There may be circumstances when it would be considered reasonable, or in the best interests of the patient, to remove patients from our list. This page gives a summary of the practice guidelines for removal of a patient from the practice list and how ensure that any concerns about removing patients from the list are dealt with fairly. A detailed policy is available from the Business Manager for anyone who would like a copy.
A patient can be removed from the practice list without warning if they have displayed violent, abusive or threatening behaviour towards a GP or any other member of staff.
A patient can also be removed if it is proved that they have engaged in fraud or deception to obtain services.
Other reasons for removing a patient from the list include:
- Where a patient has moved out of the practice boundary (in cases where it is impractical for the patient to remain registered at the surgery).
- Where a patient has moved abroad for a period of 3 months or more.
- Failure to attend pre-booked appointments on a number of occasions during a given period.
- Irretrievable breakdown of the Doctor/Nurse-Patient relationship.
- Where a patient’s behaviour falls outside of that which is normally considered reasonable and leads to an irretrievable breakdown of the doctor-patient relationship
In cases where immediate removal is not appropriate, a warning letter will be sent and every effort made to reach a mutually satisfactory solution before any final decision is taken to remove the patient from the list.
Patients will not be removed for the following reason:
- making a complaint or for questioning clinical techniques, safety measures or other practice matters.
- refusing to take part in national or local screening programmes
- non-compliance with health advice given by the GP
