Agenda item - GP Sustainability and Quality

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Agenda item

GP Sustainability and Quality

Minutes:

17.1    Steven Ingram, NHS England; and John Chard, Chief Operating Officer B&H CCG, introduced the report and gave a presentation. They highlighted the importance of ensuring the GP service in Brighton & Hove was sustainable for the future with all residents registered to a practice. GP services are under pressure across the country.

 

17.2    In response to Councillor Marsh it was explained that the workload for GPs has increased significantly in recent years. The main driver for this is demographic, with an ageing population meaning that there are more elderly, frail people in need of regular GP input. There are also significant workforce issues, with young doctors not choosing to enter into general practice, some existing GPs opting to emigrate, and older GPs increasingly looking to take early retirement.

 

17.3    The committee was informed that city GP practices have been brought together in six clusters, giving GPs the opportunity to work more closely together with similarly situated colleagues.

 

17.4    In response to Caroline Ridley’s concerns for residents in the Bevendean area having access to transport to access GP services, following the closure of the Bevendean GP practice, Mr Chard explained that the CCG was working on securing a transport provider.

 

17.5    It was explained to Councillor Deane that there was a national problem with the partnership GP practice model as this was not necessarily an attractive model for younger doctors unwilling to take the financial risk or make the long term commitment that buying into a partnership entailed.

 

17.6    The Chair noted that she felt assured by the progress described by the presenters, although there were clearly major long term challenges facing primary care in the city. The Committee agreed to take a further report in six months or so time.

 

17.7    RESOLVED – That the Committee agreed to note the report.

Supporting documents:

 


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