The NHS General Practice Forward View (GPFV) presents a five-year plan aimed at sustaining and transforming general practice. One of its key national objectives is to ensure that extended access primary care services are available to all patients, offering both pre-bookable and same-day appointments from 1 September 2018.

Extended Hours Primary Care Services

Under this programme, there is a requirement to provide an additional 1½ hours of appointments after 6:30 pm on weekdays, alongside an effective weekend service tailored to local needs. All GP practices must direct patients to these services and offer evening or weekend appointments, ensuring they are treated equally to core hours appointments.

Local Implementation in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent

The Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent have reviewed existing extended access pilots, initially funded by the Prime Minister’s Challenge Fund. In collaboration with Public Health, a population needs assessment was conducted across the six CCG areas to understand local demands. This effort has been supported by consultations with patients and the public to shape weekend service provisions and address specific demographic needs.

Collaborative Approach to Care Delivery

To ensure extended access services are equitable and sustainable, GP practices and federations are working collaboratively. This collaboration may require patients to visit a nearby practice, other than their own, for appointments. However, clinicians will have access to the patient’s medical records to ensure continuity of care, even if the patient is registered at another practice.

Transforming Primary Care

As part of this initiative, practices are evolving to transform the delivery of primary care services over the next three years. This includes optimizing workforce models so that patients are directed to the most appropriate healthcare professional for their needs, which may not always be a GP. By involving other primary care professionals, practices can create additional capacity, allowing for longer appointments for patients with complex needs, such as the elderly or frail.

Meeting Local Needs

The Extended Hours Primary Care Service is designed to be responsive to the local population’s needs, shaped by feedback from patients and the public. Your local GP surgery can provide specific information regarding extended access arrangements. To book an appointment, patients can simply contact their own GP surgery.