Minister says GPs blocking choice

GPs have been attacked by a minister for operating "gentleman's agreements" whereby they promise not to accept other doctors' patients. In an interview with the BBC website, Ben Bradshaw accused family doctors in some areas of blocking patient choice. The government's latest review of the NHS in England promises more patient choice in primary care, with incentives for GPs to take on new patients. Doctors' leaders said Mr Bradshaw's comment were "absolute nonsense". The attack is threatening to open up a new rift between family doctors and the government. Mr Bradshaw has already clashed with doctors in recent months over extending opening hours and polyclinics. But he has now turned up the heat on doctors as the two sides discuss ways of revamping the funding of GP care to encourage them to take on new patients. There is no... [read full story]