4th March 2010

GP Services - Driving up Standards and Improving Quality

Issue

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Key points

Patients will have the chance to choose the best GP practice for them under new plans in a consultation published today by Health Secretary Andy Burnham.

We believe people should have the freedom to choose their own GP practice and not face artificial restrictions, like practice boundaries, that limit choice.

Many patients are very happy with their GP practice. But a significant minority of people say that they would like to register elsewhere. These patients should be able to choose the practice that is best for them - whether that be closer to where they work, or is open longer hours or provides a broader range of services. In this consultation, we look forward to hearing from the public, GPs and others on how the new system should work.

Health Secretary Andy Burnham said:

"Giving people more choice of GP services will help drive up standards and improve quality. It is the right move at the right time. This policy will drive change, and allow for more responsive primary care for all."

"We have already greatly improved access to GP services and most people are satisfied or very satisfied with their GP but in a great NHS, everybody should be able to choose the best care for themselves and their families. That means the freedom to choose their GP and not be faced with artificial restrictions, like practice boundaries, that limit their choice."

Over three quarters of GP practices now offer extended opening hours - but the Tories have consistently said they would scrap our contract with GPs that has helped deliver this. Tory plans could see an end to more than 4 million GP appointments at evenings and weekends.