GP patient choice pilots named

30th December 2011 - Patients in parts of London, Manchester and Nottingham will soon be able to choose a doctor miles away from their home in a pilot scheme aimed at giving people more choice about where they receive their healthcare.

The Department of Health announced last month that the system would be tested in 2012 after securing agreement with doctors' leaders and NHS employers.

Near to work or school

The announcement means that people in the pilot areas can choose to register with a GP close to their workplace if they find it more convenient. Families could choose a surgery near to a school, and people moving home will not be forced to move to another GP practice.

The year-long pilots will begin in April and involve Primary Care Trusts in Westminster, City & Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Manchester, Salford and Nottingham City. GP practices in these areas will be able to join the pilot on a voluntary basis, the Department of Health said.

'Patient focussed'

In a statement, the Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said:  "This is just the beginning of a range of measures we hope to introduce to make the NHS truly patient focussed and will allow us to better understand their needs.

"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."

Doctors have previously expressed misgivings about the scheme, warning that giving people freedom to choose a practice a long way from home could put some patients at risk, make home visits difficult and might lead to the closure of some rural surgeries.

At present patients have the right to register with any practice, but only if they live in its catchment area.