Bridging Service

The bridging service is an ICB commissioned service designed to ‘bridge the gap’ between routine GP appointments, NHS 111 and urgent care. It provides additional clinical capacity for patients across Haringey outside of the core General Practice hours to ensure patients can access timely primary care appointments when needed.

In practical terms, it is a borough-wide pool of additional GP, Nurse, and healthcare professional appointments, delivered by the Federation, and available to all practices to support system resilience and improve equity of access.

1. Contract:

• Duration: 1st October 2025 – 30th September 2027
• Activity commissioned: 19,391 appointments per year
• Purpose: Provide additional, flexible access capacity across Haringey to bridge gaps between in-hours general practice, 111, and out-of-hours routes.

2. Provision:

• 19,391 appointments per year (41% face-to-face, 59% telephone)
• Operating hours: 18:30-20:00 (Mon-Fri), 09:00-20:00 (Sat), 08:00-20:00 (Sun + Bank Holidays)
• Hub sites: Queenswood Medical Practice (Sat), Bounds Green Group Practice (Sat), Somerset Gardens Family Health Centre (Mon-Sun)
• Appointment types: Same-day urgent and advance booking spread

3. Routes of Access

• Their GP Practice
• NHS 111
• Self-referral (By-pass number) – 0330 053 9499

How does this differ from PCN extend hours?

The Bridging Service differs significantly from PCN Enhanced Hours because its function extends beyond routine extended access. While Enhanced Hours provides set evening and weekend appointments for a PC’s own population, the Bridging Service is a system-facing, ICB-commissioned model designed to absorb demand pressures across the whole borough.

It plays a key role in diverting patients away from urgent care and secondary care, offering same-day primary care capacity that prevents unnecessary attendances at ED and UCC. By accepting bookings from 111, GP practices, and self-referral, the service acts as an alternative, clinically appropriate pathway for patients who might otherwise escalate into urgent care.

This flexible, borough-wide capacity helps stabilise high-demand periods, reduces pressure on hospital services, and supports smoother patient flow.