In a recent dynamic webinar titled The Future of Primary Care, key insights into the evolving landscape of primary care were shared.
The session featured Dr. Mohit Venkataram, Executive Director for Primary Care at the East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT), and Dr. Kiren Collison, NHS England's Deputy Medical Director for Primary Care, who brought their extensive expertise to the forefront.
Over 500 GPs and primary care professionals registered for this enlightening event, marking it as a significant moment for primary care discussion within the community. The webinar not only addressed the immediate challenges but also provided a platform for healthcare professionals to reflect on their experiences and strategies for effective management.
Dr. Collison, a passionate advocate for primary care and its continual evolution, shared her insights on the gradual transformation of primary care services. She emphasised the need for both staff and patients to adapt to these changes, recognising that primary care is not about quick fixes but a steady evolution.
The webinar addressed the importance of effective workforce utilisation in primary care. Dr. Collison discussed the necessity of directing patients to the appropriate care providers, such as pharmacists for certain queries, thereby freeing up GPs to focus on patients requiring more complex care. This approach not only optimises patient care but also ensures the efficient use of healthcare resources.
Dr. Venkataram complemented these insights by discussing the Trust's approach to managing increased demand during winter illnesses. He stressed the importance of resilience and support in primary care, especially under heightened pressure.
"It's time like this, when the expectation is go go go and the staff are on do do do, that we have to make sure we have some time to reflect," he noted, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the healthcare community.
This webinar is a part of ELFT's ongoing efforts to facilitate meaningful conversations around primary care and its future, reinforcing their commitment to quality healthcare and support for staff and patients alike.
For those who missed the live session, a recording of the webinar is available, offering an opportunity to engage with these critical discussions and understand the evolving landscape of primary care.
