> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Issue of how patients are assigned a GP raised by Lichfield MP in House of Commons debate
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/issue-of-how-patients-are-assigned-a-gp-raised-by-lichfield-mp-in-house-of-commons-debate/
- Published: 2022-11-03T07:58:00.000Z
- Updated: 2022-11-03T08:02:43.000Z
- Description: The issue of whether patients should be assigned a specific GP has been raised by Lichfield’s MP in a House of Commons debate.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Health, Politics, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 19:07, News

The issue of whether patients should be assigned a specific GP has been raised by Lichfield’s MP in a House of Commons debate.

Michael Fabricant questioned Health Secretary Steve Barclay on the topic.

The Conservative MP asked about the impact on “continuity of care” and the long-term relationship between a patient and their GP.

The Health Secretary replied.

> “The recent Health and Social Care Select Committee report rightly highlights the importance of continuity of care, recognising that there is sometimes a trade-off between speed of access and continuity of care.”  
>  
> Health Secretary Steve Barclay

Mr Fabricant responded:

> “Academic studies in both the United States and also in Australia show that if there is a close relationship between a patient and one specific General Practitioner, the outcomes are better both in terms of morbidity and visits to A&E.  
>  
> “What can the Government do to encourage that practice, and what is the Government’s view regarding that practice?”  
>  
> Michael Fabricant

Mr Barclay said:

> “It is the case that if one looks at the GP Patient Survey, around two in five have a GP that they would like to have continuity of care with, and over a third of those say that they see them ‘a lot of the time’ or ‘always’.  
>  
> “I think it’s more pertinent with complex cases where that continuity of care adds most value, as opposed to patients who want speed of access on an isolated incident.”  
>  
> Health Secretary Steve Barclay

Speaking after the House of Commons debate Mr Fabricant said there was not a one size fits all solution.

> “I do know that younger patients often just want a quick consultation for one-off issues, but older patients – or those with complex and continuing needs – would prefer just to see one, specific doctor and not be passed from pillar to post.   
>  
> “Mind you, I am also aware that some of my constituents in the Lichfield constituency would be happy just to see any doctor – some say it is very difficult to get an appointment.”  
>  
> Michael Fabricant