HC Deb 02 May 2000 vol 349 c63W
Mrs. Spelman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons United Kingdom nationals are removed from their GP's list following periods of work abroad exceeding three months. [120377]

Ms Stuart

General practitioners' lists need to be kept up to date in order to reflect accurately the numbers of patients that they are responsible for. GPs have duties to provide continuity of care to their patients, and also to be able to visit them outside the surgery should the need arise. These responsibilities cannot be fulfilled if patients are resident abroad.