A key feature of PCNs is the introduction of Additional Roles. The Additional Roles Team will help to build a sustainable future for the PCN. Kingfisher PCN is in the process of recruiting extra specialist clinical staff to provide holistic, patient-centred care. For 2023/24, Kingfisher PCN has selected the following roles to join the Additional Roles Team:

For the provision of specialist medication and lifestyle advice. Clinical Pharmacists will be able to perform medication reviews and advise of any changes needed to your prescription. They may be involved in monitoring your long-term illness. They will become key members of a multi-professional Care Home Team who will be responsible for the provision of enhanced health in Care Homes. The ambition will be to expand upon this and introduce a multi-professional service for patients within their own homes.

First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs) are highly skilled practitioners with specialist knowledge of musculoskeletal (MSK) problems. They will be able to help you with mechanical pain through timely interventions including exercise, lifestyle advice, and pain management.

Pharmacy Technicians undertake specific projects to promote the safety and quality of prescribing across the PCN. They will contact patients to carry out checks and offer advice and guidance on matters concerning medications. Pharmacy Technicians will also be a key part of the Care Home Team.

Physician Associates (PAs) are healthcare professionals who help provide care for patients. Physician Associates always work under the direct supervision of a named GP. 

PAs can take a medical history, perform examinations and diagnose patients with a wide range of health problems. While PAs currently do not have prescribing rights, they can prepare prescriptions for GPs to review and issue. 

Social Prescribers are able to assist with non-medical problems by identifying needs and finding solutions by putting the patient in touch with the most appropriate organisation to help. Social Prescribers have a firm understanding of the range of options and local services available to patients. This may include signposting to community groups or voluntary workers.

Care Coordinators will build and sustain the smooth running of the Additional Roles Team – coordinating calendars and securing access for patients across our 6 practices. Care Coordinators will also have an important role in the introduction of the Care Home Team – coordinating Multidisciplinary Team Meetings (MDTs) for Kingfisher Care Homes.

There are 7 National Service specifications that we are expected to deliver:

• Structured medication reviews (ensuring all medication remains appropriate and safe).
• Enhanced health in care homes (including regular reviews of care home residents).
• Anticipatory care (working proactively alongside community teams to offer greater support to those considered at high risk).
• Supporting early cancer diagnosis (promoting screening and ensuring early referral and identification of cancer where possible).
• Personalised care (shared decision making and encouraging self-management).
• Prevention and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (such as heart attacks and stroke).
• Locally agreed actions to tackle inequalities.

The Frailty Team will be working collaboratively within the community providing comprehensive personalised care to residents of care homes and nursing homes with an aspiration that this will develop into providing this service for residents still living at home. The aim of the service is to move away from traditional reactive models of care to a service providing proactive management plans for residents with complex care needs.

The Frailty Team has been live since November 2021.