Frequently Asked Questions

A PCN is a Primary Care Network.

We have more than 50 staff who work across the whole PCN on behalf of the GP surgeries. Although they will usually identify themselves as working for your registered surgery, they may also say that they work for Weymouth and Portland Primary Care Network.

Each network chooses the services and staff that will most benefit patients in their area.

Meet our team to see who works across the PCN, and find out about the services we offer.

Weymouth and Portland PCN comprises five GP practices:

• The Bridges Medical Centre
• Cross Road Surgery
• Weymouth Bay Medical Practice
• Royal Manor Health Centre
• Wyke Regis & Lanehouse Medical Practice

Visit our practices.

Since 2019, when they were introduced alongside the NHS Long Term Plan and the revised GP contract.

To provide new, easily accessible services that meet the changing needs of people in the local area. There is a particular focus on helping the increasing number of people with long-term conditions manage their health, and on promoting positive, preventative healthcare.

Each network has a Clinical Director — ours is Dr Laura Godfrey — and a board made up of representatives from each practice.

NHS England gives each network funding based on the number of patients their member practices look after. The board and Clinical Director decide which services patients would most benefit from and recruit specialist staff to provide those services.

No. They exist solely within the NHS. All network funding comes centrally from NHS England, and all PCN services are available to patients through their GP practice.

There is a broader range of specialist services that are now easily accessible through GP practices and tailored to the specific needs of patients. It also means patients will get to the best person to help them sooner.

There are clear and consistent pathways for practices to refer patients to the specialist services that patients need.

The best route is through your GP practice. Depending on the service, a member of the admin or reception team may be able to refer you. For some services, it will require a doctor or clinician to make a referral.

You can check the name of the person who contacted you against our team list. Team members will also be able to confirm information with you that your GP practice holds.