04 November 2005
Most health service chief executives believe patients should be able to register with more than one GP, according to a survey carried out by the NHS Confederation.
A poll of 60 NHS chiefs showed 75% believed that registration with family doctors should continue to underpin NHS primary care - but 78% were in favour of allowing people to have a GP near their workplace in addition to one at home.
About 30% were also in favour of allowing patients to register with several different practices, including specialists in specific illnesses.
'People want access to services in a way that reflects their needs, which will vary depending on their personal experiences,' said Gill Morgan, the NHS Confederation chief executive.
'Currently patients can only register with a GP if they can prove they are living in the practice area, but this limits access to GPs and does not support the concept of a patient-centred NHS.'
The confederation is hoping proposals on GP registration will be included in the 'out-of-hospital care' white paper due to be published shortly.
PFnov2005
