Accurx calls for modern GP access to be spread to all practices

Health tech firm Accurx has published a report calling for NHS England’s modern GP access model to be spread to all practices, to help primary care manage record-level demand with the current GP workforce.

In the report ‘Our 5-Point Prescription to fix the NHS’ Accurx outlines five key reforms the NHS should make ahead of the government’s 10 year health plan, which is due to be published in spring 2025.

Accurx says data show that only 10-15% of GP practices have adopted the modern GP access model, which it says could improve patient care and help beat the ‘8am rush’ at surgeries.

In June 2024, NHSE confirmed the cancellation of its £300 million digital pathways framework, which was aimed at driving a rapid move to the model by connecting integrated care boards with approved suppliers for digital GP tools, such as digital GP tools for messaging, consultations and care navigation.

Jacob Haddad, chief executive and cofounder at Accurx, told Digital Health News: “The new government has committed to reforming the NHS.

“Our new report sets out recommendations for turning their words into quick and bold action.

“The common thread of broken communication is holding back the NHS’ ability to modernise how care is delivered, resulting in the biggest challenges facing our healthcare system — from record waiting lists, to patient flow and an overstretched workforce.”

The report follows Lord Ara Darzi’s independent review into the state of the NHS in England, published in September 2024, which found that communication with the people the NHS serves is “lacking” and that improving administrative processes for the patient benefit is “rarely prioritised” despite patients saying this is a priority for them.

Accurx also recommends modernising the outpatient model, so more care can be delivered outside of appointments, reducing the waiting list and allowing patients to receive timely care.

Another suggestion is to fix the interface between providers so that staff working across different organisations can “deliver timely, joined-up, patient-centred care”.

The report also recommends letting all frontline staff message patients via the NHS App and empowering patients to manage their care via the app, so they can make informed decisions about their care and work in partnership with healthcare professionals.

According to Accurx, these measures could cut waiting lists, boost productivity by as much as 20%, release appointment capacity, improve patient experience and ease the workforce crisis.

The report was launched at a panel event in November 2024, which included talks from speakers including Jonanthan Ashworth, chief executive of Labour Together and former shadow health secretary; Samantha Jones, former No 10 chief operating officer and former NHS trust chief executive; and Rachel Sylvester, chair of the Times Health Commission.

“We must start being more serious about modernising NHS care, and we need to act with urgency.

“We hope this report gives practical steps to begin that true reform,” Haddad said.