What are PNGs?
- PNGs sort patients by how much help they need right now.
- They were first made by doctors at Johns Hopkins University.
- PNGs look at the whole person, not just one illness or health problem.
How do we decide which PNG you’re in?
- How many health problems you have
- How serious those problems are
- How much help you need each day
The three colour groups
PNG 10-11
- You have several serious or long-term health problems.
- You need regular checks from a team of nurses and doctors.
PNG 5-9
- You have one or more long-term problems, but they are steady.
- You need a check-up from time to time to stay on track.
PNG 1-4
- You are healthy or have only minor issues.
- The aim is to keep you well and stop illness before it starts.
Your PNG can change if your health changes and can go down or up. That is normal and it helps doctors adjust your care. There are a few things you can do to improve your PNG score too.
Why does knowing your PNG help?
- Personal care: We will plan appointments and treatment that fit you.
- Teamwork: All your health workers share the same plan, so nothing is missed.
- Fair use of time: People who need quick help get seen sooner.
- Staying healthy: If you are Green (PNG 1-4), we’ll focus on keeping you well and building healthy habits.
- Clear talks: You and your doctor can speak easily about what support you need now and in the future.
In short
A Patient Need Group is a quick picture of how much care you need. It helps health teams give you the right help, at the right time, and keeps you in charge of your own health journey.