Burnham backs NLGN proposal to allow access to any GP

September 17, 2009

In a speech today (Thur) Health Secretary Andy Burnham has backed a proposal made by the New Local Government Network (NLGN) to allow patients to register with any GP, regardless of their catchment area.

The idea was proposed by the think tank in March 2009 as a means to creating more convenient and accessible local health services. In a report entitled People Power: How can we Personalise Public Services?, author Nigel Keohane argued that:

“individuals should be allowed access any GP, whether near their workplace, friends or family – to provide convenience and prevent wasted time”.

In a speech in London, the health secretary has said that ending the system of catchment areas – where patients have to register with a GP nearest to their home – will help to “drive up standards” and that he wants it introduced by next autumn.

NLGN said that the announcement would help to introduce more choice and convenience for patients and allow them to structure their health needs more effectively.

Nigel Keohane said:

‘Citizens now rightly expect their public services to fit around their daily lives, in terms of convenience, time and point of access, choice of providers and speed of delivery.

‘A policy to allow patients to access any GP would mean that those who commute to work do not have to take a day off simply for a routine appointment and allow greater choice to citizens over the services they receive.’


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