DoH reveals source of 'GP cartel' claim

The DoH has received letters from patients complaining that practices have made 'gentlemen's agreements' not to compete for patients, health minister Ben Bradshaw has said.

Conservative shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley asked the government what evidence it had for its claim that practices had agreed not to poach patients from their neighbours.

The health minister replied that the DoH had 'received communications' from patients complaining of the practice.

'We do not consider that these practices are widespread but, where they do occur, they can cause significant concern to members of the public,' Mr Bradshaw said.

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