Rebecca visits Beacon Medical Group in Plympton
I thought you might be interested to know that I recently met with the leadership team at Beacon Medical Group in Plympton.
My meeting was an opportunity to get to know the practice and the issues it faces, and to share feedback gathered from constituents about their experiences as Beacon Medical Group patients.
For context, Beacon Medical Group is rated ‘good’ by the Care and Quality Commission (CQC). It consists of five GP practices covering both Ivybridge and Plympton and it is the only GP practice in Ivybridge. The practice has 43,500 patients on its books and is one of the largest practices in the constituency. Demand for its services continues to rise and the sector faces increased funding pressures.
During my meeting, I was able to explore the improvements that the practice has and continues to make in order to better serve patients.
- Patient triage: The practice continues to operate a ‘named GP’ arrangement, whereby every patient has an accountable named GP assigned to them. Furthermore, Beacon Medical Group has spent considerable time coding their patients to ensure that the most vulnerable patients are seen by the most appropriate GP or healthcare professional for their circumstances.
- New and improved telephone system: A new telephony system has been installed which has significantly reduced the time that callers are waiting on the line for their call to be answered.
- Call handling contact centre: A team of staff answer calls to the practice. Where patients are unable to use the online e-consult tool, a member of staff will now complete the e-consult form with the patient whilst on the telephone line. This means that if you or a family member are not ‘online,’ you can be assured that this doesn't impact on accessing GP services.
- New online e-consult and triage platform Systm Connect: In response to patient feedback, the practice has implemented a new e-consult and triage tool. User feedback has shown that the new Systm Connect tool is much easier for the patient to use, and results in improvement in the triage of patients, which means that patients are seen by the most appropriate member of the team.
The practice told me how important patient feedback is for them, and that they are very keen to resurrect their Patient Participation Group (PPG). You can find out more about joining the PPG on the link below:
https://www.beaconmedicalgroup.nhs.uk/health-information/ppg-sign-up/
The practice continues to operate its complaints policy and is committed to handling complaints within 30 working days. I have also committed to raising any serious clinical care complaints direct with the doctors for their immediate attention as and when they are raised with me.
Overall, I am impressed with the leadership and operation of the practice, and the improvements that it continues to roll out. In the coming months the practice will face additional challenges when the Chancellor’s shock employer national insurance hike hits local GP surgeries. This means that surgeries such as Beacon Medical Group now face a significant increase in un-budgeted employer costs. I have written to the Chancellor to urge her to rethink this policy, but have had no response.
As your MP, I am committed to supporting your access to primary health care. Should you wish to raise any healthcare concerns with me, please do get in touch. I will be happy to help where I can.
