Care Navigation – A Celebration
At Conexus Healthcare, we took immense pride in leading one of the UK’s most recognised Care Navigation training programmes.
Since launching our accredited Introduction to Care Navigation course in 2018, we supported and empowered over 13,900 learners.
Throughout the years, we worked closely with Primary Care Networks (PCNs), Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), University Health Boards in Wales, NHS Trusts, Training Hubs, GP Confederations, and individual medical practices, covering over 60 areas across the UK.
The programme played a vital role in transforming frontline primary care—giving staff the confidence and skills to guide patients to the right care, first time. It eased pressures on clinicians, improved patient journeys, and strengthened support across general practice.
We’re incredibly proud of the legacy this training has left behind and the thousands of professionals who took part in reshaping how care is delivered in communities across the country.
West Wakefield was part of the first group of successful Vanguard organisations selected to deliver new models of care. It pioneered Care Navigation, a model that helps patients access a wide range of health and social care services, as well as the most appropriate health professionals.
The Vanguard Care Navigation project led by West Wakefield resulted in 5,819 successful signposts, saving an estimated 743 GP hours. Across Wakefield, more than 270 care navigators have now been trained.
Care Navigation was rolled out nationally, with South Tees becoming the first area to implement the model across 22 practices. Conexus supported delivery of care navigation training across 40 CCGs and GP Federations, reaching approximately 15% of the population in England and Wales.
The Care Navigation National Consultancy and Training Programme proudly won the prestigious HSJ Award for Community or Primary Care Services Redesign, recognising its innovative impact on patient care across the country.
We began developing and offering essential skills training to care navigators, enhancing the core Care Navigation programme. This was complemented by the introduction of ARRS roles funding, which further strengthened care navigation by enabling staff to signpost patients to these new roles, thereby improving overall patient access.
The pandemic led to a shift in all training to online formats, replacing in-person sessions. This transition allowed for greater accessibility and flexibility, enabling participants to engage with training from anywhere. While it presented challenges, such as adapting to new technology, it also opened up opportunities for reaching a wider audience and ensuring continuity of learning during a time of uncertainty.
A total of 1,270 learners were trained across various programmes, demonstrating the continued growth and impact of Care Navigation training despite the challenges of the pandemic.
The number of learners trained surged to 3,181, reflecting growing demand for Care Navigation and related training. This represents a 150% increase from the previous year.
The number of learners trained increased to 4,479, continuing the upward trend of previous years. This demonstrates the sustained demand and effectiveness of the Care Navigation programme.
A total of 1,890 learners were trained in 2024, including over 2,000 learners across Cheshire & Merseyside during 2023/2024. This highlights the programme's regional impact and continued relevance.
In the first quarter of 2025, 557 learners were trained, continuing the strong momentum of the programme. This indicates a promising trajectory for the year ahead.
These infographics showcase two standout Care Navigation initiatives: the Care Navigation Champions group in Wakefield and a training programme delivered across Cheshire and Merseyside. Both projects played a key role in developing staff confidence and improving patient access to the right care.
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