Improving access to high quality care from GPs, dentists, opticians, and pharmacists is something which local people raise with us regularly. Our aim is to implement a transformed primary care operating model that delivers equitable access to high quality care that is safe, integrated, consistent and person-centred.

The plan describes the work underway to:
- develop more joint working in primary care to support the services to be future fit
- support workforce growth, retention, and recruitment
- maximise opportunities to develop better premises
- implement new solutions to improve access, including new technologies.
Outcomes to be achieved
- Increased primary care appointments, improved access, and reduced waiting times
- Increased dental activity
- Increased patient satisfaction and experience
- Increased digital functionality, including telephony
- Grow our workforce, expand new roles
- Implementation of Fuller recommendations
- Deliver our delegated responsibilities (GP and Pharmacy, Optometry and Dental Services)
- Optimised estates and communications
- Establish integrated ways of working
- Deliver the Primary Care Collaborative Transformation Programme
Work Programme
Programme | To be delivered |
---|---|
Development/embedding of Primary Care Collaborative Establish the governance, clinical leadership and the required infrastructure to deliver collaborative working. |
2024/25 |
Establish/develop the primary care workforce and transformation unit (primary care delivery vehicle) Establish new ways of working, deliver organisational development and work programme focussing on access, Long Term Conditions and unwarranted variation. |
2025/26 |
Primary Care Collaborative transformation work programme (future operating model) Undertake strategic development and implement the transformation programme. |
2027/28 |
Improving general medical services (GP) access Support PCNs to implement practice-based solutions to improve patient access and experience. |
2023/24 |
Primary Care Network (PCN) Estates Programme Reconfiguration of vacant space, maximise e-booking systems, and deliver the Estates Strategy. |
2027/28 |
PCN Development Programme Support PCNs to ‘maturity’ and embed the development programme reflecting the Fuller recommendations. |
2025/26 |
Increasing Dental Access Programme Develop a dental strategy and deliver improvement plans. |
2027/28 |
ICS Primary and Community Care Training Hub contract/system workforce development programme Embed workforce planning and secure the resources to deliver the improvements. |
2024/25 |