A new diploma has equipped NHS managers to develop primary care at scale alongside their roles as practice managers.
According to the National Association of Primary Care (NAPC), who deliver the course, practice managers are ‘key’ to leading ‘the transformation of primary care’.
The Diploma in Advanced Primary Care Management is designed to aid practice managers to create and run primary care networks such as the NAPC primary care home model and super practices.
The online diploma has three modules on leadership, NHS policy, law and governance, and healthcare business and finance, delivered through a practical and ‘how to’ focused curriculum.
The first cohort of practice managers to complete the one-year diploma were awarded the qualification last week (27 February).
Project manager at K2 Healthcare Dianne Taylor (second from left) said: ‘As a result of studying the diploma, I have skills and knowledge to develop the primary care network model in my area.
‘I recently started a new job project managing primary care at scale in two localities – the diploma gave me the confidence to apply for it and has had a very positive impact in my new role.’
‘Perfect’ for primary care’s needs
NAPC president Professor James Kingsland (fourth from left) said primary care networks are ‘central’ to the NHS Long-Term Plan and the diploma is ‘perfect training for anyone working in the evolving primary care environment’.
Steve Williams, co-chair of the Practice Management Network (PMN) and treasurer of the Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists (AMSPAR) said the diploma’s focus on working at scale makes it an ideal ‘next step’ for practice managers who wish to study at post graduate level.
He added: ‘Most importantly it is bespoke and therefore represents a truly vocationally based qualification, perfect for today’s emerging primary care organisations.’
The diploma is funded by NHS England and run in association with the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) and law firm Capsticks, with delivery partners the PMN and AMSPAR.
