Local Primary Care Networks join forces to expand revolutionary "Community SWITCH" health initiative
EAST DORSET, UK — Crane Valley Primary Care Network (PCN) and Wimborne and Ferndown PCN have announced an exciting new collaboration to expand the innovative Community SWITCH programme, creating a seamless, border-free network of proactive health and wellbeing support for local residents.
Originally developed by Crane Valley PCN as their flagship network for proactive health support, Community SWITCH brings together local charities, community groups, the NHS, and public sector partners to share vital resources. The initiative complements existing healthcare provision focusing on a holistic, person-centred "What matters to you?" approach not merely the traditional "What is the matter with you?".
Given their shared geography and patient flow, Wimborne and Ferndown PCN will officially adopt the Community SWITCH model. This partnership ensures that patients moving across neighbouring borders receive a consistent, high-quality experience of joined-up care.
At the heart of the programme is an online resource directory (www.communityswitch.org), where new listings are actively identified and vetted by Patient Representatives and Social Prescribing teams.
Beyond acting as a simple directory, Community SWITCH builds a robust, connected network. Partners can access a password-protected Partner Portal on the website, which offers capacity-building materials, grant-funding guidance, and tools to help local groups secure vital funding bids.
Speaking on the collaboration, Jo Morris, Assistant Clinical Director from Crane Valley PCN said:
"We are incredibly proud of what Community SWITCH has achieved so far. Partnering with Wimborne and Ferndown PCN allows us to scale this impact, ensuring our communities get the holistic, joined-up support they deserve."
Wimborne and Ferndown PCN Manager, Megan Berry, added:
"Adopting the Community SWITCH platform makes perfect sense for our shared geography. It allows us to build on Crane Valley’s fantastic groundwork while instantly giving our local groups access to brilliant resource-sharing tools."
For more information or to explore the directory, visit www.communityswitch.org