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Written question asked by Lord McCabe (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 February 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 February 2017 (named day). It was answered by David Mowat (Conservative) on Monday, 27 February 2017 on behalf of the Department of Health.

GP Surgeries: Closures

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the minimum notice period is that clinical commissioning groups are required to give patients when a GP surgery is to close.

Answer

There is no defined statutory requirement for a notice period to patients when a general practitioner surgery is to close.

NHS England’s guidance for commissioners, the Primary Medical Care Policy Book, suggests that between nine and 15 months prior to contract end, commissioners should undertake a needs and impact assessment and develop an engagement plan, and between two and 10 months before contract end, the commissioners should commence negotiation for the continuation of or procurement of an alternative Primary Medical Service provider, or the appropriate exit plan (including communication to patients).

Only at contract end would the patient list be dispersed, at which point patients would be notified and informed of their right to choose an alternative provider. Details of other local providers could be provided as part of this communication.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
65097
Session
2016-17
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Closures General practitioners GP surgeries
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk