Introduction and implementation Collaborative working across primary and secondary care is crucial to providing quality care. In this GP-Consultant Liaison scheme, 59 Consultants and GPs were strategically paired to enhance working relationships. Pairs hosted and visited each other’s workplace. Our aim was to improve professional understanding, foster deeper partnership, ignite opportunities for innovation and quality improvement (QI) with co-owned local solutions. Submitted anonymous reflections were analysed for common themes. A celebration of the shared learning took place in January 2018 with 9 affiliated NHS organisations. The emphasis was on compassionate leadership and next steps.

Impact Feedback obtained from 71 (60%) participants was scaled from 1 (least likely) to 6 (most likely). In breaking barriers, individuals supported a regular primary-secondary care forum; weighted average score of 5.25, found the scheme useful (4.59), likely to take part again (4.83), consider new ways of working consequent to building better relationships (3.85). We observed production of leaflets on psychological support for patients in hospital consequent to insight obtained from primary care, sharing directories of primary care secretary contacts and restructuring of outpatient clinic letters to state ‘For Information Only’ or ‘GP Action Required’ resulting in substantial time and cost savings. The liaison improved morale and insight. Common themes from reflections revolved around compassion, collaboration, complexity, efficiency and education.

Learning This scheme was an easy and enjoyable way to reconnect individuals and allowed professionals to learn about challenges we face within the NHS. As QI activity, the scheme resulted in simple local solutions for patients. It is a low-cost intervention that can be replicated within any organisation in the NHS. However, it needs a motivated and persistent individual to drive the project forward. @sotonliaison17