A consultation has launched asking residents for their views on proposed changes to community urgent care services.
A 12-week consultation was launched by Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham and Havering's Clinical Commissioning groups which asks questions on the way services are accessed in all three boroughs. The CCG's are asking for opinions to change and improve local community urgent care services.
The consultation includes proposals for changes to local GP hubs, walk-in services, and GP Out of Hours services.
Havering's CCG said: "Local people tell us they find community urgent care services confusing. They aren't sure where to go for when they need urgent advice or care, and this often means they just go to A&E and wait when they could be seen elsewhere.
We want to make it easier to get advice quickly or get an urgent close to home when you need to be seen, so you don't have to wait around for hours."
One change they are proposing is centred around making more same-day urgent appointments available in a wide choice of community locations if your own GP can't see you? but with fewer places where you walk in and wait. These would offer a standardised service so patients know what to expect. There are two options to this change, and the CCG's want residents to choose which one suits best. You can read both options HERE.
Jon Cruddas MP said: "With the population growing, and NHS services under constant strain, I welcome the CCG's joint consultation. It is important for residents to engage and consider both options that have been proposed. Urgent care services are vital to our community, I hope the consultation brings to light what works and what needs improving."
The CCG has published a document "right care, right place, first time" that sets out the two options for proposed changes, and a questionnaire for people to have their say. All responses must be received by 5pm on 21 August 2018. To have your say click HERE.