Issue - meetings

3.1      Martin Wilkinson (Chief Officer, Lewisham Clinical Commissioning Group) and Jemma Gilbert (Programme Director, Primary Care, NHS England) provided the Board with an overview of developments taking place both nationally and locally with regard to Primary Care. It focused specifically on Lewisham Clinical Commissioning Group’s (LCCG) Primary Care Development Strategy and progress made towards implementation.

            Martin Wilkinson explained that the two key developments that will determine how local primary care services are commissioned, delivered and improved to meet the needs of the local population are:

·           Primary Care Co-commissioning

·           Strategic Commissioning Framework for Primary Care Transformation in London.

3.2      The following issues were raised or highlighted in the discussion:

·         It will be necessary to consider the development of the neighbourhood model within the context of a new regime of Primary Care. A maximum of one Neighbourhood could possibly be covered by the new system of Primary Care provision in the next 6-9 months.

·         Easily accessible and co-ordinated (as distinct from simply physically co-located) Primary Care could enable a more effective and timely response to sudden patient need.

·         Many variables, including the flexibility and co-operation of local GPs, will determine the shape of future Primary Care provision. The general direction of travel for GPs, however, continues to point away from smaller practices towards larger ones.

·         The Board should encourage GPs to support the Primary Care Development Strategy.

·         Evidence e.g. as in Rotherham Accident and Emergency, indicated that a pilot that effectively engaged the community was likely to be more successful.

3.3       The Board:

1. Noted the recommendations and endorsed the report.

2. Agreed that the Chair, on behalf of the Board, would write to GPs in support of the proposed model for Primary Care.

3. Agreed to develop a vision / blueprint for Lewisham’s health and care system.