Bolton GP Federation Celebrates 10 Years of Delivering High-Quality, Accessible Primary Care

Bolton GP Federation is celebrating a decade of delivering innovative primary care services across Bolton this week.

Over the past ten years, the Federation has grown from strength to strength, supporting practices, Primary Care Networks (PCNs), and the people of Bolton with high-quality healthcare and pioneering initiatives.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bolton GP Federation played a lead role in delivering life-saving vaccines and running the COVID bus, establishing the Federation as a key player in primary care across the borough.

Since then, it has continued to develop and deliver services such as the Bolton Health Hive, Enhanced Access appointments at evenings and weekends, and additional urgent on-the-day appointments over the winter months – all whilst integrating hundreds of Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) staff, such as physiotherapist and mental health practitioners, into local practices, strengthening the primary care offer for Bolton people.

The Federation has also led the way in tackling health inequalities. Its award-winning Smears Means Years campaign has ensured that vital cancer screening services reached those who faced barriers. Whilst it’s Do It For You! campaign has been providing NHS Health Checks in partnership with voluntary and community groups from grass-roots, non-clinical settings – contributing towards Bolton being top of the league for health checks in England.

This year has also been marked by a significant move to a new home at the Bolton Primary Care Hub, Chorley Street. These new premises provide the Federation with more space to offer additional services and do more to support Bolton practices.

Dr Kamran Khan, Chair of Bolton GP Federation, said “Over the past ten years, our dedicated team, volunteers, member practices, and partners have worked tirelessly to deliver high-quality, accessible care to our communities and without them we wouldn’t be where we are today. We’ve faced challenges head-on, innovated to meet local needs, and continued to ensure that everyone has access to vital healthcare services. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved and excited for the next chapter in supporting Bolton’s health and wellbeing. Here’s to the next ten years.”

Looking ahead, Bolton GP Federation remains committed to keeping primary care at the heart of local neighbourhoods and delivering connected, compassionate, and high-quality healthcare across Bolton.