To receive a presentation from Dr Michael Evans, Clinical Director for Cheadle Primary Care Network, about the Primary Care Network (PCN) and its function within the health system and how Cheadle PCN engages with neighbourhood partners, as well as information as to the Cheadle PCN population health plan.
Minutes:
In accordance with the Code of Practice the Cheadle Primary Care Network wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.
Dr Michael Evans (Clinical Director for Cheadle Primary Care Network) was in attendance at the meeting to support the discussion on this item.
The Chair then set out the procedure to support the discussion on the item.
The following comments were made/issues raised:
· Cheadle Primary Care Network was an integration of health and social care services
· The integration of services improved the overall patient journey; historically the two services had worked separately. Mental health practitioners were embedded in practices and facilitated quicker care.
· Many mental health conditions had a social cause; processes had been streamlined to allow patients to access the correct service in a more timely manner.
· Members expressed concern at the prevalence of the issue of loneliness affecting residents and suggested that the voluntary sector could assist to create better outcomes for patients and the community as a whole.
· The network was comprised of four practices, Cheadle Medical Practice, Gatley Medical Centre, Heald Green Health Centre and Finney Lane Surgery. All four operated as separate practices but worked collaboratively to offer services at a larger scale.
· Enhanced access appointments were offered in the evenings and at weekends with the aim of improving patient access to primary care and allow patients to benefit from more convenient appointment times.
· The network undertook community outreach activities such as ‘tea with the GP’ events at local community venues to improve awareness of local services run by Stockport Council and volunteer groups
· The network was working towards a population health plan, focussing on mental health, frail or older adults, loneliness and the low up take by Stockport’s South Asian population of services such as screening and vaccines.
· Members asked about the Primary Care Network’s work on neurodiversity, in particular access to assessments. In response it was confirmed that there was a backlog for assessments; many people had not been identified as neurodiverse during their education. It was also reported that health care professionals needed to better understand the referral process and what additional support was available to patients.
· Members asked whether information sharing could have a positive impact on patients accessing services. It was reported that whilst community services had access to records and shared notes, hospitals only had access to condensed records. The situation was progressing, in particular for end of life patients.
· Members asked whether the Network was made aware of new homes in their area and whether they were able to recruit staff to meet additional demand. In response it was confirmed that practices were informed of significant residential developments which enabled them to plan accordingly.
· Members asked whether there were any barriers to patients accessing services. It was reported that patients found some disconnect between the different services. Work was ongoing to identify gaps within the system and to make adjustments in order to better direct patients to relevant services.
· Members requested for further information on the outreach work being undertaken with the South Asian population in the Cheadle area. The network had engaged with Cheadle Mosque in order to gain an understanding of the needs and priorities for the community. Social events had taken place at the mosque with the aim of encouraging attendees to take up screenings for a number of conditions. The mosque had also been used to offer blood tests and other medical services.
· In relation to waiting lists, the target for an appointment was two weeks. Patients were no longer able to request an appointment with a specific GP. The Network had been able to provide a high number of appointments to patients in the past year.
· The funding model for primary care services was based on the number of patients were registered with each practice. Additional funding was granted to the network for the provision of evening and Saturday appointments and visits to care homes. Furthermore, funding was provided for performance based care, linked to patient outcomes.
· Members asked about the absence of a screening programme for prostate cancer in men. There was no test which met the criteria for a screening tool. It was reported, however, that patient groups with a high risk for prostate cancer were offered screenings.
· It was acknowledged that there were gaps in the support available for children with mental health issues. Members considered that educators and parents required guidance to support social emotional and mental health in children.
· Members thanked health care teams for their ongoing work and their work during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Members thanked Dr Evans for his attendance, his presentation and contribution to the wider discussion.