Agenda item

To receive the enclosed briefing note/presentation followed by an opportunity for discussion and member questions.

Attendees for this item will include:

David Jarrett, Director of Primary and Integrated Care, BNSSG ICB

Dr. Geeta Iyer, GP at Gloucester Road Medical Centre and Clinical Lead for Primary Care Development, BNSSG ICB

Jenny Bowker, Head of Primary Care Development, BNSSG ICB

The Committee considered and discussed an update covering the following key areas of work in relation to timelyand equitable access to healthcare via general practice:

- Background and context to GP access, following the Covid-19 pandemic.

- Current GP access position and ongoing work.

- Workforce issues, including recruitment and retention.

- Recovery / health inequalities update.

- Communications and engagement update.

Summary of main points raised:

1. It was noted that a GP access campaign had been launched in early July with the aim of increasing understanding of and trust in services delivered from GP surgeries across the BNSSG area.  Whilst welcoming this initiative, the Chair suggested that every effort be maintained through communications teams to raise awareness of this type of initiative amongst city councillors.

2. In noting the information provided around communications and engagement, Cllr Massey drew attention to the useful approach taken by the Greenway Community Practice, which included consulting a patients group on proposed communications, e.g. in relation to a leaflet made widely available to residents on accessing services.  The practice had also introduced and provided clear information to make the public aware of the role of Care Navigators; these were not just 'receptionists’ but had a wider role to actively listen and to signpost people to the most appropriate source of help and support.  She also drew attention to the usefulness of the NHS patient app and suggested that every effort should be made to promote its availability and to encourage use. 

3. In response to questions from Cllr Hathway, it was noted that the current (increasing) percentage of 54% of patients being seen face-to-face by their GP compared with a pre-pandemic level of approx. 80%; it was confirmed that if a patient, having initially accessed a GP via an alternative means, asked for a face-to-face appointment, this would be accommodated.

4. In further discussion, it was noted that the experience of whether an alternative means of accessing a GP worked effectively (in comparison with a face-to-face appointment) for both doctor and patient varied, depending on each individual patient’s needs and the nature of each case.  In some circumstances, for example appointments that were more ‘transactional’ or where a GP was very familiar with a patient’s condition and knew the patient well, a phone conversation could sometimes be mutually appropriate for both doctor and patient; alternatively, diagnosis might in some cases not be possible through an initial phone appointment, in which case a follow-up face-to-face appointment would be appropriate.  Practices accepted the need for a flexible approach depending on the nature of the case.  In terms of the length of time taken to secure a face-to-face appointment, it was noted that the timeliness of appointments could sometimes be affected in circumstances where a patient indicated a wish to see a particular GP. 

5. With regard to the telephony statistics reported through the presentation, it was noted that call abandonment data was not currently available.  It was also noted that a new model for enhanced GP access more generally was being implemented, including a more standardised offer to patients.

6. In terms of GP recruitment and retention, it was noted that NHS England had provided an additional £200k to support retention. Other initiatives to support GP retention included:

- Networks for locum GPs, mid and late career GPs.

- Support for international GPs and increasing the number of GP practices that could

sponsor international medical graduates.

- Support for GPs in distress including training and support on risk management.

7. In terms of other means of improving access, it was noted that the Community Pharmacy Consultation Service was designed for patients requiring simple advice, treatment and, for example, could deal with urgent repeat prescriptions.

The Committee RESOLVED:

- To note the update and the above information.

On behalf of the Committee, the Chair reiterated his thanks to NHS Bristol representatives for attending the meeting in-person to present these items and to respond to members’ questions and for the clear and timely information / data provided in advance of the meeting.