Hundreds still not registered with a GP

Those suffering from long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease can now, for the first time, find and compare GP practices within their area that have experience of treating patients with similar health needs.

Dr Ken McDonald, medical director for NHS Barnsley said: “While all GPs aim to provide the best possible care, we know that some have more experience with particular conditions than others.

“The new tool allows people to easily make an informed choice about their care.

“To see the range of local expertise available for a condition all patients need to do is visit the NHS Choices website.”

A spokesman for NHS Barnsley said that the development comes as a “timely” reminder for former patients of the NHS Barnsley Health Centre, which closed at the end of November.

Figures show that 340 people have not yet registered with a new GP practice despite reminder texts, phone calls and letters.

Dr McDonald added: “Although the majority of patients are now registered with a new GP practice there are still some who haven’t yet and this is worrying.

“Having a GP in place over the cold winter period is important whether or not you have a long-term condition because it ensures you can access care quickly at a time when you’re more likely to need it.”

Meanwhile, a Doncaster GP is preparing to hang up her stethoscope after 35 years in the NHS.

Dr Lis Rodgers ,60, is handing over the reins of the Barnburgh surgery she has run for the past 18 years to her partner Dr Karen Wagstaff.

Recently Dr Rodgers, a medical adviser to NHS Doncaster, has been leading a three-month-long public consultation into proposed changes to services at Doncaster’s Montagu and Tickhill Road hospitals.