Agenda item

To receive an update from the ICS regarding the work that has been undertaken with GP surgeries to improve GP access.

The Primary Care Partnership Lead for the Integrated Care Board (ICB), presented an update on access to general practice services, supported by data from July 2025. Members heard that access was improving, with positive trends in same-day and next-day appointment measures. All practices within the Primary Care Networks in Telford & Wrekin now offer extended access, and the rollout of Modern General Practice and mobile telephony systems was underway, with go-live dates confirmed. The Primary Care Partnership Lead for the ICB also outlined the introduction of quality visits, which used data-driven support to assist practices performing below national metrics.

Members were advised that GP-led appointments currently stood at 38%, compared to a national average of 48%. The Primary Care Partnership Lead highlighted upcoming contractual changes linked to the NHS 10-Year Plan, which placed greater emphasis on digital solutions. From 1 October 2025, new contract requirements were to come into effect, including the mandatory provision of online consultation tools. An audit was being undertaken to ensure all practices had these facilities in place and that they were easily accessible to patients.

The presentation included data on appointment trends and patient experience, showing improvements in access and engagement. The Primary Care Partnership Lead explained that national priorities aimed to reduce unwarranted variation in access and that the 2025 plan positions primary care as the front door to community pharmacy and mental health services. Members heard that some practices continued to face challenges and it was confirmed that support was being provided through the national Primary Medical Services programme. Recent patient survey results indicated that overall experience has improved to 75%, although six practices remained below the benchmark and were receiving targeted assistance. The Board were advised that ease of access scores had risen compared to last year, largely due to the adoption of technology solutions, and overall feedback remained positive at 80%, though it was noted that this did not provide the full picture.

The Primary Care Partnership Lead highlighted the success of Pharmacy First and Optometry First initiatives, which aimed to reduce prescription waste and improve access to care. The Board were informed that engagement with practices had been positive, and strong relationships had been established to support ongoing improvements.

During the discussion, Members thanked the Primary Care Partnership Lead for their update and stressed the importance of addressing issues around GP Access and improving public confidence. The Board recognised the pressures that practices faced but noted that feedback from residents suggested that access to GP services remained inconsistent, with some practices struggling. The Chief Executive Officer of the STW ICB confirmed that work to improve GP access was ongoing and shared that he would be personally visiting all practices, with the aim of building greater confidence and transparency.

The Board noted the significance of the links to dentistry access, winter pressures, and ICB reconfiguration when considering GP access, stressing that these challenges must be addressed collectively. The Chief Executive Officer STW ICB agreed and encouraged councillors to promote patient feedback surveys to help inform future improvements. Members agreed that the Council’s Health Scrutiny Committee would continue to monitor developments with GP Access, particularly at the level of individual practices.

The Board noted the presentation and welcomed the progress being made to improve access to general practice services.