Guidance on how having a ‘named GP’ will work for patients aged 75 and above has been released by the British Medical Association (BMA).
The role of ‘named GP’, which will come into effect from April, was agreed as part of the 2014/15 contract negotiations agreed between the BMA GPs committee (GPC) and NHS Employers.
All practices will need to ensure that each patient aged 75 and over has a named, accountable GP.
The named GP’s responsibilities will include ensuring the physical and psychological needs of the patient are met and, where appropriate, working with other health and social care professionals to deliver a multidisciplinary care package.
The GPC says this role should not prove particularly onerous and is in line with what many practices are already offering.
The GPC guidance says: ‘This is largely a role of oversight, with the requirements being introduced to reassure patients over 75 that they have one GP within the practice who is responsible for ensuring that this work is carried out on their behalf.’
Named GPs will not have 24-hour responsibility for these patients, nor will they be the only GP or clinician to deliver their care.
Practices will need to inform existing patients of their named GP by June 30. Newly registered patients in this age group should be informed within 21 days of registration.
The BMA’s guidance is available online.
