Named GP

All patients are now allocated a named, accountable GP. Should you wish to know which GP you have been allocated, please contact our reception teams who will be happy to advise as such. Please note, this does not mean we can guarantee appointment availability with your named, accountable GP. You are also still able to see any of our GPs within our practice when they are available.

What does ‘accountable’ mean?

Our NHS contract requires the named accountable GP to undertake responsibility for coordination of all appropriate services required under the contract and ensure services are delivered to each of their patients, based on the clinical judgement of the named accountable GP.

However, the contract remains ‘practice based’, so overall responsibility for patient care has not changed. This is a role of oversight and should reassure our patients that they have one GP within the practice who will ensure work is carried out on their behalf.

What are the named GP’s responsibilities to 75s and over?

For patients aged over 75 and over the named accountable GP is responsible for:

  • Working with relevant associated health and social care professionals to deliver a multi-disciplinary care package that meets the needs of the patient
  • Ensuring that these patients have access to a health check

Does this mean 24-hour responsibility for patients?

No. The named GP will not:

  • Take on vicarious responsibility for the work of other doctors or health professionals
  • Take on 24-hour responsibility for the patient, or have to change their working hours. The requirement does not imply personal availability for GPs throughout the working week
  • Be the only GP or clinician who will provide care to that patient

Date published: 22nd February, 2016
Date last updated: 19th March, 2020