From 1st April 2015, all patients registered at any GP practice are required to be allocated a named accountable GP.
What does 'accountable' mean?
The named accountable GP is responsible for the co-ordination of all appropriate services required under the contract and to 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 of these hours.
Will GP practices write to patients to inform them of their named GP?
No. However, we will inform patients of their named GP on request.
Can patients choose their own named GP?
The Practice will allocate a named GP for each patient.
However, if a patient requests a different named GP, reasonable effort will be made to accommodate their preference.
Do patients have to see their named GP when they book an appointment?
No. Patients can, and should, feel free to choose to see any GP or nurse in the practice in line with current arrangements. 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. If you request an urgent appointment, this will be with any of the doctors who have available appointments.
The practice reserves the right to decline a patient request to be booked with a GP where this is an appointment available with another appropriately trained healthcare professional who has the skills and training to address that clinical need.