§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her recommended maximum GP list size in the London implementation zone; what is the average GP list size; how many GPs there are in the zone; and how many have list sizes of(a) over 2,000, (b) over 2,500, (c) over 3,000, (d) over 3,500 and (e) over 4,000.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe maximum number of persons which a general practitioner may have on his list in all localities is specified in the National Health Service (General Medical Services) Regulations 1992. Regulation 24(2) provides that the maximum number shall be (a) 3,500 for a single-handed doctor (b) 4,500 for a doctor practising in a partnership, subject to a maximum average of 3,500 for each of the partners in the practice; and, where the doctor employs an assistant, a further maximum number of 2,000 for each assistant. There are no recommended maxima specifically for the London initiative zone.
The London initiative zone comprises five complete family health services authorities (FHSAs) and seven part-FHSAs. The information requested is not available for part-FHSAs.
As at 1 October 1992, there were 3,186 unrestricted GPs in the 12 complete FHSAs which lie wholly or partly within the London initiative zone. The average list size was 2,092. The number of GPs by average list size is shown in the table:
Over 2,000 Over 2,500 Over 3,000 Over 3,500 General practitioners 1,713 643 239 94 No data are available on GPs with a list size over 4,000.