A DoH spokeswoman explained that extended boundaries means having a larger geographic area allowing, 'patients to choose to register with a GP in a different area to where they live as long as it is still within their PCT area'.
She confirmed that the funding will cover the period 2008 to 2011 covered by the current comprehensive spending review.
GPC deputy chairman Dr Richard Vautrey said: 'I am very apprehensive about this. What this seems to say is that they get to cherry pick patients. What happens if there is a residential care home in the area, will they be able to register there?'
GPC chairman Dr Laurence Buckman agreed that patients should be able to see a GP near where they work, but added, 'the only reason it hasn't happened is that it is technically complicated to deliver, could lead to increased risks to patients and is potentially a lot more expensive'.
Practices will open in 2008 and will be the first of 100 surgeries to be built over three years.
Details of 150 planned walk-in centres are set to be unveiled next month.
At a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group for primary care in London last week, Mr Bradshaw said he was confident the government could 'deliver' on its promise of 50 per cent of practices in England opening extended hours.
'I don't think it's an unreasonable request to make,' he added.
| The 38 PCTs to receive new government-funded surgeries: | |
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| Ordnance Survey mapping. Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Media licence AM138/06 (UK) | |
