Written question WQ86149

GP practices across Wales used remote consultations as a way to facilitate care to the population when the Covid pandemic was causing more significant restrictions, but also to continue to improve access to services for patients in a convenient manner. Many practices had already adopted the use of remote consultations prior to the pandemic as part of their service delivery model.

As restrictions have eased and the demand for GP services continues to increase, I introduced an Access Commitment in April 2022 with the expectation that GP practices continue to offer a blended model of service delivery, including remote and face-to-face consultations.

The decision to offer the most appropriate consultation for an individual’s need is ultimately down to the GP, who uses their clinical judgement following assessment of the person’s medical history contained in their medical record, as well as consideration of any wider needs.

Many people find remote consultations convenient and appropriate to their need, avoiding the need to leave their home to travel to a GP surgery. Remote consultations, together with traditional face-to-face and digital solutions, form part of a blended model of access that aims to increase the range of options available to people when accessing GP services.