Alternative services will help GPs, says NHS boss

NHS boss James Roach told the BBC alternative services and online appointments can ease pressure on GPs

Making use of "untapped resources" like pharmacies could help people see the same doctor on repeat visits by easing pressure on GPs, a health boss has said.

James Roach, director of primary care and local care for Hampshire and Isle of Wight, appeared in BBC Radio Solent's Hot Seat on Monday and heard from listeners who said getting an appointment was "impossible".

He said he was alarmed by some of the views but said alternative services and online appointments were helping free up GPs.

One listener said that while clinical staff were helpful, they were disappointed at being unable to see the same doctor on repeat visits.

"One of the things we are trying to do is to recognise that we need quite a multifaceted model," said Mr Roach.

The NHS calls this Modern General Practice - using a mix of face-to-face appointments, online appointments, the use of other professionals like pharmacies and the NHS app.

Mr Roach said the hope was it would ease pressure on GPs so patients could be seen by the right person at the right time.

Pharmacies are able to offer treatment for some conditions

He highlighted initiatives such as Pharmacy First, which allows pharmacies to prescribe for common minor illnesses.

"Last year was the first full year of Pharmacy First, and I think we did around 160,000 appointments across our community pharmacies," he said.

"That frees up our GPs to focus on continuity of care and deal with the most urgent," he added.

"It also demonstrates that our patients and our public are prepared to try alternatives."

Last week, the Department of Health and Social Care announced all GP practices in England were now required to keep services which let patients book online appointments open from 08:00 to 18:30, Monday to Friday.

Mr Roach said he believed this would help end the 08:00 scramble for over-the-phone appointments.

"What it will enable us to do is manage demand in different ways, create variety in terms of access, look at how people can access alternative services," he said.