NHS Confederation responds to plans for digital phonelines in GP surgeries

Responding to the announcement from the Department of Health and Social Care that GP surgeries in England will have digital phonelines by March 2024, Ruth Rankine, director of the primary care network at the NHS Confederation said:

“Investment in new technology and ways of working is a critical component of transforming primary care amidst the increasing demand for services and reducing numbers of GPs. However, making it easier for patients to get access to primary care does not address the fundamental capacity challenges that remain from reducing numbers of GPs. Further financial investment is needed to both sustain core general practice, and at the same time build new models of care that meet changes in how patients are now accessing services and the working preferences of the future workforce.

“Today’s workforce figures paint a positive picture in terms of the range of new roles that are coming into primary care, using a wider range of professionals in the delivery of patient care has become a key element of the transformation of primary care.  

“Today we also welcome the investment in Community Pharmacy to relieve pressure on General Practice. Interconnectivity between Pharmacy and General Practice IT systems is a vital component to the success of the Pharmacy First Scheme, and leaders recognise that integration between Primary Care IT systems is a priority for new initiatives, if collaborative working is to succeed.”