Doctors Contracts

[CEC]

Can anyone please tell me who issues doctors contracts i.e. opening hours and services?
Also is there anyway patients can see what these contracts say?
Thank you.

[buildersmate]

In England, the contract is between NHS England and the individual practice. The vast majority of practices are run as businesses with the GPs as partners who share in the profits of the practice.
The contract will define minimum outcomes, and may well define core hours M to F when the service shall be accessible, plus minimum service offerings, such as nurse-led services.
Practices can also opt in to agreeing additional services for which they get extra central money, for example flu jabs for senior citizens at risk.
No, you can't see individual contracts with practices.
What did you specifically want to know?

[CEC]

I would like to know what hours our doctors surgery is contracted to. Local Health Watch state that they have been in touch with NHS England and that they could not tell them. They then contacted British Medical Council, who said, 'get in touch with local Health Watch'. So round in circles.

[THECORBYLOON]

Your local Clinical Commissioning Group is responsible and you can find out who yours is by going to this website, http://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/Clinical%20Commissioning%20Group/LocationSearch/1

[CEC]

Thank you for your answers. Think I am being led up the garden path here. Will have to get back to people.
Thanks again.