‘Improving Access to Primary Care Services’ – Evidence Session 2

The APHG hosted the second evidence session of its Improving Access to Primary Care inquiry in Parliament, focussing on how primary care commissioning and infrastructure can be reformed to support long-term sustainability, equitable access and better patient outcomes. 

Chaired by Dr Simon Opher MP, the discussion explored key priorities including fully integrating dentistry within NHS primary care services, the need for additional capital investment in estates, enabling direct patient access to optometrists and improving information-sharing through shared patient records across primary care. 

Contributors included: 

• Dr Victoria Tzortziou-Brown, Chair Elect, Royal College of General Practitioners 
• Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive, Company Chemists’ Association 
• Shiv Pabary, Chair, General Dental Practice Committee, British Dental Association 
• Dr Peter Hampson, Clinical and Policy Director, Association of Optometrists 
• Dr Gaurav Gupta, England GP Committee Lead for Premises, British Medical Association 
• Professor Victoria Joffe, Dean of Integrated Health and Care Partnerships, University of Essex 
• George Johnston, Senior Policy and Delivery Manager, NHS Confederation 

For further information about the inquiry, please contact Jasmin Adebisi (jasmin.adebisi@policyconnect.org.uk).