Local Professional Networks (LPN)

NHS England as the direct commissioner of primary care services, is required to develop and host local professional networks for pharmacy, dentistry and eye health. Local Professional Network development is led locally by the Area team.

Local Professional Networks (LPNs) are intended to:

• Support the implementation of national strategy and policy at local level
• Support NHS England in commissioning primary care with robust clinical input
• Work with key stakeholders, including the Area Team, Integrated Care Boards and Health and Wellbeing Boards on the development and delivery of local priorities
• Provide local clinical leadership
• Support LETBs in workforce planning and identifying educational and training needs in the pharmacy, optometry and dental workforce

 All LPNs will be represented through a national LPN Assembly in order to influence future national policy change and improvement. The Area Team is responsible for ensuring that LPNs are effective, by demonstrating achievements in:

• High quality care
• Reducing service variation
• Reducing inequalities

LPN Functions

The NHS England single operating framework for LPNs defines the specific functions for each Professional Network.

Pharmacy

• Support local authorities who lead on the development of the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment which NHS England will use in commissioning pharmaceutical services
• Support the development of new programmes of work to promote self-care and improve long term conditions management
• Work with ICBs to develop and implement the primary care strategy
• Work with patients and other health care professionals (outside of pharmacy) to develop a comprehensive programme of work aimed at ensuring medicines optimisation
• Support the sharing of learning from medication incidents and Serious Incidents Requiring Investigation (SIRIs)
• Develop multi professional working to address the items above
• Provide leadership to ensure robust commissioning of all locally enhanced services

For further information contact Sam Travis, Local Professional Network Chair, Pharmacy by email samantha.travis@nhs.net or phone : 01138255474