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Case Study

Ardwick and Longsight PCN

Ardwick and Longsight PCN, serving a population of approximately 95,000 patients in Manchester (NHS Manchester ICB), faced a time-bound requirement to complete 3,600 structured medication reviews (SMRs) within six months to secure IIF performance points.

By deploying two dedicated FTE PCN pharmacists through TMMT on a sustained 75-hour/ week schedule, the PCN delivered 150 reviews per week, hit the target on time, and achieved the upper threshold across all SMR categories—without disrupting routine clinical operations.

Total SMRs Completed

Med Reviews per Week

Months Project Duration

Weekly Support

Patient Population

FTE Pharmacist Deployed

Key Learning Points

This case study demonstrates:

  • Scalable Support Model – How dedicated pharmacist resources can manage high-volume medication review requirements without overwhelming existing practice teams.
  • IIF Target Achievement – Strategic deployment of 2 FTE pharmacists to meet and exceed upper threshold targets across all SMR categories.
  • Sustained Delivery– Maintaining consistent weekly output (150 reviews/week) over a 6-month period to ensure deadline compliance.
  • Operational Efficiency – Delivering 75 hours of pharmacist support weekly to complete 3,600 comprehensive medication reviews on time.
  • Comprehensive CVD Management – Meeting both quality standards and regulatory deadlines while serving a population of 95,000+ patients.
  • Quality and Compliance – Combining QOF achievement with patient safety initiatives including melatonin optimization and iron supplement reviews for 600+ patients

Problem

Ardwick and Longsight PCN serves a substantial population of 95,286 patients across its network. As part of the NHS Investment and Impact Fund (IIF) requirements, the PCN faced the critical need to complete comprehensive structured medication reviews (SMRs) for their patient population. These reviews are essential for:

  • Ensuring optimal medication management and patient safety.
  • Identifying and resolving medication-related issues.
  • Supporting patients with multiple long-term conditions.
  • Meeting quality improvement targets for primary care services.

However, the PCN lacked the dedicated pharmacist capacity to complete the substantial volume of reviews required within the specified timeframe. Without additional support, the practice faced the risk of not meeting IIF targets, potentially impacting both patient care quality and crucial funding streams.

Challenge

The PCN was required to complete a total of 3,600 structured medication reviews within a tight six-month period to meet IIF deadline requirements. This represented a significant operational challenge:

  • Volume and Timeline: Completing 3,600 comprehensive medication reviews in just 6 months required sustained, consistent weekly output.
  • Resource Constraints: The existing practice team did not have sufficient pharmacist capacity to manage this workload alongside routine clinical duties
  • Complexity: The reviews spanned multiple SMR categories (SMR01A-D, SMR02A-D, and SMR03), each requiring different clinical expertise and assessment protocols.
  • Target Achievement: The PCN needed to reach the upper threshold target across all SMR categories to maximize IIF points.
  • Deadline Pressure: All work had to be completed prior to the IIF submission deadline, with no room for delays or extensions.

The challenge went beyond simply meeting a numeric target. It was about managing a huge, complex workload under intense time pressure, balancing multiple SMR categories that each demanded different clinical expertise and careful assessment. Every review had to be thorough and precise, leaving no margin for error, while sustaining a relentless weekly pace.

The team needed to maintain the highest quality standards consistently, ensuring that every piece of work contributed to achieving the PCN’s maximum IIF points. It was a test of endurance, skill, coordination, and clinical judgment, all compressed into a tight six-month window.

Solution

Ardwick and Longsight PCN serves a substantial population of 95,286 patients across its network. As part of the NHS Investment and Impact Fund (IIF) requirements, the PCN faced the critical need to complete comprehensive structured medication reviews (SMRs) for their patient population. These reviews are essential for:

  • Ensuring optimal medication management and patient safety.
  • Identifying and resolving medication-related issues.
  • Supporting patients with multiple long-term conditions.
  • Meeting quality improvement targets for primary care services.

The Medicines Management Team’s pharmacist completed reviews across all required categories: – SMR01A, SMR01B, SMR01C, SMR01D SMR02A, SMR02B, SMR02C, SMR02D – SMR03.

Outcomes Achieved:

  • Target Completion: Successfully completed all 3,600 required structured medication reviews.
  • Quality Performance: Achieved the upper threshold target for all SMR categories, maximizing IIF points for the PCN.
  • Timely Delivery: Completed all reviews prior to the IIF deadline, ensuring full compliance and funding eligibility.
  • Operational Relief: Allowed the existing practice team to focus on routine clinical care while TMMT pharmacists handled the intensive SMR workload.

Conclusion:

The partnership with TMMT enabled Ardwick and Longsight PCN to meet their IIF obligations while maintaining high-quality patient care. The structured approach ensured consistent weekly progress, eliminated last-minute pressure, and delivered optimal outcomes for both the practice and its 95,286 patients.

This case study demonstrates how targeted pharmacist support can help PCNs manage complex quality improvement initiatives while maintaining operational efficiency and meeting critical NHS funding requirements.

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