From 1 April 2015, practices are required to allocate a named GP to all patients (including children). All new patients will be allocated their named GP within 21 days of registration. For existing patients we will allocate a named GP. If you want to know who your named GP is then please just ask at reception.
If any patient requests a particular GP as their named GP instead of the one allocated, then we will always try to arrange this.
Having a named GP does not mean that you have to see that doctor; you are welcome to see the GP you usually see, or the GP you would want to see for a particular problem – even if they are not your named GP.
Just as now, the GP you usually see, or your named GP, will not always be available and there will be times when you see different GPs in the practice. We do work as a team at the practice, and that will still be the case – there will always be a doctor to take responsibility for you.
The benefit of having a named GP is that if you were ever to feel that you needed one doctor in particular to take responsibility for looking after you, then you already have the name of the doctor who is happy to take on that role.
Practice Statement- Named GP for all patients
All patients at our practice have a named GP to oversee their care.
You may already have been told who your named GP is at some point during the last 1-2 years: for those of you who haven't yet been told, our aim is to let you know before the end of March 2016. Please ask next time you make contact with the practice if you would like to know who your named GP is.
What this means for you?
You are unlikely to see any notable change in the way care is delivered to you by our practice, just a formalisation of our current process.
The responsibilities of your named GP will be to:
- Take the lead responsibility for ensuring that all appropriate services required by you from the GP practice are provided.
- Where required, use their professional judgement , to work with relevant health & social care professionals to deliver a care package that meets your needs.
- Ensure your physical and psychological needs are recognised and responded to by the relevant clinicians in the practice.
- Ensure you have access to a health check if required.
These responsibilities will be carried out within the opening hours of the surgery and do not change the way you or other patients currently access care outside of these hours.
You must continue to book appointments with the practice in the same way. If you require an appointment with a GP urgently and are unable to book it with your 'named GP' please book with another available Doctor.
Please note that despite our GP's working with other health & social care professionals to deliver your care needs, they do not take on the responsibility for the care others deliver to you. If you have concerns about any care provided by a health & social care professional outside of the practice, this should be raised directly with them, or their organisation.