Agenda item

The meeting received a report and presentation giving an overview of arrangements for access to primary medical care in Barnsley.  The meeting noted specific initiatives in relation to extended access through the iHeart Barnsley arrangements, the use of digital technology to improve access through the Patient Partner and Patient On-line arrangements, and a range of workforce initiatives that recognise the importance of access to general practice services, rather than just the GP as an individual.  The presentation highlighted as priorities for 2018/19 the consideration of results from the 2018 Patients Survey, the wider development of e-consultations, increased capacity of extended access and patient on-line uptake, a review of current opening hours and consideration of locality access.

The meeting welcomed the proposals to develop the extended access arrangements, particularly given the difficulty that residents of the Dearne Valley would have accessing the current arrangements.  The use of digital technology to access services was noted, and there was a need to consider possible barriers, including poor broadband coverage as well as digital exclusion, in enabling access.  The current review of libraries also provided an opportunity to review the use of space in LIFT centres to support developments within the locality.

The meeting welcomed the consideration being given to the work undertaken by HealthWatch in relation to access to general practice.  The importance of promoting with the public the idea that there were numerous entry points for general practice services, and not just through the GP, in order to maximise access was acknowledged.  The meeting noted the response from Accident and Emergency services that 25% of those patients attending hospital could have been treated by their GP, and that potentially more patients could be redirected if general practice had the capacity.  This highlighted the importance of ensuring that patients were properly signposted to those different access points.

RESOLVED that the report and presentation be noted and the plans and priorities for improving access to general practice services during 2018/19 be welcomed.