This meeting took place on 6 February 2014. Read the transcript here.
Growing demand and contracting budgets mean digital health channels for doctors and patients will be an increasingly important form of access to care. London historically fails to meet national levels for patient satisfaction. Its population growth and complex demographics are placing enormous strain on general practice.
Across London, only a small number of practices are using their current digital capability.
A survey for NHS England found that a third of patients would like to use the internet to book appointments and request prescriptions, but only one per cent is able to do so.
London’s population is growing faster than previously predicted. This has resulted in an under-estimation of resources for many London boroughs and commissioning care groups.
The government wants the NHS in London to save an estimated £4 billion between 2015-2020, that’s approximately eight per cent of its annual budget.
Is this possible? The London Assembly Health Committee will examine the challenges and look for solutions, in questions to;
· Mr Ali Aksoy, Director, Hackney Refugee Forum
· Mr CJ Patel, Pharmacy London
· Dr Clare Gerada, NHS England (London)
· Ms Frances Hasler, Director, Camden Healthwatch
· Ms Lucy Jones, UK Programme Manager, Doctors of the World UK
· Dr Michelle Drage, Chief Executive, Local Medical Committees (London)
The meeting will take place on Thursday 6th February from 2pm in the Chamber at City Hall (The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2AA).
Media and members of the public are invited to attend.
The meeting can also be viewed via webcast.
Notes to editors:
1. Census 2011; Office for National Statistics
2. Dr Onkar Sahota AM, Chair of the Health Committee, is available for interview. See contact details below.
3. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Alison Bell on 020 7983 4228. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.