New support for primary care staff implementing lipid management pathways

Updated 13 January 2023: Please note that this initiative is no longer accepting applications.

Supporting the implementation of lipid management pathway

An initiative has been launched offering primary care networks (PCNs) across the East of England tailored packages of support to aid the embedding of the NICE-approved lipid management pathway, which was introduced in 2020.

A Lipid is the scientific term for fats in the blood. The two main types of lipids that affect heart disease are fatty acids, which can combine to form fats called triglycerides and cholesterol. 

The aim of lipid therapy is to decrease the risk of heart disease by lowering harmful cholesterol levels. Doctors often recommend that people at risk make lifestyle changes, such as eating a diet lower in fat, exercising, and losing weight. If lifestyle changes alone do not lower cholesterol levels enough they may be recommended medications. 

The AHSN Network and the AAC (Accelerated Access Collaborative) are working with local health systems to implement lipid pathways in line with the AAC NICE-endorsed guidance. 

As part of this national programme, we are inviting PCN-led expressions of interest (EOI) for support building practical capabilities which reduce the impact of healthcare inequalities in cardiovascular disease prevention, upskill the existing workforce and support the local workforce in best practice around lipid optimisation. 

What support is available? 

Up to 100 PCNs across the country will have access to support packages tailored to their needs, which may include: 

• Support from an on-site clinical pharmacist 
• A digital competency framework to help you ,to establish best lipids optimisation practice and to support service redesign 
• Access to digital tools to support clinical decision-making 

Materials supporting the development of expressions of interest are available from Health Innovation East’s Lipids Programme Manager, who can also be contacted for full details and eligibility guidelines – cvdteam@healthinnovationeast.co.uk.  

Please note:  The National Lipids Programme Workforce Support Solution (“NLPWSS”) has been created as part of the collaborative working project between NHS England and Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd (“Novartis”). Funding for the NLPWSS has been provided by Novartis. Novartis will have (i) no involvement in the operation of the Expression of Interest process and (ii) no involvement in the selection of the recipients of the NLPWSS. Novartis will manage the delivery of solutions to awarded recipients.