IMPROVING YOUR ACCESS TO GP SERVICES

Posted on May 15th, 2026

At our practice, we are making it easier for you to get the care you need, when you need it, from the right professional. This may not always be a GP, but the right person for your needs.

What we have already improved

Over the last year, we have been working to improve access by:

• Improving telephone systems and call handling
• Supporting you to find the right care or service for your needs
• Providing more consistent care for patients with complex needs
• Encouraging use of digital tools such as the NHS App
• Asking patients for feedback to help shape services

What is new in 2026/27

This year, we are building on that work and focusing on:

Easier contact with your practice

• Making it easier to contact the practice
• Practices are continuing to improve phone systems, call-back options and queue information
• We are also working to make access clearer and more consistent across all practices

More support to use the NHS App

The NHS App can help you:

• Order repeat prescriptions quickly
• View parts of your GP health record
• See test results
• Manage appointments where available
• Receive messages from your practice

New this year:

• Our Practice Ambassador can guide you through setting up and using the NHS App, making it simpler to manage your health
• Where available, online services will include translation support

More consistent care for patients who need it most

Some patients with more complex or ongoing health needs benefit from seeing the same team more regularly.

New this year:

• More patients will be identified who would benefit from more consistent care
• We will focus on supporting patients with more complex or higher-risk health needs
• We will keep reviewing how this works so care feels more joined-up and consistent

Listening to patients and acting on feedback

Your feedback helps us improve how access works.

This year practices will:

• Run an access survey for patients
• Promote it widely online, by text, in practices and through local networks
• Use feedback to improve services

New this year:

• There will be a stronger focus on hearing from different communities and people who may find it harder to access care
• We will carry out community engagement during the year
• We will work with local groups and partners to build trust and improve access

Reaching out into local communities

New this year:

• We will identify local population groups who may face more barriers to accessing care
• We will take part in community sessions and events to improve awareness

We want to hear from you

We are committed to improving with your help. You can get involved through:

• Patient surveys
• Practice Patient Participation Groups
• Practice website
• Local engagement and outreach events

THANK YOU

Thank you for helping us shape better GP services for our community.