Moving outside GP catchment area?

Ames

If I move outside my GP catchment area do I have to change to a new surgery or do the rules let me stay where I am?

Thanks.

Torry_Quine

It very much depends on your surgery and what their rules say. Here the local health board have been cracking down and patients who have been with the same practice for decades are having to move.

greatgimpo

The theory is that your old doctor will have too far to go to house visit you (as if!!!)

Ames

Thanks. I've never had a home visit. I asked a couple of years ago and they said it'd be fine but I'd heard things were changing, and it seems they are.

I'll have to make some tough choices then about moving.

Thanks again.

sweetcheeks33

They can't force you to change gp, my hubby is still with his gp after moving 25 mins away however we have out of hours & a+e close by so no argument there and you can also speak to your local MP as you can't actually be 'forced' to change. In Scotland anyway.

Callie22

I was allowed to stay with mine (I moved about half a mile away) but I had to sign a form saying I wouldn't request a home visit.

Ames

Thanks. It sounds like it's different for each practice. I'll have to ask them, and bear in mind that it might change in future.

Torry_Quine

sweetcheeks33 wrote: »

They can't force you to change gp, my hubby is still with his gp after moving 25 mins away however we have out of hours & a+e close by so no argument there and you can also speak to your local MP as you can't actually be 'forced' to change. In Scotland anyway.

Actually they can, I'm also in Scotland by the way. Letter received telling me I had 60 days to find a new GP and if they hadn't recieved notification by that time I would automatically be take off their list.

Mindless_Clone

Callie22 wrote: »

I was allowed to stay with mine (I moved about half a mile away) but I had to sign a form saying I wouldn't request a home visit.

I had the same thing. I have stayed with mine despite moving three times, each time well out of his catchment area. Actually he's not that great a GP and if the more local one was any better I'd probably change.

j.e.j.

I'd guess it depends on how far out of the catchment area you are going, and how understanding your current surgery is. It is worth asking them if you can stay with them, if you're happy there. A good GP is worth their weight in gold!

sheilavw

My Mum had to move when she went into a care home. She is 4.5 miles away from the GP surgery she had all her life (85 years old). The GP came a couple of times and said no problem coming. A few weeks later they called as they thought Mum may have a water infection. The GP on call refused to come, but sent a fax with the district nurses number on. I rang the next day to ask if we should look for another GP and the receptionist checked with Practice manager who said No she could stay, and why had I rung because GP had been out to see Mum yesterday. I said No he wouldnt come, and she said he did visit, he's put on her file that he saw her! 2 weeks later a letter came saying she had to have a new GP.