Impact Report: Extended Access to GP Appointments
This report aims to present the impact of our previous investigation into the extended access service (also known as the 7 day service).
The investigation took place in 2017 and its findings were presented in a report: ‘Week Spot?’.
The investigation took the form of a ‘mystery shopper’ exercise where frontline staff in GP practices were asked if they were aware of the Extended Access Service. The service provides extra GP appointments outside usual surgery times in the evenings and at weekends.
Recommendations:
- Continued investment in GP practice staff, especially frontline staff, is required.
- Training for frontline staff in awareness of the Extended Access service and other associated issues is provided on an ongoing basis.
- The disconnect between staff awareness of the commissioned Extended Access service and its offer and promotion to patients requires further investigation.
- Healthwatch Manchester will actively promote the service through its distribution channels as part of its information and signposting function and as a champion of patient rights.
- A dialogue is opened between GP Practice Managers and Healthwatch Manchester regarding these issues and also regarding the issue of registration with a GP practice falling within defined parameters.
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