A new inquiry by a National Assembly committee will look at how well GP clusters are developing across Wales, and what can be done to help reduce demand on GPs and improve access and quality of care provided to patients.
The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee will focus on the role of the 64 GP cluster networks around Wales, in improving the quality of health and social care services provided to patients in their area.
The role of clusters is expected to develop and gain influence with time. Clusters aim to work together in order to prevent ill-health by enabling people to keep themselves well and independent for as long as possible by providing a wide range of health and social care professionals in the community.
Clusters are also better co-ordinated to local needs and designed to ensure that patients receive a smooth and safe transition from hospital services to community based services and vice versa.
There is a consensus among professional bodies that general practice in Wales is at crisis point, with excessive workloads, an ageing workforce and challenges facing recruitment and retention.
So the Committee will be looking at, among other things:
- How GP cluster networks in Wales can assist in reducing demand on GPs and the extent to which clusters can provide a more accessible route to care (including mental health support in primary care);
- The emerging multi-disciplinary team (how health and care professionals fit into the new cluster model and how their contribution can be measured);
- The current and future workforce challenges; and
- The funding allocated directly to clusters to enable GP practices to try out new ways of working; how monies are being used to reduce the pressure on GP practices, improve services and access available to patients.
“Healthcare in Wales is going through radical change as services adjust to cope with the challenges we face such as a scattered and ageing population, and more complex health needs” said Dai Lloyd AM, Chair of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee.
“GP clusters can be an effective way to deliver much needed essential services, relieving some of the pressure on GPs themselves.
“We have already heard from a number of professional bodies that suggest general practice in Wales is at crisis point, facing increasing workloads and problems with recruitment and retention of staff.
“So the need to place general practice on a more sustainable footing has never been more stark.
“We intend to establish a picture of what primary care looks like in Wales, where it is heading and what needs to be done to ensure it is fit and healthy enough to provide the high quality services people across Wales need.”
Anyone wishing to contribute to the inquiry should visit the Committee’s consultation page to find out how or follow what’s going on via Twitter - @SeneddHealth.