Tower Network PCN is the largest single primary care network covering a list size of over 90,000 patients in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. We became a limited company in November 2022 after the merger of two adjoining PCNs formerly called NW3 & NW4. We are in the South-West locality of the Borough, consisting of 6 practices stretching from Wapping to towards Mile End.
Our 6 practices are:
- City Square Medical Group
- Goodman’s Field Medical Practice
- Harford Health Centre
- Jubilee Street Practice
- St Katharine’s Dock Practice
- Wapping Group Practice
The South-West locality comprises a vibrant multicultural population of 32.9% white and 47.1% Asian / Asian British. Our deprivation average score is 31.4, which makes us one of the more deprived areas of London, with areas of historically poor neighbourhoods sitting side by side with areas of affluence.
The growth rate at Goodman’s Fields, for example, is at 26.7% year on year, in line with the redevelopment of the Aldgate area. We have a young and mobile population with an average age of 33, which is at odds with the prevalence of long-term conditions within our patient population.
The PCN is currently delivering various community projects such as the Health & Wellbeing Hub, Doctor Digital, and Young People’s events and is further involved in other community events organised by other voluntary sectors and Public Health England in partnership with the local councillors. We are working closely with East End Network (PCN2) on other pilot projects to improve access and bring some services closer to our communities.
What is a Primary Care Network?
A primary care network is a group of practices who work together to focus on local patient care. They’ve been around since 2019 and 99 per cent of practices across England now work as part of one.
With increased demand and a shortage of clinical staff, practices find they can provide greater, more personalised care for patients when they can work together on certain services or issues.
Take a look at this short animation from NHS England which explains how they work.