Improving your Access to GP Services 

 

We’re working together across local GP practices to make it easier for you to get the care you need, when you need it — and from the right person. That might not always be a GP, but the most suitable healthcare professional for your needs.

What We've Done So Far 

  • Brought more skilled staff into practices:
    • Clinical Pharmacists, Social Prescribers, Physiotherapists and Paramedics
  • Increased appointment numbers, including same-day appointments
    • In the last year we provided an extra 12000 same day appointments through our primary care network
  • Introduced a cloud-based phone system to help answer your calls more efficiently
  • Launched online consultations so you can contact us another way
doctor-notepad
 

What We're Doing in 2025/26 

  • In 2025/26, we’ll be focusing on the following areas:

Online Consultation

  • You can access your GP via their website Monday to Friday, 8am to 6:30pm (excluding bank holidays)
  • Practices will also make more features online throughout the year such as booking appointments, asking for help, and managing other tasks through the NHS App

Helping You Get the Right Care

We’re working hard to reduce call waiting times, as well as introducing a Call-back option so you don’t need to wait on hold during our busy periods

  • Our care team will help guide you to the right support –  whether that's by phone, in person, or online
  • This may include booking an appointment with a GP or another suitable clinician
  • Signposting you to services like Community Pharmacy

Sign Up for the NHS App

The NHS App makes it easier to:

  • Book and manage appointments
  • Order repeat prescriptions
  • View parts of your GP record
  • Access trusted NHS health information

If you're aged 13 or over, speak to our reception team, join one of our digital support workshops or Sign up to the NHS APP

Continuity of Care for Complex Needs

  • Based on your feedback, we know that seeing the same people matters
  • Some patients with complex health needs will now have a named care team
  • We’re also reviewing our appointments to make sure you see the right person at the right time
 

We Want to Hear From You!

In 2024, we:

  • Ran a patient survey to gain your thoughts on access to GP services
  • Held local events and a borough-wide webinar to hear your views

In 2025/26, we will:

  • Launch a new survey with your input via the Patient Participation Group (PPG)
  • Share the survey widely and hold another open engagement session – everyone welcome!

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your feedback — it’s helping us improve and shape better GP services for everyone.

Published: Jul 16, 2025