Written question WQ82562

GP practices are open and responding to patients’ needs.

I remain committed to the primary care model for Wales – everyone should have access to the right clinician at the right time (not always a GP), in the most appropriate way. The model was developed by Public Health Wales through engagement with stakeholders, including patient groups. Prior to the pandemic, GP practices had already started to adopt the model and clinical triage as a key tool.

While the risk of Covid-19 remains, there will continue to be restrictions on the number of people who can be inside a practice at any one time, to minimise risk. These measures are in place to protect staff and patients. Patients are encouraged to contact their practice by telephone or by digital means; a clinician will assess the patient and offer an appropriate consultation with a health professional, including a face-to-face consultation if clinically appropriate.

Digital consultations are now a feature of how people are treated and provide access to timely and convenient appointments without people having to leave the house.

Appointments are not necessarily with the GP but provided by a range of practice staff who can support people’s needs, such as physiotherapists, pharmacists and practice nurses. GP practices continue to play their part in the Covid vaccination programme at a time when practice workload is extremely high.

Health boards continue to engage locally with patient groups and my officials are having discussions with the Board of Community Health Councils, to ensure the public and patients are considered as part of primary care recovery planning.