Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what guidance his Department issues on ensuring the continual provision of GP services in the event of a lease-holding GP practice withdrawing its services; and what the minimum specifications are for the interim provision of GP services in a case where a lease-holding GP practice withdraws its services.

NHS England is responsible for ensuring that all patients have access to primary medical services. Where a practice closes, patients may be assigned to another practice or may register with a practice of their choosing.

Patients will be entitled to receive, as a minimum, essential services as set out in general practitioner contract regulations which includes any referral needed. If a practice does not provide enhanced or additional services, NHS England is responsible for ensuring patients have access to those services.