Today I met with Dr Ruth Tapparo at Three Villages Medical Practice to discuss primary care and their delivery of GP services.
I also saw the practice’s new online booking system, which has made it quicker and easier for patients to get GP appointments. The new system has alleviated pressure on phone lines and allows the practice to offer bespoke care for patients depending on their needs. I was however very concerned about the scale of demand and then pressure on the practice staff and GP’s.
Ruth and I are very much aligned on the need for more preventative health care and happy to pick this up and discuss with the health team.
The new Health Secretary has also announced funding for community pharmacies to offer more services to patients, which will help to reduce pressure on GP surgeries. Pharmacists will be able to supply both more medicines without a prescription from a GP and more diagnostic tests.
