The benefits of a premises utilisation review in general practice

In the evolving landscape of primary care, general practices face increasing pressure to deliver more appointments, integrate multidisciplinary teams, and adopt digital-first approaches—all within existing infrastructure. A premises utilisation review is a strategic tool that helps practices assess how effectively their physical space is being used and identify opportunities for improvement. With initiatives like the NHS England Utilisation and Modernisation Fund (UMF) supporting infrastructure upgrades, undertaking such a review is more relevant than ever.

What Is a premises utilisation review?

A premises utilisation review is a systematic assessment of how space within a GP practice is currently used. It considers factors such as room occupancy rates, scheduling efficiency, suitability for clinical and administrative functions, and alignment with future service delivery models. The goal is to optimise the use of existing space before considering costly expansions or refurbishments.

Key benefits

• Maximising existing capacity: Many practices operate below their spatial potential. Rooms may be underused due to poor scheduling, outdated layouts, or mismatched functions. A utilisation review can uncover hidden capacity, allowing practices to increase appointment availability without expanding their footprint.
• Supporting multidisciplinary teams: The introduction of the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) including pharmacists, paramedics, social prescribers, and mental health professionals has created an increased pressure on the space in general practice. A review helps practices plan for co-location and shared working environments that foster collaboration and improve patient outcomes.
• Improving patient experience: Waiting areas, consultation rooms, and reception spaces all contribute to the patient journey. A utilisation review can identify opportunities to enhance comfort, privacy, and accessibility, especially for patients with disabilities or complex needs.
• Enhancing staff wellbeing: Staff morale and retention are closely linked to the working environment. By identifying overcrowded or poorly designed areas, a review can lead to changes that improve workflow, reduce stress, and support flexible working arrangements.
• Enabling digital transformation: With the rise of remote consultations and digital triage, some physical spaces may be repurposed. A utilisation review helps practices assess which rooms are suitable for video consultations, administrative hubs, or digital kiosks, aligning infrastructure with modern service delivery.
• Informing funding applications: Whether applying for capital funding, a premises utilisation review provides evidence-based justification for investment. It demonstrates that the practice has explored all options for maximising existing space and has a clear plan for future improvements.
• Future-proofing the practice: Population growth, changing health needs, and evolving NHS priorities mean that practices must be adaptable. A utilisation review helps create a roadmap for scalable infrastructure that can respond to future demands.

A premises utilisation review is more than a space audit. It’s a strategic exercise that empowers general practices to deliver better care, more efficiently. By understanding how space is used and where improvements can be made, practices can unlock capacity, enhance staff and patient experiences, and position themselves for sustainable growth. In a time of rising demand and limited resources, making the most of what you already have is not just smart—it’s essential.

PCC can support you with a space optimisation review, helping you to make sure you’re your space is being used effectively. Our experienced team work with practices on defining the most functional optimisation of space, that serves the needs of employees, as well as practice productivity, and patient flow/diversity of service design.

Contact enquiries@pcc-cic.org.uk to find out more.

PCC can also review premises availability across neighbourhood areas to help ensure best use of public buildings and existing primary care/community facilities – enquiries@pcc-cic.org.uk.