Hub life – GPs working centrally

1st January 1970 by NASGP

Hub life – GPs working centrally

EA shifts provide a shared overflow capacity for same day care to improve access to GP services, and relieve pressure on busy A&E departments. In these Hubs, patients registered with local practices are offered 15 minute appointments with a GP who has access to their full medical record. Services offered by hubs are usually slightly more restricted than their own practice (e.g. no routine referrals (only 2ww), repeat prescriptions or fit notes).

The patient is usually seen in one or two central locations, either a surgery or walk in centre, and appointments booked by the home practices (patients cannot book into them directly).

Puzzlement

Patients seem to really value the same day access and the extra time they get. However, if they are booked in error by receptionists who do not understand the limitations of the service, inappropriate presentations can slip through, and a difficult consultation can ensue. Patients can also seem puzzled to be seeing a doctor they recognise from their own practice, having been told that their own practice doesn’t have appointments that day.

Enjoyed by sessional GP

Read more

No credit card details needed – it takes two minutes.

Join free trial

Login

Already a member? Login to view this content.

Login

"I have found membership very helpful during my time as a GP locum and would like to thank you very much."

Dr Louise Napier-Hemy, GP

See the full list of features within our NASGP membership plans

Membership