Report to:

East Sussex Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC)

 

Date of meeting:

 

30 June 2022

By:

Assistant Chief Executive

 

Title:

Access to GP Practices in East Sussex

 

Purpose:

To provide an overview of access to GP surgeries and appointments following the Covid-19 pandemic, including the challenges Practices are facing in returning services to pre-Covid levels and changes in working practices.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee is recommended to:

1)    note the report outlining the current position regarding access to GPs in East Sussex; and

2)    consider whether to include any further items on GP services in the Committee’s future work programme.

1.            Background

1.1.        The Health Overview Scrutiny Committee (HOSC) has included a number of items in its work programme to explore the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on health services in East Sussex. One of the concerns which has been brought to the attention of HOSC members is the issue of access to GP practices and the ability to get an appointment with a GP.

1.2.        During the pandemic, the way in which primary care services are provided changed rapidly in response to Covid restrictions and the need for social distancing to prevent the spread of the disease. Many new and innovative ways of working were introduced in response to the challenges faced by GP practices in maintaining services.

1.3.        The Committee is also aware of reporting in the media that people are finding it hard to get an appointment with a GP and that there are challenges with the number of GPs working in GP Practices in East Sussex.

1.4.        This report aims to provide an overview of the current situation in regard to GP services and access to GP appointments in East Sussex.

2.            Supporting Information

2.1.        East Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which has delegated powers relating to the commissioning of GP practices in East Sussex, has produced a report covering a number of topics relating to GP Access. The report is attached as appendix 1.

3.            Conclusion and reasons for recommendations

3.1       The HOSC is recommended to note the report and consider whether to include any further work, or reports, on subject of access to GPs in the Committee’s future work programme.

 

PHILIP BAKER
Assistant Chief Executive

Contact Officer: Harvey Winder, Scrutiny and Policy Officer
Tel. No. 01273 481796
Email: Harvey.winder@eastsussex.gov.uk