We are improving timely access to primary care by expanding capacity and increasing the number of appointments available. The NHS Long Term Plan commits to increasing investment in primary medical and community services.
In South West London we are trying to maximise the impact of this investment in primary medical care and Primary Care Networks (PCNs) to support integrated working at neighbourhood and place level. This includes looking for opportunities to support integration between community services and PCNs, given they are an integral part of solutions to key system challenges that require a whole system response. This work also includes elective recovery and supporting more people in their own homes and local communities.
We are also looking at how community pharmacies can play a greater role in local plans as part of these integrated approaches.
How we’re making a difference
What are we doing?
In 2022/23 our priorities are:
Growing our workforce
We are supporting our Primary Care Networks to increase the size of the PCN workforce in South West London to meet their share of the 20,500 full-time equivalent (FTE) PCN roles detailed in the NHS Long Term Plan by the end of 2022/23, as well as to expand the number of GPs in South West London towards the 6,000 national FTE target by supporting national GP recruitment and retention initiatives so we can increase the number of appointments available in general practice.
Making more use of community pharmacists
Developing plans to transfer more lower acuity care from general practice to community pharmacies through the Community Pharmacist Consultation Service, supported by delivering the Impact Fund indicator for PCNs.
Helping Primary Care Networks deliver innovative services
We are supporting practices and PCNs to make sure that every patient has the right to be offered digital-first primary care by 2023/24. We are also supporting PCNs to deliver two new services as part of GP Contract changes introduced in April 2022 through the Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service (DES) of anticipatory care and personalised care. The existing cardiovascular disease diagnosis and prevention service will be expanded.
As a system we are implementing revised arrangements for enhanced access delivered through PCNs from October 2022.
Local commissioning
We are developing plans for NHS South West London ICB to become the delegated commissioners for primary medical services, dental services, community pharmacy and optometry services during 2022/23. These services are currently commissioned by NHS England.
Get involved
If you would like to get involved in our work to transform primary care email us at hello@swlondon.nhs.uk
Find out more about how you can get involved in our work on the Get Involved pages.