GP Enhanced Access Service (EAS) Website Information for Patients

Healthwatch Barnet reviewed information about the GP Enhanced Access Service (EAS) on GP practice websites across Barnet to assess how easy it was for patients to find details about the service. The Enhanced Access Service is provided through the Barnet GP Federation, which is a collaboration of independent GP practices working together to provide additional services and improve patient care.

The review found significant variation in how accessible information was on practice websites. Information was classed as very easy to find on 14 websites (40%), easy to find on 6 websites (17%), fairly easy to find on 8 websites (23%), and difficult to find on 7 websites (20%). This indicated that many patients could experience challenges locating information about the service online. 

Healthwatch made recommendations aimed at improving the accessibility, consistency and visibility of Enhanced Access Service information across GP practice websites, helping patients understand how to access appointments and services outside normal practice hours. 

In response, the Barnet GP Federation welcomed the findings and stated that the Enhanced Access Service was well used and supported by strong clinical governance arrangements. The Federation reported that patient satisfaction with the service was approximately 95% and noted that the service had expanded beyond GP appointments to include general nursing services, with plans to involve additional health professionals in the future. The Federation committed to improving the accuracy and availability of information provided to patients. 

Barnet Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) also welcomed the report, endorsed the recommendations and stated that it would work with partners to ensure the suggested improvements were implemented.