GP surgeries have been invited to submit evidence to a new parliamentary committee on how primary and community care services can be better integrated.
The integration of primary and community care committee, which was established in January, has requested submissions from those who have direct experience of delivering primary and community care services, and those who access them.
Its inquiry hopes to explore ways to bring the two sectors closer together as well as look at the challenges both face.
The issues the committee wants feedback on issues, including:
- The main challenges facing primary and community health services as well as possible solutions within the current framework
- The main barriers preventing improved integration and how they could be overcome
- Examples of successful or innovative models of integrated care, either in the UK or internationally
- Possible impacts of the Government’s long-term workforce plan for the NHS on primary and community care staffing
- The impact of recent structural changes to the NHS in England on integration between primary and community care services
- The role of primary and community care in addressing health inequalities and prevention
- The potential benefits of technology and data sharing in improving patient access and experiences
- Recommendations for key changes to support effective and efficient integration in the delivery of primary and community care services.
Chair of the committee, Baroness Pitkeathley, said: ‘Our inquiry will consider how to integrate further the delivery of primary and community care provision to improve outcomes for patients.
‘The Committee aims to conclude with practical and deliverable recommendations. We would like to hear from a range of individuals and organisations.’
The deadline for submissions is Monday 17 April.
