GP practices in the UK are facing increasing pressure, from an ageing population and rising chronic illnesses to growing mental health needs. Meanwhile, patient expectations for quicker access clash with current waiting times—one in 20 patients waits at least four weeks for a GP appointment, leaving millions anxious and in pain. In parallel to this, tackling inefficiencies in healthcare financing has been recognised as a key opportunity to create fiscal space for health systems. The World Health Organisation, for example, has argued that up to 40 percent of resources spent in health are wasted.
With the UK health system under pressure to do more with less, innovation and introducing technology through digital services is crucial to easing the strain and admin burden on GP practices, particularly as we head into the winter peak.
So, what can a modern GP practice do to meet increasing demand? To get ahead, many practices are adopting a three-point strategy:
1. Boost appointment scheduling with a digital-first approach The digital-first approach saves valuable time and frees-up capacity for in-person appointments. It combines digital care with physical care provision, helping patients access the right care at the right time, quickly and efficiently. Our winter support service can ease the pressure on care teams by increasing available appointments and offloading physical practices enabling patients with complex and multi-morbid care needs to be seen in person.
2. Use digital administrative support to free up practice staff With extensive opening hours, patients need not feel under time pressure and GP services become more accessible and reliable. Digital services like Livi can integrate with your existing pathways and processes, ensuring no disruption to your workflow, while our healthcare professionals can address a range of healthcare needs and services including medical advice, prescriptions and referrals and fit notes.
3. Introduce dynamic staffing to meet surge demand Livi GPs serve as a digital extension of your team, offering remote video appointments when in-person visits aren't necessary. During times of peak patient demand, Livi provides on-demand digital clinical support with no minimum commitment. You can seamlessly integrate Livi healthcare professionals into your clinical service or adjust the service to meet surging demand and population needs. This flexible staffing model helps you manage the dynamic patient flow, safeguard margins, and ensure everyone receives timely care, enhancing the resilience of your practice.
Our winter promotion includes:
- A digital capacity solution with no set up or subscription fees
- Admin support delivered by Livi as required (referrals, sick notes, follow up appointments)
- A dedicated account manager, plus weekly and monthly reports
- You’re billed monthly based on completed appointments – no charge if the service isn’t used.
Livi is the digital partner of choice for integrated care systems, urgent care services, primary care networks, GP federations and individual practices. We provide a range of solutions. From digital GP consultations to patient engagement technology and practice websites.
