Patients get freedom to choose GP

Patients will be able to choose which GP practice to register with, regardless of whether or not it is closest to their home, under a new pilot scheme starting in April.

Practice boundaries will be scrapped, enabling people to choose a doctors’ surgery near their workplace, which would be an advantage to commuters. People in parts of London, Manchester and Nottingham will be the first to take part.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said the plan is just the beginning of a range of measures they hope to introduce to make the NHS truly patient focused and to allow them to better understand patient needs.

He said: “Many patients are happy with their local GP practice, but a significant minority have problems registering with a practice of their choice. This pilot will mean patients taking part can access the high quality care they deserve in a place and at a time that suits them.

“That’s why I believe patients should have the freedom to choose a GP practice that suits their lives, and not be restricted by geographical boundaries.”

The year-long pilot scheme will begin in Westminster, City & Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Manchester, Salford and Nottingham City primary care trusts. GP practices will join up on a voluntary basis.