What are Primary Care Networks?
A Primary Care Network (PCN) is a collaborative group of general practices, typically serving a population of 30,000 to 50,000 patients, working in partnership with community, bringing together a range of services under one umbrella, such as general practice, community nursing, mental health, social care, pharmacy, and voluntary services. PCNs are designed to deliver integrated, patient-centred care, improve clinical outcomes, and enhance the resilience and sustainability of primary care services.
These networks were introduced in 2019, to strengthen primary care and integrate services across the NHS, improving the coordination and delivery of primary care services.
How PCNs work
PCNs work as multidisciplinary teams, employing professionals like pharmacists, paramedics, physiotherapists, and care coordinators to improve care and ease pressure on secondary services. As they grow, PCNs face increased responsibilities, from governance and staffing to data compliance and regulation.
This expansion brings new risks, including clinical liability, HR issues, and data breaches. At MIAB, we offer tailored insurance and risk management solutions designed for the specific needs of PCNs. From professional indemnity to premises and workforce cover, our expert advisors provide bespoke support to keep your network protected, compliant, and focused on patient care.
As you form your PCN, you need to ensure that you have the right insurance in place from day one.
The current arrangements in place for practices are unlikely to cover the activities of the PCN adequately, leaving the PCN exposed to potential gaps. For example:
- Legal Structure changes within the network
- Employees working across different sites
- Network Clinical Directors acting on behalf of multiple practices
- Decision makers within the PCN being open to accusations of errors or omissions
- Employment and disciplinary issues, by past or present employees
Note: This does not change the need for each practice partnership to maintain their current insurance.
Our PCN Flyer is available to download:
Download
ARRS funding
The Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) is an NHS initiative that provides funding to Primary Care Networks (PCNs) to help them recruit additional healthcare professionals, such as clinical pharmacists, physiotherapists, paramedics, mental health practitioners, and social prescribing link workers. This funding enables PCNs to expand their workforce, improve service delivery, and ease the burden on existing staff.
MIAB offers tailored insurance solutions designed specifically for PCNs that benefit from ARRS funding.
We have developed a tailored PCN Insurance Package to cover:
- Professional Indemnity- This is above and beyond the cover available via Clinical Negligence Scheme for General Practice.
- Director & Officers Insurance
- Company Legal Liability
- Employment Practices Liability (e.g. Employment Disputes)
- Employers Liability & Public Liability Insurance – to cover any gaps for those working on behalf of the PCN, across practices
- Buildings & Contents
- Cyber Liability Insurance
We will help you to ensure that the cover is bespoke to your circumstances. For example, depending on the structure of the PCN, then cover may need to be enhanced in some areas. Additionally, the practices within the PCN could take the opportunity to review all of their commercial insurance requirements, in order to achieve better economies of scale.
Should you feel you are already adequately protected, our expert advisers can provide a free, no-obligation comparative quotation at your next renewal.
2025/26 GP Contracts – Key Changes for Practices and PCNs
The 2025/26 GP contract introduces significant reforms aimed at enhancing patient care, reducing administrative burdens, and supporting workforce expansion.
Our expert team ensures you stay protected and compliant as the primary care landscape evolves.
Should you feel you are already adequately protected, our expert advisers can provide a free, no-obligation comparative quotation at your next renewal.
Request a quote
To review your PCN insurance requirements and arrange cover:
- Call our team on 01438 547044
- Email info@miab.co.uk