Enhanced/Extended Access Support

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Clinical Terms
Services provided by Primary Care Networks to ensure patients can access GP appointments outside traditional hours, including evenings and weekends.

What does Enhanced/Extended Access Support mean?

What is ?

Enhanced/Extended Access Support refers to the structured provision of additional primary care appointments during evenings and weekends through Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in the NHS. This service ensures patients can access healthcare at more convenient times, typically until 8pm on weekdays and during specified weekend hours. It's a key component of the NHS Long Term Plan, designed to improve patient access to primary care services and reduce pressure on urgent care services and A&E departments.

Enhanced/Extended Access Support Best Practices

What is ?

  • Implement a centralised booking system across the PCN to manage extended hours appointments effectively
  • Ensure a mix of face-to-face, telephone and digital consultations to maximise accessibility
  • Develop a fair rota system that distributes extended hours work equitably among participating practices
  • Regularly review utilisation data to optimise appointment allocation based on patient demand
  • Establish clear communication channels to inform patients about extended access availability

Use Enhanced/Extended Access Support in a Sentence

What is ?

  1. The Primary Care Network has implemented Enhanced Access Support, allowing patients to book GP appointments until 8pm on weekdays.
  2. Through Extended Access Support, our practice now offers Saturday morning appointments for patients who cannot attend during the working week.
  3. The PCN's Enhanced Access Support service includes a mix of face-to-face and remote consultations to maximise convenience for patients.
Frequently Asked Questions about
Enhanced/Extended Access Support

What does Enhanced/Extended Access Support mean?

Enhanced/Extended Access Support refers to services provided by Primary Care Networks (PCNs) that allow patients to access GP appointments outside traditional hours. This typically includes evenings until 8pm on weekdays and designated weekend hours. The service aims to improve accessibility, provide more convenient appointment times for working patients, and reduce pressure on emergency services by offering planned primary care outside standard hours.

How does Enhanced Access differ from Extended Access in primary care?

While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences. Extended Access typically refers to the original scheme providing additional appointment hours outside core times. Enhanced Access, introduced more recently, encompasses a broader approach including not just extended hours but also improved ways of delivering care, such as digital options and a wider range of healthcare professionals. In practical terms, since October 2022, these services have been combined into a single PCN-delivered Enhanced Access service.

What are the core hours that Enhanced/Extended Access Support supplements?

Enhanced/Extended Access Support supplements the core GP practice hours, which are typically 8am to 6:30pm Monday to Friday. The enhanced service provides appointments outside these times, usually until 8pm on weekdays and during specified hours on Saturdays and potentially Sundays. This means patients can access primary care services for a total of 60 hours per week across the combined core and enhanced hours.

Who delivers Enhanced/Extended Access Support services within a PCN?

Enhanced/Extended Access Support services are delivered by a mix of healthcare professionals within the Primary Care Network. This typically includes GPs, practice nurses, clinical pharmacists, paramedics, physiotherapists, and other members of the multidisciplinary team. PCNs may organise delivery through a hub model (centralised location), a rotating system among practices, or a combination approach, allowing them to utilise their workforce efficiently while providing comprehensive care.

How do patients book appointments through Enhanced/Extended Access Support?

Patients can book Enhanced/Extended Access appointments through several routes. They can contact their own GP practice directly during normal opening hours, and reception staff can book them into available slots. Some PCNs offer direct booking through online patient access systems. Additionally, in some areas, NHS 111 can direct-book patients into these appointments when appropriate. The specific booking methods vary by PCN but should be designed to be straightforward and accessible for all patients.

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