This service aims to enhance access to primary care by offering additional GP and clinical appointments outside of core hours. It aims to ensure patients receive timely care, whilst reducing unnecessary A&E attendances.
The service was first commissioned by South West London ICB in 2017.
Key partners include:
- Wandsworth GP Federation
- South West London ICB (commissioner)
- Local acute hospitals, including St George’s and Chelsea and Westminster
- NHS 111
- Neighbouring GP practices.
Partners work together by sharing referral systems, coordinating appointment times, and reporting data. Practices also team up to make sure everyone in the borough has fair access to care and adjusting appointment availability according to demand.
The service benefits patients in the following ways:
- Greater flexibility in appointment times, including evenings and weekends
- Faster access to care, including urgent same-day appointments
- Reduced need to attend A&E for non-emergency issues
- Improved continuity and convenience of care, closer to home.
For primary care and the wider healthcare system, the benefits of the service, include:
- Alleviates pressure on emergency departments and urgent care centres
- Supports NHS 111 and hospital redirection pathways
- Encourages collaborative working and efficient use of skill mix
- Enables practices to meet patient demand more effectively and improve satisfaction.