NATIONAL PRIMARY CARE WORKFORCE SURVEY ADVISORY GROUP REPORT ON 2013 SURVEY - WEB ONLY

Comments On Survey Results

61. Although the Survey results were not published until after the Group had completed its report, from early access to Survey results in the course of its work assisting ISD analysing the data, the Group has the following comments.

62. The Official Statistics Report includes data at the national level. However, ISD Scotland also intends to publish supplementary statistics which break down the data to Regional Workforce Group, Health Board and CHP level. This data will be of interest to workforce planners at all levels, helping to ensure that the right people with the right skills and competences are deployed in the right place at the right time.

63. The submission, collection and analysis of primary care workforce data enables GP practices to help inform future decisions made by Scottish Ministers in respect of the number of trainee nurse and doctor places available each year. The more reliable and comprehensive the information available on the workforce needs of GP practices, the better informed Scottish Ministers will be to make decisions in respect of the future primary care workforce and its ability to support community based care.

64. This data will also assist those with responsibilities for ensuring the provision of safe, high quality and sustainable patient care. At Regional Workforce Group and Health Board levels, it facilitates identification and understanding of the primary care workforce serving its area: headcount and demographic profile. It also provides data on the average weekly hours or sessions committed by doctors and nurses employed by GP practices and an indication of vacancies, which will help build a clearer picture of the demand for primary care services, 24/7, and the challenges facing primary care providers meeting those demands.

65. At CHP and GP practice level, the data could provide the basis for discussions with neighbours in order to learn from each other; share examples of good practice; and explore potential alternative models of care aimed at optimising the resources available in the delivery of a safe, high quality and sustainable service to the local communities.