There is the idea of a combination of models. Firstly that PCTs should facilitate greater flexibility in GPs opening hours. The aim is to to enable patients to have a greater choice when to see their GP with extended opening hours in the evenings and week-ends. There will be the introduction of new health centres in convenient locations e.g. supermarkets?, where people can access GPs even if they aren't registered with the GPs at those centres.

For the 25% of local communities where there is the poorest provision , there should be new resources to provide new GP practices which may be provided by private providers or GPs as now.

The introduction of better access to GPs is very welcome for those of us who are working and have to take time off to visit a GP. Looking positively, it should improve the health of the working population as they will be able to access healthcare when they need it, without the worry of taking time off work.

Several years ago when undertaking an assignment for university I wrote about the idea of a ‘Patient Passport,' whereby you would have a card akin to the driving licence photo-card, which when swiped would give access to the required information. This would be used by the GP of your choice when accessing their care. Recently I spoke with David Colin-Thome who gave me the distinct impression that once the information technology is in place, there may be a place for such a card. Will this happen in my life time and really open up patient's choice of GP, we can only wait and see.

Trewcare provides live-in care and home care services in cornwall and the surrounding areas http://www.trewcare.co.uk