Winter planning and GP access
The NHS faced a very challenging winter in 2016/17. Adverse weather conditions over winter put extra pressures on services due to increased numbers of accidents, more emergency hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and a rise in flu and norovirus.
In response to this our Clinical Effectiveness & Research Team reviewed the evidence around winter planning and GP access, to find out if improved access to GPs could reduce A&E attendances and hospital admissions.
Our impact
We identified that increased access to GPs, including seven day opening; out of hours access; appointments within two days and continuity of care are related to reductions in A&E attendances, and in some subsequent hospital admissions.
The evidence review was used by clinical commissioning leads to make decisions about 2017/18 winter services. It helped to identify which services should be commissioned in specific areas, to reduce A&E attendances and hospital admissions during the winter months.