About Primary Care Networks
A primary Care Network is a group of GP Practices working together with:
- community
- mental health
- social care
- pharmacy
- hospital
- voluntary services
in their local areas.
PCNs build on existing primary care services and enable greater provision of proactive, personalised, coordinated and more integrated health and social care for people close to home.
PCNs are led by clinical directors who may be a GP, general practice nurse, clinical pharmacist or other clinical professional working in general practice.
Watch this short video about PCNs:
Our Services
Your Primary Care Team
Your Primary Care Team, Gateshead Central South PCN and its member practices, have access to patient services that enhance the wellbeing and health of its patient population. As part of General Practice, there are people working in a number of different roles alongside GPs that can all help you with your needs. Together they can get you the right care from the right healthcare professional as quickly as possible.
“Get the right care, from the right healthcare professional”
If you would like to be referred to the one of these services please speak with the reception staff at your practice.
First Contact Physios
First Contact Physiotherapists also known as Musculoskeletal Specialists
Here at Central South PCN we have a team of First Contact Physiotherapists. They can help patients with musculoskeletal disorders (MSD’s) such as:
- Any spinal issues (e.g. neck, mid and lower back pain)
- All soft tissue injuries: e.g. sprains, strains, muscles, or bone, e.g. tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, achilles tendinopathy or sports injuries
- Any other type of joint pain
- Arthritis – (any joint)
They will:
- Assess and diagnose the issue
- Give expert advice on how best to manage the condition
- Refer patients onto specialist services if necessary
(Patients with back and joint pain, including conditions such as arthritis can now see a physiotherapist rather than waiting to see a GP or being referred to hospital).
Patients have quicker access to diagnosis and treatment, helping them to manage their conditions more effectively and recover faster, so they can get back to normal life quickly.
Our team of first contact physios, Mic and Rao, are here to help you.
Watch the following video for further advice on when to see your First Contact Practitioner:
Edberts House Community Linking Project
Community Link Workers also known as Social Prescribing Link Workers
The Edberts House Community Linking Project and their social prescribers can help anyone of any age. You can talk to them about what matters to you. They can provide support for as long as you need them. They can signpost, refer and support you to access the right service for you.
They can support you with:
- Long term conditions
- Improving emotional wellbeing
- Housing, finances, benefits
- Social isolation and access to community resources
- Volunteering, employment and learning
Click the website link for more information: Website
PCN Pharmacists
Here at GCS PCN, we employ a team of clinical pharmacists. You may be offered an appointment with one of our pharmacists for:
- an in-depth medication review
- a review of a long term condition, such as
- asthma
- hypertension
- changes to your medication
- or to answer any questions you may have about your medicines
Our pharmacists work within the practice team, with the GPs, nurses, admin staff and other pharmacists.
Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who have undergone training at university level. They are recognised by GPs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, as experts in medicines and their use for medical conditions.
Our pharmacy team are here to help you!
North East Counselling Services
North East Counselling Services provides counselling and therapy to clients in and around Gateshead and South Tyneside. They work with a variety of challenges including depression, anxiety and stress related disorders.
Your Primary Care Team has NEC counsellors based within our PCN and its GP practices. If you would like to be referred to them please contact your GP practice and speak to reception. Alternatively you can self refer to this service.
Please go to the following link to find out more about NECS: Website
PCN Mental Health Practitioners
Your Primary Care Team includes the services of Mental Health Practitioners based within our Primary Care Network and its practices. These practitioners provide a combined consultation, advice, triage and liaison function.
We currently have two practitioners; an adult mental health practitioner and a children and young peoples practitioner (5 years to 18 years).
If you would like to be referred to one of our practitioners please ask the reception team at your GP practice.