Requirement for all patients to have a named GP

All registered patients must have a named accountable GP. Find out named GPs' responsibilities and what practices are required to do.
Location: England
Audience: GPs Practice managers
Updated: Monday 7 September 2020
GP practice article illustration

The named GPs' responsibilities

The named GP is largely a role of oversight. It reassures patients they have one GP who is responsible for their care.

  • Patients do not need to see their named GP when they book an appointment with the practice.
  • Patients are entitled to choose to see any GP or nurse in the practice.
  • The named GP works with relevant health and social care professionals to deliver a multi-disciplinary care package that meets the needs of the patient.
  • The named GP ensures that these patients have access to a health check as set out in section 7.9 of the standard GMS contract.
  • The named GP will not take on 24 hour responsibility for the patient, or have to change their working hours.

 

The practice's responsibilities

  • All patients should be given a named GP within 20 days of registration and told so at the next appropriate time.
  • The practice must confirm on their website that every patient has a named GP.
  • If a patient requests a particular GP, reasonable efforts should be made to accommodate their preference.
  • Practices are required to use the code 'patient allocated named accountable general practitioner' in the clinical system.