you buy any medication over the counter. This information will need to be considered before you are prescribed tirzepatide (Mounjaro®).
Alex offers face to face appointments or telephone calls for anyone who has any non-clinical concerns or worries, and Alex works across the practices in the Southeast Shropshire Primary Care Network.
Please contact your surgery directly if you wish to get in touch with Alex.
Useful Links
MySunrise – Digital Cancer Support for Better Patient Outcomes (The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust)
Living With and Beyond Cancer App – NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin (Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust)
Macmillan Cancer Support | The UK’s leading cancer care charity
Sharing expertise and resources, to develop new services.
The PCN
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