GP-led health centres

Patients want to be able to see a GP at times that are convenient to them. That is why the Department of Health has asked every primary care trust (PCTs) to open a new GP health centre, which will enable any member of the public to see a doctor or nurse at a time that suits them between 8am and 8pm, 365 days a year. The new centres will provide more appointments, longer and more convenient opening hours and will promote better health, better access and greater choice and flexibility for patients.

Each health centre will offer appointments and walk-in services for any member of the public. Patients may choose to register at a health centre if it proves more convenient than their existing practice. Or they may wish to use the service while remaining registered with their current practice. The centres will offer core GP services, such as family health advice, vaccinations, examinations and prescriptions, and may include a range of other services to be decided locally, such as dentistry or physiotherapy.

The first services have already opened across the country and are proving popular with the public, especially at weekends and on bank holidays, when, GP practices are often closed. Find a GP-led health centre near you.

Will existing GP surgeries lose doctors or be forced to close?

No. GP health centres will improve access to GP services, not replace existing practices.

Will I have to deregister from my existing GP to use one of the new health centres?

No. One of the key features of the centres is that they will enable any member of the public to access routine GP services from 8am-8pm, 365 days a year, either on a walk-in basis or by booking an appointment, while remaining registered with their own GP. However, some patients may wish to register with the new GP health centres, just as they can now choose to switch from one GP surgery to another.

What services will be available at the health centres?

All GP health centres will offer core GP services such as family health advice, vaccinations, examinations, prescriptions and referrals. Where necessary they may also offer a range of other services such as dentistry, physiotherapy, minor surgery and weight management. It is for PCTs to determine the services offered based on local needs, as what works in one area might not be suitable for another.