Practices will be required to introduce ‘named GPs’ for every patient, in the new GP contract for 2015/16.
NHS Employers announced that the new contract for GPs in England will require them to assign a ‘named, accountable GP’ for all patients – including children – who will take lead responsibility for the ‘co-ordination of all appropriate services required under the contract’.
GP practices in England were required in the 2014/15 GP contract to assign all patients aged 75 years or over a ‘named GP’ and ensure that they have access to ‘multidisciplinary care that meets the needs of the patient’.
This was a centrepiece of the health secretary’s so-called return of the ‘family doctor’ agenda for practices, although, in practice this has meant little change to existing arrangements for most patients.
