Walsall APMS report

Healthwatch Walsall wanted to understand Alternative Provider of Medical services in four parts of the area.  They undertook a survey and focus groups, reaching 995 people.

 Fast access to an appointment was reported to be the key factor of importance to them in a practice.  Free-text survey respondents and focus group participants highlighted multiple language, parking, appointments, time during consultation and quality staffing as key factors of importance to them in a practice.

The reduction of weekend/evening appointments were largely reflected as having a negative impact with the key reason being lack of appointments. Free-text respondents also reported that accessibility, preferences, work, appointments, needing assistance and continuity were also key factors.

In terms of additional service provision, people mentioned continuity of care, ring &ride/transport, Minor Injuries Unit, Specialist clinics, access to doctors/nurses, longer opening hours, weekend opening, online appointment booking and fast appointments .

Focus group participants reported accessibility, access to female doctors, catering for different languages, continuity of care, reduction of multiple changes in commissioning, appointment availability, and technology were reported to be key priorities of concerns. Survey participants also highlighted specific demographic groups that the proposed changes would affect more. These were largely those with age and mobility issues.