Tackling inequalities in access to care
4.6 Primary care teams (including GPs, health visitors and practice nurses) have a vital role in ensuring that their patients receive the appropriate advice on screening and lifestyle and access to cancer services where appropriate through prompt referral to hospital.
People from minority ethnic groups and people with learning disabilities have particular requirements including culturally sensitive information.
4.7 The NHS Plan set out proposals to expand the level of primary care services delivered through Personal Medical Services (PMS) contracts. These flexible contracts reward GPs and other primary healthcare workers for services tailored to the needs of the local community. They have proved especially useful in tackling areas of deprivation where it is difficult to attract GPs to work or where local communities have special needs. Core requirements of the contract include promoting the uptake of cervical screening and rapid referrals to hospital where appropriate.
