MedEconomics: GMS Regulations - Know the patient removal rules.(General Medical Services)

When it is right and wrong for practices to eject patients from their registered list.

Removing patients from the practice list is a problem most GPs have to grapple with during their career.

Doing it right can make the difference between a difficult task and an expensive nightmare.

Last year when West Midlands GP Dr William Hampson removed a patient for allegedly swearing at a receptionist, the patient went to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, who ordered the practice to pay pounds 500 in compensation.

Ann Abraham, the ombudsman, is taking an increasingly close look at removals. In her report last year she said 21% of the cases investigated by her office were about patients being removed from GPs' lists.

Removal is a last resort

Dr Mike Devlin, head of advisory services for the Medical Defence Union (MDU), advises GPs to contact their defence body to be sure they have a …