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[jagjag]

if you cannot get an appointment with your Doctor, why are they advertising (as our are) for new patients?

[bednobs]

so they don't give anyone any appointments? Seems very strange - why bother to have doctors there if they don't see any patients?

[factor-fiction]

Do they receive money based on the numbers on their books?
Anyway, not every practice is over subscribed. Some close down and some new ones come along.
I suppose it's similar to the question "how come there are so many people unemployed when there are so many vacancies in the newspaper

[ladyalex]

Because they are paid by the number of patients they have in their practice.

[woofgang]

It may be that they have been required to do so by their NHS commissioning team

[Old_Geezer]

Maybe they get paid whether they treat you or not.

[woofgang]

OG, surgeries get a small capitation payment but they make most of their money by actually seeing people.

[Pete65]

I never have a problem getting an appointment with my GP.

[ummmm]

I've been registered with my Docs for nearly 3 years and I've never even seen a doctor there. I suppose they hope for people like me to register if they get more money for patients on their books.

[doc_steve]

Hate to say this, but its mostly about the money and not patient care. GPs get a fixed sum plus additions. Providing your GP provides out of hours care (that isnt outsourced to another provider) they get £56.20 per patient per year. There is a deduction if out of hours care if provided elsewhere. There is also a points system based on the outcome and management of long term illnesses, such as treating asthma, COPD or diabetes without needing to be forwarded to specialist services. Details can be found at http://www.nhshistory.net/gppay.pdf/ For approx 6000 points each surgery can be paid up to £124 per year (as a quick guide, mild asthma can be awarded in excess of 6000 points). Although I don't work in general practice I have colleagues who say that this is very profitable for their practice. There are also additional payments for offering vaccinations (at a profit) and private treatments. With the recent move towards 'fit for work' certificates, a 'sick note' becomes a profitable option. Even those who don't pay for prescriptions/treatment will be expected to pay for a 'sick note/fitness to work certificate', only in the minority of cases will a 'fit to work' certificate be amended to show not fit to work. Excuse the bad grammar, its my first night off since early December and I'm enjoying the vodka!

[janbee]

Money money money from the NHS. They want the money but they don't want YOU!

[jd_1984]

My GP shipped me out, despite being a patient for 20+ years because I moved 2 miles away. They said it was in fairness to the local people within a set radius and due to home visit boundaries. The receptionist told me they have several phone calls daily by new patients wanting to register and they have to decline. Then the next week I see an advert in he local rag by my now former surgery advertising for new patients....... I understood but was still pee'd off as I liked and trusted that surgery