We would like to thank our exhibitors and sponsors for sponsoring this meeting. This includes pharmaceutical companies including Ethypharm UK Ltd. They have had no editorial input into or control over the agenda, content development or choice of speakers, nor opportunity to influence except for the sponsored symposia presentations.

Wednesday, April 29, 2026
8:30 AM - 9:20 AM
Registration and exhibition
 
 
 
 
9:20 AM - 9:25 AM
Chair’s opening remarks
 
 
 
 
9:25 AM - 10:00 AM
From PCNs to Neighbourhoods: what’s really changing?

As policy shifts accelerate, PCNs are being asked to reconfigure around neighbourhood models. This session explores what that means in practice, what stays the same this year under the PCN DES, and whether neighbourhoods represent genuine integration or simply a new transactional layer.

  • The new neighbourhood contracts and how to work with them
  • Rochdale’s selection as a site for the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP) and what this means in practice for general practice and PCNs
  • Learning from an NNHIP pilot site 
     
 
 
 
10:00 AM - 10:35 AM
Reducing workload and cost with smart AI triage
  • Autonomous AI digital front door: An overview of how AI-powered triage acts as a digital front door for primary care, safely assessing patient requests and routing them to the most appropriate outcome
  • Seamless NHS integration: Built in partnership with Microsoft and fully integrated with EMIS and SystmOne, GP Triage fits directly into existing practice workflows without requiring additional manual processes
  • Reduced workload, better patient access:  Real-world examples of how autonomous triage reduces manual clinician workload, improves patient access, and helps practices manage demand more efficiently while maintaining high standards of care
     

Sponsored by GP Triage

 

10:35 AM - 11:10 AM
Driving prevention at scale: the future of call and recall in primary care
 

Sponsored by:

 

11:10 AM - 11:40 AM
Refreshment break

Enjoy a selection of refreshments while catching up with colleagues and making new connections. These breaks provide the perfect opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and visit our exhibitor stands.

 
 
 
11:40 AM - 12:15 PM
Closing the cardio-renal metabolic gap: strengthening primary care through PCN dietitians
  • How ARRS-funded dietitians can be practically integrated into PCN CRM delivery - including referral pathways from GPs, clinical supervision structures, and 1:1 consultation models used in Northwest London ICB and across PCNs nationally
  • Measurable outcomes achieved through dietitian-led CRM support: reductions in HbA1c, clinically meaningful weight loss, medication optimisation, and reduced GP appointment frequency
  • What it takes to implement this model in your PCN - from culturally appropriate approaches for diverse and high-risk populations to outcome measurement frameworks that demonstrate real clinical impact
     

Sponsored by:

 

12:15 PM - 12:50 PM
Safeguarding ARRS funds: strengthening PCN financial oversight
  • How to protect the PCN and Member practices from fraud and financial irregularity
  • The importance of sharing high quality and timely financial information
  • Building governance into the PCN
 
 
 
12:50 PM - 1:50 PM
Lunch and exhibition

Enjoy a complimentary lunch while visiting exhibition stands and connecting with peers.

 
 
 
1:50 PM - 2:15 PM
A day in an AI-enabled PCN: what’s possible now and what’s coming next
  • What GP-facing AI tools are actually in use - case finding tools (e.g. for patients most at risk of an unplanned admission), population segmentation tools, remote monitoring tools and AI-based clinical decision support. A fictional case study of a fully AI-enabled PCN
  • What is still 'fiction' but could be around the corner: automated care plans, autonomous chronic disease monitoring that triggers treatment changes, automated signposting (health apps, support services etc) 
  • A pragmatic toolkit - where to start and building a strong foundation ready for AI in your practice
     
 
 
 
2:15 PM - 2:40 PM
Contracts, DES and the ARRS: what should PCNs plan for now?

With uncertainty around the SNP contract and the future of ARRS funding, this session breaks down what is confirmed for the year ahead and how PCN leaders can plan workforce and finances without over-reacting to speculation. 
 

 
 
 
2:40 PM - 3:00 PM
Implementing a neighbourhood-based COPD intervention across PCN and place settings

This session explores how a neighbourhood-based COPD intervention can be implemented across PCN and place settings, bringing primary care, community teams and system partners together. Using practical examples, it will focus on improving access, continuity and outcomes while working within existing PCN structures and workforce models.

 

 
 
 
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Leading through change: strengthening general practice in an era of structural reform
  • The changing primary care landscape: ICB evolution, PCNs and neighbourhoods
  • The impact of the NHS Plan on general practice
  • The role of PCNs and LMCs as stabilising forces
  • Practical system actions that can protect and support general practice and restore fulfilment
     
 
 
 
3:30 PM
Conference ends
 
 
 
 

If you’d like to speak at a future PCN event, or have a topic you think would be valuable for the wider primary care team, please contact Aneya Sanders, Senior Conference Producer.

If you are interested in sponsoring a session on the Agenda, or exhibiting at the event please contact Ed Burkle, Event Sales Director 

Speakers

Dr Zalan Alam
Dr Zalan Alam
Rochdale Peer Ambassador for Modern General Practice, GP Partner and GP with extended role in Intermediate care
Aaron Boysen
Aaron Boysen
Registered Dietitian, Primary Care Dietitians
Dr Hannan Chaudery
Dr Hannan Chaudery
CTO, Anaesthetics and ICU, GP Triage
Dr Goubran Eskander
Dr Goubran Eskander
GP Partner, Patterdale Lodge Group Practice Consultant ENT in Primary Care, Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Clinical Director, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside ICB
Dr Hussain Gandhi
Dr Hussain Gandhi
Modality Nottingham Medical Director, Owner eGPlearning, Nottingham City East PCN Clinical Director
Dr Nausheen Hameed
Dr Nausheen Hameed
Digital Health Consultant, PCN Digital Lead, GP Partner/ Trainer
Dr Tom Micklewright
Dr Tom Micklewright
Clinical Lead for Digital Transformation in Primary Care, Cheshire and Merseyside ICB, Medical Director, ORCHA
Dr Chaand Nagpaul CBE
Dr Chaand Nagpaul CBE
GP Partner, Honeypot Medical Centre Chair, Harrow LMC and NW London LMC network
Laurence Slavin
Laurence Slavin
Partner, Ramsay Brown, Specialist Medical Chartered Accountants
Victoria Vaughan
Victoria Vaughan
Editor-in-Chief, The Pharmacist, Healthcare Leader and Pulse PCN

Sponsors and Exhibitors

Pulse PCN is supported by a small number of industry partners who will be exhibiting on the day. 

You’ll have the opportunity to meet organisations working alongside Primary Care Networks to support workforce delivery, digital development, population health, and community-based services - with a focus on practical tools and approaches that fit into everyday PCN work.