Sharing policies, experience and enthusiasm

North West Region 2009

Learning networks have been set up to encourage facilitators to discuss topical issues, share experience and support colleagues from PCTs within their region.

Meetings usually consist of six to ten facilitators, with a Learning Consultant on hand to provide support if required.

The North West Learning Network is an example of how members can help each other by sharing information and best practice.

Solving the IM&T DES headache

Following the success of Information Management and Technology Directed Enhanced Service (IM&T DES) data accreditation in North Lancashire PCT, members of the North West Learning Network have been keen to make best use of the knowledge gained by the staff responsible.

North Lancashire PCT facilitators, Steve Abernethy and Alicia Elliott, have overseen the accreditation of 34 of their 39 practices, while four others are keen to gain accreditation in the future. This success has led other members of the group to ask how it was done.

Steve explained: "Certainly at the first meeting of our learning network, the IM&T DES was a main discussion point and we were able to provide advice to other group members based on our experiences."

During the meeting, Alicia and Steve put their success down to good planning, thorough preparation, teamwork and cooperation between practices and facilitators, while explaining in detail the process which they asked practice staff to follow.

As a result, Steve and Alicia are hopeful that others can benefit from their work with the IM&T DES and, in return, provide guidance for areas of work that the North Lancashire team will undertake in the future.

Steve said: "Hopefully, by discussing relevant topics, we can avoid re-inventing the wheel, navigate some of the pitfalls and mistakes that others may have already encountered and share good practice."

PRIMIS+ Regional Learning Manager Sheree Hemingway was pleased to see that the group was willing to share experiences of the IM&T DES assessment process.

Sheree added: "Facilitators can also share resources, such as templates, policies and documentation, which they have previously developed."

She is now confident that the meetings will help facilitators with a range of other subjects including the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF), clinical system issues, commissioning and work in the community.

Sheree attended the first session and helped to facilitate the meeting, explain the potential benefits of the network and set the ground rules.

She revealed that she had already received a lot of positive feedback from group members and said: "One comment that particularly struck a chord was from a facilitator who said that it was reassuring to know that other people were experiencing similar issues, as it was often easy to feel that you were the only one with work problems.

"The networks are held for facilitators, but it is also useful as a Learning Consultant to hear which issues are affecting facilitators, how those issues fit into the bigger picture, and how PRIMIS+ can help and support them in any work areas in which they may be struggling."

Further information

PRIMIS+ is now looking to establish more learning networks across the country. If you would like to join a network in your area, or help to establish a new one, please contact your PRIMIS+ Learning Consultant.

Learning Consultants are happy to facilitate the initial meetings and put facilitators and PCT staff in touch with one another. However, facilitators usually set their own agenda and network rules, as well as the frequency and location of their meetings.

If you would like any further information, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .