Commissioner launches new guide for older people on accessing GP practices in Wales

Commissioner launches new guide for older people on accessing GP practices in Wales

The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales has launched a new guide to help older people and their families better understand their rights when accessing their GP practice, and the kinds of services and support that should be available.

The Commissioner has published the guide after research she undertook earlier this year found that changes to the way services are delivered, and the changing roles of health professionals working with GP practices, have left many older people struggling to find suitable appointments.

The guide includes information on a range of topics, from communicating with your practice, to finding the right service and professional, to the support that should be offered to help meet your needs, to what you can do if you’re not happy with the service you are receiving. The guide also includes contact details for organisations that can provide help and support to older people and their families, including the Commissioner’s own Advice and Assistance Service.

The guide was developed with support from older people, as well as health professionals and other key stakeholders, and is being distributed to every GP practice in Wales, as well as to older people via community-based organisations.

Versions of the guide are available in BSL, Audio and Easy Read formats, alongside summaries in other languages.

Heléna Herklots CBE, Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, said:

“As we get older, accessing GP practices often becomes a more prominent part of our lives and can play an important role in helping us to stay healthy and independent.

“One of the key findings from my recent ‘Access to GP Practices’ report was that many older people are unsure about what services are available from their GP practice and what they are entitled to.

“That’s why I have produced this guide, to empower older people and their families, and help them better understand their rights when accessing GP practices.

“This will help people feel more confident when making appointments and engaging with their GP practice, better understand the services and support they are entitled to, and feel more empowered to raise issues or concerns.”

Alongside launching her information guide, the Commissioner has also published a progress report, which provides an update on the action taken in response to her ‘Access to GP Practices’ report since its publication in March.

The progress report highlights the ways that the Welsh Government and health boards are using the Commissioner’s findings to shape policy and practice, as well as the commitments made by other key organisations to deliver action to improve older people’s experiences.

The Commissioner added:

“I was pleased to see the positive response to my ‘Access to GP Practices’ report and welcome the action that’s already underway.

“It is now essential that policy- and decision-makers build on this and deliver further action against my recommendations, something my team will be pressing for and closely monitoring as we move forward.”

If you would like a hard copy of the guide, please email ask@olderpeople.wales or call 03442 640670.

ENDS