GP Enhanced Access Report

Healthwatch Wirral undertook an evaluation of plans made by Primary Care Networks to offer enhanced access appointments and a variety of appointment types. They gathered feedback via surveys, enter and view visits and mystery shopping from 972 people.

The comprehensive evaluation of GP EA services across multiple PCNs/SDUs and GP Practices has unveiled key insights that require consideration for future improvements. The findings indicate that whilst there are efforts to enhance patient access and experience, there are areas for improvement. 

Good Care Navigation abilities for NHS staff emerges as effective knowledge in care navigation can significantly enhance staff skills, improve communication, and empower patients to navigate the healthcare system more efficiently. The importance of local and targeted training, as highlighted in the PCN evaluations, is critical to encouraging Social Value, addressing inequalities, and ensuring a patient-centred approach. 

In the broader context, aligning the recommendations with the Primary Care Access Recovery Plan is imperative. The recommendations resonate with its key areas: empowering patients, implementing modern access Practices, building capacity, and reducing bureaucracy. 

These recommendations support the plan's overarching goals, including empowering patients through diverse appointment options, modernising access with a blend of modalities, building capacity through extended service access and reducing bureaucracy by streamlining communication. 

These recommendations reflect the vision of a patient-centred, accessible, and efficient GP system outlined in the NHS GP recovery plan, contributing to ongoing progress and resilience in Wirral's GP services. Moreover, seamlessly aligning with the Core20plus5 approach demonstrates that there is a shared commitment to the overarching objective of mitigating healthcare inequalities, both at the national and organisations levels. In conclusion, the insights derived from this report serve as a guide for ongoing improvement of GP EA services. The recommendations listed above offer a roadmap for GP Practices and PCNs to enhance services. By integrating the recommendations, Primary Care can increase inclusivity, efficiency, and patient-centred care.