What is the Primary Care Improvement Plan and what does it mean for me?
New streamlined primary care services
Through our Primary Care Improvement Plan (PCIP) we have worked with GPs to roll out and embed a new primary care model to make it easier for you to access care from a wide range of healthcare professionals.
The streamlining of services also helps to maximise the time GPs can spend caring for those who require their expertise. People who benefit most from the expert knowledge of GPs are patients with multiple conditions or complex needs.
Public and service user engagement at a national level were taken into consideration whilst developing our local PCIP which focuses on areas such as pharmacology, vaccination, musculoskeletal and mental health services.
As part of PCIP our Vaccination Transformation Programme was informed by the Covid-19 vaccination programmes that were delivered in the Borders during 2019/20. For instance a blended model of community clinics and appointments at GP Practices and Health Centres was developed for the ‘Baby & Pre-School Children’ immunisation programme which went live in October 2021.
How do I access services?
In most cases you access services by contacting your GP Practice; the team will then ask you some questions before signposting you to the most appropriate service or making an appointment for you with a suitable medical professional so that you receive the right care from the right person. Depending on your clinical needs and the nature of your condition, appointments may be over the phone, through video call or in person.
For vaccination services you should contact the NHS Borders Vaccination Booking Hub on 01896 809250.
Background information
This national strategy has seen local PCIPs being developed and implemented across Scotland as a result of the 2018 National Memorandum of Understanding between the Scottish Government, British Medical Association, Integration Authorities and NHS Boards which was linked to the introduction of the 2018 General Medical Services Contract in Scotland.