Agenda item

This paper provides an update on the current position of access within practices and PCNs in the BCP area. National comparisons are given where appropriate, alongside the Dorset view and vision. Dorset and BCP appointment activity is rising, and the data does not suggest that the growth will decrease at this time. The increase is noted in face-to-face appointments, telephone appointments and online consultations. Dorset’s appointment activity is reflected as over 10% greater per 1000 population than the national average.

The Deputy Chief Officer, Commissioning and the Senior Lead Primary Care Commissioning and Contracting, NHS Dorset, presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The report provided an update on the current position of access within practices and Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in the BCP area. National comparisons were given where appropriate, alongside the Dorset view and vision. Dorset and BCP appointment activity was rising, and the data did not suggest that the growth would decrease at this time. The increase was noted in face-to-face appointments, telephone appointments and online consultations. Dorset’s appointment activity was reflected as over 10% greater per 1000 population than the national average.

The report provided an overview of national programmes and their implementation through BCP, aligning to the wider Dorset ambition. Access Improvement Plans had been supported for all PCNs within BCP, supporting the PCNs to utilise the funding through the Capacity and Access Improvement Payment fund associated to the Network Contract. Throughout BCP improvements were expected within three areas of general practice: ease of access, data accuracy and patient experience.

The paper detailed some of the excellent work that was being undertaken at PCN level to improve access.

The report described the implementation of Access Recovery plans through Dorset and BCP, in line with addressing the 8am rush, and aiming to empower patients with understanding more about their access through general practice. The report described a funding stream designed to bring those practices on analogue phone systems on to a cloud based provider, whilst also describing national and local support offers in place from NHS England.

The Committee discussed the report and comments were made, including:

• In response to a query regarding funding through the capacity and access improvement payment and that 70% of it was automatic and 30% was based on performance, the Committee was advised of the planned process for PCN Business Managers to present to the Integrated Care Board to demonstrate their journey through access from the start of the improvement programme to that date.  It was noted the 30% would not be based on targets but consideration of the PCNs bespoke journey.
• In response to a query regarding 14-day access to GPs, the Committee was advised that included all appointments including face to face, over the phone and routine appointments.
• In response to a concern regarding the methodology of the data presented within the report and the need for more interactive data, the Committee was advised that Officers would take this away and consider how to present data in the future.  ACTION. 
• The Deputy Chief Officer wanted to highlight the importance of qualitative data and patient experience which needed to be considered, and what the red flags were regarding PCNs that were struggling.
• In response to a query about the additional roles reimbursement scheme and the funding ending in March 2024, the Committee was advised that there was an expectation that the funding for the roles would continue.
• In response to a query regarding any risks to the population in BCP, the Committee was advised that NHS Dorset had a responsibility to ensure everyone had access to a general practice and the challenge around demand was to ensure that the right people were being seen at the right time and to work collectively at a neighbourhood level, including use of community resources such as pharmacists to reduce pressures on GPs.
• In response to a query regarding social prescribing, the Committee was advised that data was available which demonstrated they were well used and practices and PCNs realised the benefits that social prescribers could have in their locality.  It was noted that the impact they were having needed to be measured and considered further.
• In response to a query regarding support groups such as PramaLife and whether there was joined up work through integrated neighbourhood work, it was highlighted how increased communication and connection was needed to progress work in this area.
• In response to a query regarding any impact the ICB had on GPs, the Committee was advised of the process of moving from the CCG to the ICB and ensuring the voice of the GPs was still heard.  It was acknowledged that the transition was difficult due to changing roles, however it was acknowledged it was a work in progress.
• In response to a query regarding the PCN Improvement plans, the Committee was advised that the business plans were not publicly available however all 18 PCNs had their plans signed off by the ICB, so it was anticipated that all of them should meet the needs of their residents. The Deputy Chief Officer advised that further consideration should be given to the publication of business plans due to the use of public funding and that NHS Dorset would consider it further. ACTION.
• The Deputy Chief Officer advised that NHS Dorset could share some further information regarding the work of the integrated neighbourhood team. ACTION.

RESOLVED that the Committee note the current position around GP Practices and identify any areas for further scrutiny.