As a Practice we have always registered our patients with a named GP. This has been purely for administrative reasons - it reflects and balances the ratio of patients to GP based on the GPs’ working commitment i.e. full-time or part-time.

While we, encourage our patients to see the same GP if they have an on-going health problem, we do not operate a system of personal lists. We believe this can be restrictive as, in this situation, patients are usually only offered an appointment with the GP they are registered with.

For patients over 75
Their named accountable GP will also work with the relevant associated health and social care professionals to deliver a multi-disciplinary care package that meets the needs of the patient. They will also ensure that patients in this age group are able to have access to a health check.

So why are we now informing patients of their named GP?

Since 1 April 2015, GP Practices are required to notify patients the name of their accountable GP. Overall responsibility for patient care has not changed. e.g. if you normally see Dr X, we do not, from now on expect you to see Dr Y.

The purpose of this change is largely a role of oversight, with the requirements being introduced to reassure patients that they have one GP within the Practice who accepts responsibility for the coordination of all appropriate services in the Practice and ensure they are delivered to each of their patients where required (based on the clinical judgement of the named accountable GP).

This does not mean that the named GP will:

• take on vicarious responsibility for the work of other doctors or health professionals

• take on 24-hour responsibility for their patient, or have to change their working hours. The requirement does not imply personal availability for GPs throughout the working week

• be the only GP or clinician who will provide care for the patient.

Where the named accountable GP is unable to carry out their duties for a significant period, for example through maternity leave, a replacement accountable GP will be assigned until such times as their named accountable GP can recommence their duties. We would like to reassure our patients that although you have been notified of your named GP, you may continue to see the GP of your choice in the Practice. The exception to this will be for urgent same day appointments as these are booked with the Duty Doctor.