GP Pathfinder Clinics has launched its ‘Modern General Practice Access Model’ across its GP practices to simplify and improve patient contact and provide an ‘always on’ experience for patients. Patients consistently identify improved GP access as one of their top priorities. However, the 2023 GP survey revealed that only 49.8% found it easy to reach their GP practice by phone, a significant decline from 67.6% in 2021 and 80.8% in 2012.

Improving patient access to primary care is a key priority for GP Pathfinder Clinics, particularly addressing the '8am rush' first-come-first-served booking system that is used by many practices. Patients tend to be poorly served by this system, and feedback indicated that they wanted a digitally-led system providing 24/7 access.

GP Pathfinder Clinics Clinical Director Dr Jahan Mahmoodi said: “To better meet the needs of our patients we have developed a digital telephone and online consultation system which enhances public access to our surgeries, as well as an innovative workflow system that allows us to deliver rapid request assessment and patient navigation. After the initial soft launch, we have had fantastic feedback from both patients and staff, and we’re pleased to be leading the way in the Borough and the wider region with this new model for primary care.”

Testimonials from patients following the launch have highlighted the enhanced ease of access and reduced stress in booking appointments. One patient noted, “I was thoroughly impressed by how effortless it was to secure an appointment at GP Pathfinder Clinics.”