Working together as a federation of GP practices has enabled Trafford GPs, nurses and healthcare providers to offer clinics
from 8am to 8pm during weekdays, plus Saturday and Sunday.
And more than 16,000 additional appointments are now available to Trafford residents. Through the creation
of four ‘neighbourhood hubs’ in Trafford - St Johns Medical Centre in Altrincham, Firsway Health Centre in
Sale, North Trafford Group Practice in Stretford and Flixton Road Medical Centre, Urmston - healthcare staff
from Trafford’s GP practices share surgery premises, thus reducing costs, while able to meet the increasing
health demands of Trafford’s growing population.
RESULTS:
• More than 16,000 additional appointments available to Trafford residents
• Cervical screening rates have improved by offering weekend appointments
• Despite the increased workload due to winter pressures, waiting times were reduced through accessibility
to larger number of appointments
• Collaborative working has resulted in efficiency savings for GP practices
Trafford Primary Health is committed to increasing the ‘local staff pool’ to ensure Trafford residents continue
to have access to Trafford GPs and nurses for extended hours in the future.
Trafford Primary Health has supported GP practices in delivering flu vaccinations to nursing home patients during the past
two years.
During October 2017 more than 900 flu vaccinations were given through Trafford Primary Health’s GP federation
to protect those in the 65+ age group who are more at risk of developing potentially serious complications
of flu, such as pneumonia.
Working in collaboration with more than 24 GP practices across Trafford, the project benefited patients
and supported practices during the demanding winter period.
The flu vaccination is available every year on the NHS to help protect adults and children at risk of flu
and its complications. Flu can be severe in anyone aged 65+, pregnant women and children and adults with
weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions. People in these risk groups are more likely to develop
potentially serious complications of flu, such as pneumonia and it's recommended they have a flu vaccine
every year.
Trafford Primary Health has recruited clinical pharmacists to support the ‘neighbourhood hubs’ offering additional expertise
to benefit Trafford patients and support practices in delivering high quality primary care services.
The clinical pharmacists are working with GP practices to improve the outcomes of medicine usage, consult
with and treat patients directly through providing additional help to manage long-term conditions, supporting
patients managing multiple medicines, offering face to face and telephone consultations, and managing medicines
optimisation. The role is pivotal to improving the quality of care and ensuring patient safety and enables
GPs to focus their skills on more complex care and manage the demands on their time.
Trafford Primary Health is committed to driving new ways of working to ensure the people of Trafford receive
high quality, innovative healthcare and is currently working on a number of projects which will be highlighted
shortly.