Agenda item

This report provides information about the Hammersmith & Fulham GP Networks, GP Network Plan 2015/16, extended hours and Out of Hospital services. 

The PAC received a report on the Hammersmith & Fulham GP Networks, GP Network Plan 2015/2016, extended hours and Out of Hospital services.

Councillor Carlebach requested an update on the flu vaccination programme and integration with GPs in Kensington & Chelsea.

Ms Parker stated that a bundle of services were being implemented across the five GP Networks, and that patients would be able to access these and move from one practice to another. Patients’ records could be shared, subject to consent and network information sharing agreement. The model would be rolled out across the borough in March 2016.

Action:

A timetable for rolling out the model across boroughs to be provided.

Hammersmith & Fulham CCG

Ms Cree responded to queries in respect of educating patients that there would be a publicity campaign for extended hours, similar to Central London and Westminster, which saw a significant increase in GP attendances and reduction in Accident & Emergency Department attendances.

Information in respect of the 24 hour pharmacy at Earls Court was provided through NHS Choices/111. In addition, there were many pharmacies with extended hours across the borough.

Councillor Lukey queried whether there was coverage for the resident population or registered population; whether mental health assessments were currently only available after first going to a GP; and if there was capacity to meet increased demand with the Out of Hospital model.

Dr Spicer was not aware of any requirement to visit a GP before receiving a mental health assessment, and would provide a written response.

Action: Hammersmith & Fulham CCG

Dr Spicer stated that services were predominantly for the registered population. Unregistered patients tended to go to the Urgent Care Centre, where they would be advised to register with a GP.

Dr Spicer stated that the CCG was committed to the OHH model and would ensure that there was capacity

Councillor Barlow queried recruitment and the SystemOne interface between primary and secondary care. Dr Spicer responded that workforce was the biggest challenge at all levels and grades across West London. Trainees were attracted to London, but retention was difficult. The networks were working with Bucks New University in respect of placements. The CCG was one of the national pilot sites for physician associates. It was also looking at how to retain staff and change the skill mix.

Councillor Vaughan proposed and it was agreed by the Committee that the guillotine be extended to 10.15pm.

Mr Naylor gave an example of a GP practice  which closed half day on Thursdays and Saturday, and noted that the CCG could not insist that an independent businesses could extend its hours.

Councillor Holder noted that the Council could assist with publicity of the new model and queried the frequency of evaluation. Ms Cree responded  that there would be six monthly reviews to test that the theory and specification were right.

Mrs Bruce noted that Adult Social Care was also facing a skills shortage and that there needed to be a shared strategy for some key roles and joint work to retain staff.

Councillor Vaughan concluded that the PAC welcomed the GP Federation, the GP Network Plan, and the extended hours for GP practices, and was interested in the detail and specifically targets and how monitored. Councillor Vaughan queried whether registered patients within the borough could go to any surgery in the network.

Dr Spicer  responded that patients would be able to pick any of the practices providing an extended hours service. SystmOne, the single GP record system used across Hammersmith & Fulham, would be used to provide access to records for the extended hours service (with patient consent) and the information would be available at the original practice immediately.

The majority of appointments would be booked in advance for routine appointments and on the day for urgent care. There would be one slot for 111 referrals.  It was intended that there would be three practices every weeks, providing extended hours from 6.30pm.

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    There were some queries in respect of the implementation of extended hours.

2.    The need for publicity and education of patients and the constraints around workforce were noted. 

3.    A report on GP access be added to the work programme.