NHS North West London is working with local GPs and primary care networks* to improve access to primary care** services.
Plans developed earlier in the year with a focus on ‘same day access’ to services have been reconsidered following concerns expressed by some patients and GPs. We recognise, however, that access to primary care – including getting GP appointments - is often a challenge for residents and patients – indeed, it is the issue people raise with us most consistently when we talk to local communities.
Under the new plans, each of our 45 primary care networks will be invited to hold at least two events to discuss access to services with their patients and local communities. Our expectation is that one event would be face to face and one would be virtual. These events will be preceded by a survey sent out by practices to their patients, with the aim of getting a clear picture of patient experience in each area. The surveys will be supplemented by feedback from our community outreach work and input from other bodies who talk regularly to the public, including Healthwatch and voluntary sector organisations.
Dr Genevieve Small, Harrow GP and Medical Director of Primary Care for North West London, said:
“We’d really encourage people to complete the survey so we can get as full a picture as possible of what patients are experiencing. We’d also encourage patients to go along to any events they are invited to and have their say."
Further information
The attached slide deck sets out the plan in more detail, including the survey questions.
This paper sets out the thinking behind the survey and our target response rate
Read our report on patient feedback on primary care
*A primary care network (PCN) is a group of practices working closely together, aligned to other health and social care staff and organisations, providing joined up services to their local population.
** Primary care services are those which provide the first point of contact in the NHS. Primary care includes GPs, community pharmacy, dental and eye health services.