Frequently asked questions

A Primary Care Network (PCN) is a group of neighbouring GP surgeries that work together with other local services (such as community, mental health, social care, pharmacy, hospital, and voluntary organisations) to provide more joined-up, proactive, and personalised healthcare close to home.

Each PCN typically serves a community of around 30,000 to 50,000 people, allowing surgeries to maintain personal patient care while benefiting from shared resources and collaboration. Led by clinical directors, PCNs aim to move from simply responding to illness toward preventing it and supporting the overall health of their local populations.

Patchs is the name of an online consultation form system that our surgeries use. On most surgery websites, this is referred to as an ‘online form’ and a link can be found in the Appointments section.

PLT stands for Protected Learning Time. During a PLT event, the surgery is usually closed for appointments as staff are undergoing further training. Each surgery should have instructions on what to do if you need medical attention during the time they are closed on their website and as a voice message when you call them.

EPS stands for Electronic Prescribing Service. Prescriptions used to be printed out on paper for patients to hand in to their preferred pharmacy but this has now changed and your prescription is sent electronically to a pharmacy of your choosing.

If you have the NHS App, you can change your nominated pharmacy when you request your medication. Alternatively, you can contact your surgery and they will be happy to change this for you.

You can use the online Find a pharmacy service to locate your nearest pharmacy.