A group of GP practices in North Yorkshire has taken advantage of funding from the Prime Minister's Challenge Fund to work with YHCS to create the "Heartbeat Alliance". 21 GP practices in a largely rural part of North Yorkshire have worked together, guided and advised by the YHCS primary care specialist team, to develop a sustainable model of primary and enhanced care by federating and becoming an integrated care provider working in partnership with other providers.Open for Longer is the pilot scheme that has seen doctors’ surgeries in the Whitby, Hambleton and Richmondshire areas staying open for longer and seeing each other’s patients outside normal surgery times, including Bank Holidays and weekends, via a system of pre-bookable appointments.
What does it mean for patients? - A wider choice of appointment times.
- Appointments available outside the current doctor surgery opening times.
- Any local patient can be seen at each surgery for routine appointments.Extra appointments are available between 6:15pm and 8pm on weekdays and between 10:30am and 2:30pm on weekends and bank holidays.
In-hours the focus will move to a stronger prevention and care planning approach extending the role and scope of primary and community care. This model also allows for the potential to extend the range of out of hospital care.
Heartbeat Alliance will provide support to member practices to ensure a sustainable and successful primary care service delivered by local GP practices. YHCS understands that GPs want to offer a greater range of services, continuity of care, longer consultations and longer opening hours. We know how to create the sustainable operating models that will facilitate clinical excellence and good person-centred care, and we know how to help GPs access the funding needed to support investment in the future.