Named GPs to Coordinate the Care of Frailest Patients (BBC News / NHS Choices / Department of Health / BMA / NHS Employers)

Summary

The British Medical Association and NHS England have agreed that next year’s GP contract will involve GPs taking more direct responsibility for the most vulnerable and elderly patients. It is anticipated that this move will relieve pressure on hospital admissions.

This move is reported to be a resurrection of the “Old-fashioned family doctor” role, whereby doctors have agreed to identify the frailest 2% of patients (people near the end of the lives, often living in care homes and / or patients who tend to be admitted to hospital frequently) and adopt a more proactive and holistic responsibility for helping to plan their care across the NHS and social care sectors.

Read more: BBC News. GPs take on extra role for frailest patients.

Reference

Triggle, N. (2013). GPs take on extra role for frailest patients. London: BBC Health News, November 15^th 2013.

A related NHS Choices commentary:

Full Text Link

Reference

The return of the ‘proper’ family doctor? London: NHS Choices; Behind the Headlines, November 15^th 2013.

This relates to:

Full Text Link

Reference

Personalised GP care will bring back old-fashioned family doctors. London: Department of Health, November 15^th 2013.

Full Text Link

Reference

NHS Employers and the BMA announce changes to the GP contract for 2014/15. London: NHS Employers, November 15^th 2013.

Full Text Link

Reference

GP contract changes put care before targets. London: British Medical Association (BMA), November 15^th 2013.

A related BBC News item:

Full Text Link

Reference

Parkinson, C. (2013). GP 10-minute appointment rule axed. London: BBC Health News, November 15^th 2013.

Possibly of interest:

Full Text Link

Reference

Triggle, N. (2016). How red bags are bringing NHS and care homes closer. London: BBC Health News, June 27^th 2016.