Shaping GP services in Sutton

GP practices are now working together in four Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in the London Borough of Sutton.

PCNs were formally established in July 2019 and are groups of GP practices who are working together to provide a wider variety of services at a broader range of times. PCNs cover local populations of between 30,000 and 50,000 people. 

It is intended that PCNs deliver the following for patients: 

• Better, more personalised health and care services, delivered more conveniently in settings closer to home 
• Support for individuals with more complex condition that is better co-ordinated across different health and care services 
• Stronger support for patients to play a much greater role in making safe and informed decisions about their own health and care, taking full advantage of all local resources. 

We wanted to find out what you thought about these changes to GP services. Here is what you told us: 

• 52% of respondents would be willing to use an app to answer questions before contacting a GP, however, 28% stated they do not use apps. 
• Over half of respondents would not be willing to take part in a group appointment with people with a similar condition. 
• 3/4 of respondents would accept a referral to a link worker. A link worker could support you to access a service or activity provided by a group or charity (e.g. social activity, housing or debt advice). 
• Self-management and exercise (group and individual) were the areas most commonly select for advice and support.  

What's next? 

Following on from the publication of this report, recommendations and actions will be developed in partnership with key stakeholders. These include: 

• Primary Care Networks (via their Clinical Directors and support staff)
• Primary Care Commissioners 
• Sutton GP Services (GP Federation)
• Patient Participation Groups and the Sutton Patient Reference Group