Named GP

What is the named GP requirement?

From 1st April 2015 onwards Practices are required, under the GMS contract, to allocate a named accountable GP to all patients, including children.

It is important that you are aware that this is purely an administrative exercise and does not change the way in which we operate or affect your ability to make an appointment or speak with any of the GPs in the practice.

Will practices have to write to patients to tell them their named GP?

No. However, practices are required to inform patients of their named GP at the next appropriate interaction.

New patients registering from 1st April 2015 onwards will be allocated within 21 days of registration and will be informed of their allocated GP name when they have new patient health check with practice nurse.

What does 'accountable' mean?

The new contract requires the named accountable GP to be responsible for the co-ordination of all appropriate services required under the contract and ensure they are delivered to each patient where required. However, this does not mean that they will be the only GP or clinician who will provide care to that patient. These responsibilities will be carried out within the opening hours of the Practice and do not change the way you currently access care outside these hours.

Does the requirement mean 24-hour responsibility for patients?

No. The named GP will not:

• take on vicarious responsibility for the work of other doctors or health professionals
• take on 24-hour responsibility for the 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 to that patient

Can patients choose their own named GP?

In the first instance, patients should simply be allocated a named GP. However, if a patient requests a particular GP, reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate their preference.

Do patients have to see the named GP when they book an appointment with the practice?

No. Patients can and should feel free to choose to see any GP or nurse in the practice in line with current arrangements.  If preferred choice of GP or nurse is not available, an alternative will be offered. As all patients have an electronic medical record this ensures that all clinicians in the Practice have access to the most accurate and up to date information.