Prescription for change: Greater Manchester sets out its vision to improve access to dentistry, GPs, optometrists and pharmacists

One-thousand-eight hundred primary care services provide the first point of contact for patients in Greater Manchester, acting as the ‘front door’ of the NHS – and include GPs, community pharmacies, dentists, and optometry.

Building on the services Big Conversation which took place with more than 3,000 people last year, the plan is a response to what matters to people living in Greater Manchester.

The plan aims to tackle key issues experienced and shared by the public, as well as supporting a 22,000-strong workforce to provide the right care at the right time.

Additional roles have been recruited to in general practice to work alongside GPs and nurses to ensure patients receive the care they need as quickly as possible. This helps to free up GP appointments for people with long-term conditions or who have serious or complex health concerns.