Decision Report 201600712

  • Case ref:
    201600712
  • Date:
    November 2016
  • Body:
    A Medical Practice in the Grampian NHS Board area
  • Sector:
    Health
  • Outcome:
    Not upheld, no recommendations
  • Subject:
    lists (incl difficulty registering and removal from lists)

Summary

Mr C complained about the medical practice after they removed his family from the practice list for being outwith the practice boundary. Following a home visit to Mr C's father-in-law, the practice had advised that they felt the distance they had to travel presented a potential safety risk. This had led them to audit the practice list and they had decided to remove all patients outwith their boundary.

Mr C advised that, although his family was outwith the practice boundary, they had been registered there for many years following a complaint against their previous practice. He considered that this meant they should be allowed to remain on the practice list.

We found that the practice had clearly explained the reasons for their decision and given reasonable notice of the removal of services. We sought independent advice from a GP adviser, who was satisfied that the practice had complied with the provisions set out in the General Medical Services Contract for the removal of patients from the practice list, and that it was within their discretion to remove patients who were outwith their practice boundary. We accepted this advice and did not uphold Mr C's complaint.

Updated: March 13, 2018