A consultation was launched on the 4 March 2010 to seek people’s views on a range of proposals that will enable patients to register with a GP practice of their choice. It is due to close on 2 July 2010.

As set out in the coalition agreement ‘Our Programme for Government’, the current Government has committed to give every patient the right to register with the GP practice they want, without being restricted by where they live.

It is clear from the consultation responses so far that an overwhelming number of people feel that it is right for people to have this flexibility, which is why we must make this work.

There are clearly a number of logistical issues to be worked through which is why it is so important to give local clinicians, NHS managers and members of the public an opportunity contribute to the plans. These events will give people the opportunity to discuss and debate the proposals set out in the consultation and consider how they might impact across their area.

The Government is planning to look at the views raised in the consultation, and as part of the engagement events, and publish its response later this year.