Agenda item

·       Interim Director of Commissioning, NCL CCG

·       Executive Managing Director, Barnet, NCL CCG

The Chairman invited the following to the meeting:

·       Paul Sinden, Director of Performance, Planning and Primary Care, NCL CCG

·       Daniel Morgan, Interim Director of Commissioning, NCL CCG

·       Kay Matthews, Executive Managing Director, NCL CCG

·       Dr Charlotte Benjamin Vice Chairman, Barnet Health and Wellbeing Board and Vice Chairman, NCL CCG

 Alternative Provider Medical Services (APMS)

Mr Sinden reported that the GP Contract had been due to end on 30 June 2020 but had been extended to March 2021 due to the disruption with Covid-19. The procurement for the new service would begin in September so that it will be in place from April 2021. Mr Sinden added that he will notify the Chairman when the contract is awarded so that he can report back to the Committee. 

Cricklewood Walk in Service (WIC)

Mr Morgan reported that the WIC Contract had been due to end in June 2020. Barnet and Brent CCGs had carried out a 3-month engagement exercise with stakeholders, the outcome of which determined that it would be best to close the WIC. The CCG has transferred some financial resources from the WIC into the existing GP Practice to increase appointment capacity. Mr Morgan noted that the CCG has written to all patients to encourage them to register with a local GP Practice and to make them aware of locally available services.

Mr Morgan reported that the CCG had been asked whether without the WIC there would be alternatives to A&E. Mr Morgan confirmed that the CCG had set up an Integrated Care Partnership Board and one of the key work-streams was a focus on Same-Day Access for Barnet residents. A Member asked whether there would be a gap in Same-Day Access and why Same-Day Access not been made more of a priority.  Ms Matthews noted that the case had been well made to close the Cricklewood WIC and the model in its current form was outmoded. Covid-19 had resulted in transforming how Primary Care Services were delivered including remote triage and online consultations. This innovation in service delivery would be built into the model for Same Day Access.  Ms Matthews agreed to bring this back to a future HOSC for discussion.

A Member enquired whether Same-Day Access will become easier for patients who wish to see a specific GP. Ms Matthews responded that GPs had rapidly implemented remote triage and digital systems such as e-consult which would take patients straight to the best practitioner for their needs.

Dr Benjamin reported that since the pandemic GPs’ work had gone from around 15% to around 90% of consultations being undertaken remotely using a digital platform.  This has enabled a huge increase in Same Day Access for patients and for those patients without digital access the phone lines are much freer.

A Member asked how vulnerable patients such as those who are hard of hearing, or with English as a second language, are being supported. Dr Benjamin noted that the CCG is aware of this group of patients. Language Line provides 3-way telephone calls and is very effective. It is recognised that remote consultations do not suit all patients particularly elderly and vulnerable patients so the model will be adapted to ensure that it supports the needs of these groups of patients.

RESOLVED that the Committee noted the written and verbal reports.