NHS Bury urges patients to have their say

Date published: 02 June 2010

Patients in Bury are urged to have their say on a national consultation on registering with a GP practice of their choice.

At the moment, people have to choose a GP practice that’s close to them and make sure they live within its catchment area. But the Government is looking at options to change this, so people can choose a GP practice that best suits their needs.

Most people want a GP practice that’s near where they live. But some find it difficult to see their GP – for example, people who work full-time and can’t get to a practice near their home during the day. Other people would like to be able to choose a practice they prefer because it has longer opening hours or different services available.

Dr. Jerry Martin, local GP and Chair of the Commissioning Board for NHS Bury said: “I’d encourage local people to have a look at the consultation to find out more about the proposals and use this opportunity to have their say about registering with a GP practice of their choice.”

The Department of Health has more information about the consultation on their website at http://www.gpchoice.dh.gov.uk  visitors to the site can respond to the consultation online, or can write to Your Choice of GP Practice, Room 2E42, Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UE.

The consultation runs until 2nd July 2010.