#363 Same Day Access: The Tower Hamlets Story with Selvaseelan Selvarajah – How It Got Commissioned

In the third episode of the 'How It Got Commissioned' series, Tara is joined by Dr Selvaseelan Selvarajah to explore how the Same Day Access service was commissioned and developed in Tower Hamlets. Selvaseelan shares the real story behind designing a service from scratch to address one of the biggest pressures in primary care: same day access. Together, they unpack how collaboration between PCNs, commissioners, and local GPs led to a model that works for patients, practices, and the wider system. This conversation goes beyond theory, offering practical insight into commissioning, piloting, workforce design, and the role of data in securing sustainable services. Key takeaways:

• The three core problems the service was designed to solve:
• How early involvement of commissioners shaped the business case
• The difference between Enhanced Access and Same Day Access
• Why employing local GPs was critical to continuity, quality, and workforce retention
• How data, utilisation, and patient feedback strengthened the case for ongoing funding
• Why access alone isn't enough, and how continuity of care fits into the model
• Top advice for leaders looking to commission similar services