Decision details

RESOLVED:

That the insight and findings of the Health and Social Care Select Committee be welcomed and that:

1)    officers work with partners to identify where GP surgeries are likely to be needed by 2035;

2)    The Health and Wellbeing Board partners be asked to:

a.    investigate a reduction in the complexity and quantity of data governance and IT systems currently being used in Hillingdon to enable patient data to be easily passed between professionals;

b.    subject to the outcome of the pilot, expand the provision of champions to other health related issues;

c.    increase awareness that the nature of community care is changing; and

3)    The Confederation Hillingdon CIC be asked to:

a.    investigate the possibility of increasing patients’ use of online bookings systems, including being able to specify convenient call back times; and

b.    ensure equality with regard to the ability to request to be seen by the same sex medical professionals at GP surgeries; and

4)    The Health and Social Care Select Committee be provided with an update by March 2027 on any progress made in progressing these recommendations alongside the implementation of the NHS 10 Year Health Plan and the development of neighbourhoods.

5)    Actions to progress all the above recommendations from the Select Committee be regularly monitored at Health & Wellbeing Board meetings and added to its work programme.

Reasons for decision

Councillor Denys, Chair of the Health and Social Care Select Committee’s presented the report and recommendations on a review into GP coverage in Hillingdon and expressed gratitude to the witnesses, including GPs and patient groups, for their valuable contributions despite their busy schedules. Thanks were also extended to Nicki O’Halloran in Democratic Services, for drafting the report and providing sound advice throughout the process.

It was noted that the Committee’s recommendations emphasised the importance of planning for future GP provision, noting the borough’s growing population and the ageing GP workforce. It was considered essential to begin succession planning now to ensure that sufficient surgeries and practitioners would be available by 2035. The Committee had suggested collaboration between the GP Confederation and the Council to identify suitable sites for new surgeries, drawing on the Council’s knowledge of local development.

Attention was drawn to the need for simplifying data governance and improving the interoperability of NHS IT systems. The Committee had highlighted that patients expect a seamless experience, yet the current fragmentation of systems often results in repeated information and inefficiencies. Better integration would allow professionals to access relevant data promptly and improve patient care.

The Committee had proposed piloting a champions programme to provide specialist advice in areas such as children’s mental health, reducing pressure on GPs and ensuring that families receive timely support. It also stressed the importance of raising awareness about community-based services, as many residents remain unaware of neighbourhood hubs and pharmacy services, leading to unnecessary demand on GPs and A&E departments.

Improving access to online booking systems was identified as another priority. While progress had been made, the committee had felt that further steps were needed to make booking easier and reduce reliance on triage processes. It also noted that while efforts had been made to support female patients in accessing female GPs, similar consideration should be given to male patients who may prefer to see a male GP.

Finally, the Committee had underlined the need for its recommendations to be embedded within NHS planning processes and Councillor Denys welcomed the proposal from the Cabinet Member that the Health and Wellbeing Board should keep the implementation of the Committee’s recommendations under review.

In response, the Leader of the Council thanked the Committee for its thorough work and clear recommendations. The Leader acknowledged the vital role of scrutiny in shaping services and noted the alignment between the Committee’s findings and ongoing discussions with health partners about future care hubs and GP provision. The integration of health and care was confirmed as a key priority, and the Leader assured the Committee that progress would continue. Appreciation was expressed for the Committee’s contribution and its commitment to holding partners to account for delivery.

Cabinet agreed the Committee’s recommendation.

Alternative options considered / risk management

Cabinet could have decided to not approve or amend the recommendations.