A new report from NHS England shares findings of a progressive programme of deliberative engagement, designed and delivered by Ipsos UK and Imperial College Health Partners.
A new report has shared findings and recommendations from a year-long engagement process with Londoners on the future of primary care in London. Commissioned jointly by the five London Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and NHS England London Region, this report is the culmination of a comprehensive and inclusive process that engaged a wide range of voices across London.
Over three all-day workshops, this deliberation exercise brought together patients, the public and NHS staff to inform the future of primary care in London, bringing their experiences and expectations into the heart of future policy design and service transformation for the region.
Equipped with information about current services and opportunities for improvement, participants tackled pressing issues, including:
- Access and triage including the role of digital tools and AI
- Continuity vs. convenience and the role patient choice could play in navigating this
- Workforce innovation, including the role of integrated neighbourhood teams.
- Proactive care and enhancing population health to support prevention.
Participants engaged with experts, debated trade-offs, and co-produced a set of informed expectations for NHS decision-makers. This innovative and iterative engagement was delivered jointly by Ipsos UK and Imperial College Health Partners (ICHP), the health innovation network for NW London, with a focus on facilitating genuine conversation with participants who were invited to share their experiences, exchange ideas and reflect on the potential implications for Londoners.
The main recommendations included:
- More convenient appointment booking, reduced waiting times and more flexible options like remote consultations and the option to choose remote or in-person appointments
- Investment in simple, easy-to-use, standardised digital access to services and using AI, but it should be rigorously tested and evaluated
- Informed patient choice of where to go and who to see for treatment and consideration of travelling times and patient transport.
As people across the country continue to take part in the biggest ever conversation about the future of the NHS to inform a new 10 Year Health Plan for England, this detailed new report provides an invaluable contribution to the national debate.
Amy Darlington, ICHP’s Executive Director, said:
“I’m proud to have been part of the team designing and delivering this ambitious 12-month programme, enabling Londoners to actively shape the future of NHS services – participatory policymaking in action. Our heartfelt gratitude to the health and social care staff, advocates, and the 100 Londoners who gave up so much time and worked so hard to develop the recommendations shared in this report.”
Regional Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS England London, Dr Agatha Nortley-Meshe, said:
“This deliberative engagement gave a valuable insight into the future direction primary care services in London should be taking. For example, in terms of proactive care we heard that there should be a focus on vulnerable populations, such as homeless people.
Schools, workplaces, faith groups and third sector organisations were all mentioned as having an important role to play in the effective provision of primary care services. This insight will help us ensure services are developed in a way which meets people’s needs, hopes and expectations”.
The insights captured from this year-long engagement will now feed into local, ICB and regional strategies, driven by the needs and insights of people in London.
Find out more about our Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement work
