Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent CCGs would like to improve care for all patients and reduce the inequality gaps by offering more personalised care around the needs of those living in the North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent area.
In 2009, the Hanley Primary Care Access Hub (HPCAH) (which you may know as Hanley Walk-in Centre) was established. It is located at 69-71 Stafford Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent (opposite The Body Shop / TK Maxx). Before 2017, it had a registered patient list and accepted ‘walk-ins’ off the street from people needing same day urgent access to primary care. In 2017 the registered list was re-allocated to local practices just leaving the walk-in element of the service.
Since the establishment of the HPCAH, primary care services have improved significantly across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. Below is listed how they have improved.
- Extended GP practice opening hours over the last few years now means that appointments are available up to 8pm week days with some appointments available on both Saturday and Sunday
- You can also telephone NHS 111 and it is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week
- You can visit the NHS website to gain advice and support to help you to self-manage
- Or visit your local pharmacy who can treat you for a range of minor illnesses.
All these services can either provide advice and guidance or refer you to the most appropriate service for your healthcare needs.
In addition, a mobile homeless health service offers basic primary healthcare (such as wound care and prescribing) to people experiencing homelessness.
Services during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic:
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, GP practices – including those at HPCAH – were asked to provide a virtual service with consultations (appointments) held by phone or video wherever possible. This decision was made to keep patients and staff safe from COVID-19 – which face-to-face appointments may have risked. Face-to-face appointments were available if an initial virtual consultation confirmed this was clinically necessary and appropriate.
Patients were redirected to other local services such as community pharmacies, NHS online services, NHS 111 as well as their own GP practice.
The mobile homeless health service continued to support people experiencing homelessness during COVID-19. We identified those at most risk from coronavirus due to underlying health issues and made sure they received the COVID-19 vaccine. The service also manages their healthcare needs and supports individuals to register with a GP practice.
They would like to understand from you:
In this survey, you are going to be asked a few questions which will explore the following areas of accessing healthcare:
- Where you go when you need same-day urgent care or primary care services
- Your experiences of using Hanley Primary Care Access Hub / Hanley Walk-in Centre
- Your views on the temporary changes we made during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Your experiences of using the mobile homeless health service
- Our new emerging model of care.
How to access the survey:
The online survey is available through the following link: https://nhs.researchfeedback.net/s.asp?k=162504244918
Alternatively, or paper copies can be requested by contacting mlcsu.involvement@nhs.net.
Please complete the survey by Monday 23 August 2021.
