Across England, all Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) are required to put in place arrangements for extended access to general practice (GP) from 1 October 2018. Extended access will allow all patients to have easier and more convenient access to GP services, including appointments in the evening and at weekends.

The six Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent CCGs (the CCGs) have worked together to develop their commissioning approach. In doing so, the CCGs have considered the extended access services required in each of our areas and how they can be delivered. As a result of that work, the CCGs are satisfied that the services required to meet the needs of our local populations are an extension of the services already provided by GP practices during core opening hours. Consequently, the CCGs are also satisfied that only general practice is able to provide those services.

The Easter bank holiday weekend is just around the corner, and the weather forecasters are hinting that Spring is finally on the way. East Staffordshire CCG would like to remind local people that pharmacies are the go-to service for help with common illnesses like coughs and sore throats, and minor emergencies such as rashes and insect bites.

This Sunday (18 March) is National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Raising Day, and the local Clinical Commissioning Groups are encouraging everyone to spot the signs of abuse and report it. 

In one of the coldest weeks of the winter season, vulnerable patients across East Staffordshire are being advised by local GPs to keep warm whilst the cold weather persists.