Page updated: 25 Jun 2010
Trafford residents invited to join GP choice debate
Trafford residents can now have a say on how they choose their GP practices in the future, with a national consultation for patients, professionals and the public now under way.
Trafford people will have the opportunity to discuss whether their choice of GP should still be based on catchment areas, and what factors would affect their choice if the limits were removed.
At the moment, anyone who wants to register with a practice is restricted by where they live, but the consultation could result in a change of the rules to allow people to select the GP that best suits their needs.
Graham Wallis, interim chief executive at NHS Trafford, said: “Not everyone has the same requirements from a GP practice and the new proposals could give residents more options to choose from.
“Some people may find it more convenient to register at a practice close to where they work, while others may want to choose a GP that specialises in a particular area.
“The consultation is a chance for every Trafford resident to have a say with the chance to influence GP services in the future.”
The discussion will look at the issues that shape people’s decisions, including the need for home visits, urgent care and physiotherapy, and it will also include the subject of medical record access.
The new arrangements for choosing a GP practice are due to be published in September, with NHS Trafford likely to implement them in April 2011.
Anyone who wishes to get involved can go to www.gpchoice.dh.gov.uk and fill in the questionnaire before the closing date of 2 July.
NHS Trafford will also be holding a public event about the consultation at Sale Waterside on Wednesday 23 June. Places are limited, but can be booked via the NHS Trafford engagement team on 0161 873 9505. The event will discuss the different issues raised in the online survey.