Patient Needs Groups (PNGs) Explained

Health and social care providers work together to plan neighbourhood health services for local communities, with an initial focus on people with the most complex health and care needs.

To help healthcare professionals tailor care to patients, particularly those who may need additional support, people across Kent and Medway are being grouped using the Johns Hopkins Patient Needs Group (PNG) tool.

If you use the NHS App, you may already have noticed your Patient Needs Group displayed within your health information.

How do Patient Needs Groups work?

• Everyone's health needs are different. Some people are generally healthy, some have one or two long-term health conditions, and others may have more complex healthcare needs.
• The Patient Needs Group system places people into 11 different groups based on the level of health and care support they are likely to need. This helps NHS organisations understand the needs of their local population and plan services more effectively.
• Your Patient Needs Group is based on information already held within your NHS health record and does not affect the care or treatment you receive. It is simply a way of helping healthcare providers identify where additional support may be beneficial.
• Your Patient Needs Group may change over time if your health or care needs change.