To Follow

Jo-Ann Sheldon, Head of Primary Care, Tower Hamlets, introduced a presentation detailing the 32 practices under the national GP contract within the borough, and the challenges faced with the vast numbers of residents awaiting care. These include the lack of growth, high turnover and the effects of the recent pandemic. The high level of patient numbers across the borough in quarter 3 relate to the number of practices registering with Covid vaccinations.

Further to questions from the Sub Committee, Dr Khyati Bakhai and Dr Roberto Tamsanguan, Tower Hamlets Primary Care and Clinical Lead’s respectively:

·       Concluded that the Healthwatch recommendations are contradictory regarding the telephone booking system, and solutions lie in updating telephone lines and more promotion of the online consultation service. The appointment waiting times can be reduced with the streamlined triage system for urgent care, and more empowerment by service users to access their care on a general level. Currently 7 million people nationally are on the elective care service list, causing extra pressure on services. Further methods are required to educate the community on alternative means of access.

·       Noted that all GP practices in the borough are encouraging patients to use to NHS app, enabling accessibility to personal records. Many calls received are admin related, which can be resolved quickly if more promotion is given to the service.

·       Indicated that Tower Hamlets was one of the first boroughs to use social prescribing, a holistic approach to improve access to services. GP surgeries also work in tandem with the voluntary sector to assist with social issues, including the cost-of-living-crisis.

·       Clarified that non-clinical staff have undergone the most radical changes in their roles to ease the pressures of GP appointments. Further awareness is required to change the communities misconception of a GP surgery. Patient assistants are the first point of contact for service users and facilitate all care requirements. Other capable clinicians can assist with patient’s needs, such as trained pharmacists, physiotherapists and nurse practitioners, who are available besides doctors to empower patients to seek care in more beneficial ways.

·       Explained that many staff are leaving the profession due to burn out and wellbeing is a top priority. Ongoing training, coaching and development support has been provided, in conjunction with counselling, PCN’s and employee assistance programmes are available to ensure staff are receiving the support required. These are difficult times and negative media scrutiny compounds social perception. All patients are consulted over the phone; however, GPs would request a face-to-face visit to the surgery depending on the severity of symptoms.

The Sub-Committee:

·       Noted that Councillor Gulam Choudhury will discuss proposed methods of upscaling and promotion of the available health service options for the community to Cabinet. Further discussions on the Council working in partnership with the Primary Care team and the NHS will take place outside of this meeting.

RESOLVED that:

1.    Councillor Gulam Kibria Choudhury will discuss proposed methods to upscale and promote available health options to Cabinet.

2.    Further discussions on the council working in partnership with the Primary Care team and the NHS will take place outside of this meeting.

3.    The presentation be noted.