News

Derbyshire Dales Primary Care Network Expands to Welcome New Practices and Extend Services Across the Dales

Derbyshire Dales Primary Care Network (DDPCN) is proud to announce a major expansion from 1st October 2025, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of primary care across the region.

As part of this expansion:

• Hannage Brook Medical Centre and Ashbourne Medical Practice are joining DDPCN as full network members.
• DDPCN will also begin delivering Primary Care Network Directed Enhanced Services (DES) to patients registered at The Surgery (Ashbourne) and Brailsford Medical Centre.

Together, these changes mean thousands more patients across the Derbyshire Dales will benefit from a coordinated, integrated approach to primary care — strengthening local services and bringing health and wellbeing support closer to home.

A step forward for patients and communities

The expansion has been carefully planned and approved following a robust governance and evaluation process. It brings more practices into a single, unified footprint for the Derbyshire Dales — simplifying structures, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring a stronger voice within the wider NHS Integrated Care System (ICS).

For patients, this means:

• Improved access to services such as care coordination, home visiting, and extended hours.
• Closer collaboration between GP practices, ensuring patients see the right professional at the right time.
• Stronger investment in digital healthcare, including greater use of the NHS App, digital triage, and joined-up patient records.
• A sharper focus on tackling health inequalities, particularly in rural communities where access to care can be more challenging.

New roles and innovation

As part of the expansion, DDPCN will introduce new roles to strengthen its capacity. This includes a dedicated Data and Transformation Lead, who will help practices harness digital innovation, population health data, and new care models to improve services and outcomes.

This role — alongside additional care coordination and administrative support — will underpin the shift towards neighbourhood-led healthcare outlined in the NHS 10-Year Plan, bringing services closer to communities and enabling proactive, patient-centred care.

A milestone for the Derbyshire Dales

Dr Ed Oakley, Clinical Director of DDPCN, said:

*"This expansion represents a defining moment for healthcare in the Derbyshire Dales. By welcoming Hannage Brook and Ashbourne Medical Practice into our network, and by extending PCN services to The Surgery (Ashbourne) and Brailsford Medical Centre, we are creating a more connected, resilient, and forward-looking model of care.

Our focus is simple: to deliver high-quality, accessible, and locally tailored healthcare that meets the needs of our communities today, while preparing us for the challenges of tomorrow."*

Looking ahead

This expansion positions Derbyshire Dales PCN as the single Primary Care Network for the entire Dales area footprint — laying the foundations for:

• Closer working with hospitals, social care, and community providers.
• A more joined-up approach to neighbourhood health services.
• A leading role in delivering the NHS’s Neighbourhood Health Service to the local population.

The expansion will be phased, with a transitional structure in place to ensure smooth integration of new practices and continuity of care for patients.

Published on 15th Sep 2025

Flu Campaign 2025/26

It’s That Time Again – Winter Flu Campaign 2025/26

Put the dates in your diary! Our annual Winter Flu Vaccination Clinics will be taking place on:

📅 Saturday 4th October 2025
📅 Saturday 18th October 2025

Protect yourself and those around you this winter by getting vaccinated.

Full details, including how to book, will be shared closer to the time – so please keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for updates.

Published on 13th Aug 2025