23.3.20 Reviewing current services to release capacity
News
The main queries being received are covered in the NHSE letter. We are also receiving many queries regarding the provision of enhanced access. As the local arrangements for delivering face to face services are developed, the way patient’s access services will change but there is still a need for access to be provided over an extended period, previously defined as 8am to 8pm. As you work through your local arrangements this will be part of the discussions.
Other areas where continuation of services is considered key is the delivery of the Immunisation and Vaccination programme and the cancer screening programmes which are expected to continue. Locally commissioned services are also vital such as phlebotomy services and, again, we would expect these to continue.
The use of online appointment booking is covered in the letter. In summary, this should be turned off or converted to remote triage appointments and the contractual commitment requiring 25% of appointments to be available online no longer applies.
For other online service such as prescription ordering and repeat dispensing must not be turned off and there is guidance on supplying medications in this bulletin.
