Updated 25 April 2024
Heartbeat Alliance is sub-contracted by local Primary Care Networks to deliver enhanced access services as part of the NHSE Network Contract Directed Enhanced service (DES). This commenced in October 2022. They serve a population of approximately 146,000 patients. Enhanced access was rolled out as a national initiative for all primary care to improve access to General Practice routine appointments. Heartbeat Primary Care Community Interest Company – Heartbeat Alliance is registered with the Care Quality Commission to provide the regulated activities diagnostic and screening procedures, treatment of disease, disorder or injury, and family planning. In May 2022 we inspected and rated the service as requiring improvement overall. There were 3 breaches of the legal regulations relating to safe care and treatment, staffing, and governance. In May 2023, we inspected and rated the service as requiring improvement overall. We found 1 breach of the legal regulations relating to governance. We carried out an announced assessment of this service in June 2024. Our on-site assessment took place on 18 and 19 June 2024. We visited 4 sites where the enhanced access service was delivered, as well as the Head Office. Our off-site assessment activity started on 3 June 2024 and ended on 19 June 2024. We looked at all quality statements under safe and well-led. The service had improved. Defined leadership supported by safe systems, processes, governance, and management systems were now in place.