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Continuity Based GP List System

Clevedon Medical Centre is planning a move to a continuity based GP list system on the 15th September.

We recommend seeing your named GP in the majority of cases, even if this means waiting a little longer.
This type of continuity will ensure that you receive the best standard of care possible.

Continuity Of Care

Clevedon Medical Centre is working hard to improve continuity of care, but what does that mean for you?

At this practice, we believe you will get the most effective care if you have a strong relationship with a GP. Seeing the same person when you attend is one way of strengthening that relationship and we are working hard to make sure that is possible.

Why are we doing this?

Over the past few years, there has been lots of publicity about how important it is to see your doctor quickly, but there is also lots of evidence that seeing the same person is just as important as seeing someone rapidly.

What sort of evidence?

If you see the same person, or small team of people, over a number of appointments, then the levels of trust between you both are likely to grow. Studies have shown that increased trust leads to a better experience because patients are:

More satisfied and more likely to have a good relationship with their GP;
Less likely to have to go to A&E or be admitted to hospital
More likely to follow the advice they are given and take positive steps to look after their own health

Are there any disadvantages?

It may be that sometimes we will ask you to wait a little bit longer for an appointment so that we can make sure you see ‘your’ doctor (or nurse). If you have an
urgent problem, we will always make sure you are seen as quickly as we can.

Our continuity-based GP list system starts from 15 September

From Monday 15th September, for routine appointments we will aim to book patients with their ‘usual GP’. Every GP will also have a buddy GP - which means if your usual GP has no availability you will be booked with their ’buddy’ GP.

GP Buddy Teams

Dr. Steve Bunce and Dr. Jolyon Hunt
Dr. Tasmin Murray and Dr. Mark Wheatley
Dr. Sam Gillett and Dr. Francesca Deibel and Dr. Suzi Eyre-Brook
Dr Sam Mitchell and Dr. James Cook
Dr. Liesl Gray and Dr. Emma Sizer
Dr. Anne-Marie Streeton and Dr. Sophie Woods
Dr. Rebecca French and Dr. Alex Hill

GP Patient Lists

All patients are allocated a ‘usual GP’, and the number of patients with each GP is spread evenly between GPs to ensure the workload is spread fairly across the teams.

Even if you haven’t always seen your usual GP, or their buddy, in the past, going forward the GP will get to know your history, and your doctor-patient relationship will build as you see them over time.

What are the next steps?

We kindly ask for your co-operation and help with this new system as it is designed to improve your own healthcare. For routine appointments, it might be that another GP is available sooner than your usual GP or their buddy, however we would strongly encourage you to wait and book in your usual GP.

This is because the benefits of continuity of care should far outweigh the benefit of a slightly shorter wait for an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out who my usual registered GP is?

The best way to find out who your usual registered GP is to submit an online form

Can I change my usual GP?

We would like to ask that you stay registered with the GP you have been allocated.

We have shared the allocation of patients evenly between the GPs to ensure workload is spread fairly and in proportion to the number of days each GP works; this will ensure your GP is accessible to you. For the majority of patients, we have allocated you to the GP you see the most.

If you have been allocated to a GP who you do not know well, please do not worry. You will get to know your usual GP and their buddy in time and your doctor-patient relationship will build as you see them more regularly.

Patients are within their rights to change their registered GP, but there would need to be a specific reason to do this.

I have a special reason for changing my usual GP – what do I need to do?

Please put your request in writing to the Operations Manager, Clevedon Medical Centre, Old Street, Clevedon, BS21 6DG, clearly stating why you would like to change your registered GP.

My appointment with my usual GP/buddy is too far away - can I see another GP?

If you have an urgent problem, we will always make sure you are seen as quickly as we can, which may be with another GP. However, if it is a routine appointment, we strongly encourage you to wait and book in with your usual GP.

I’m female, and my usual GP and buddy are both male. There are times when I may wish to see a female GP. Is that possible?

We understand that for some appointments you may wish to see a female GP, and this will, of course, be accommodated when we book your appointment. For other routine appointments, when it can be with your usual GP or their buddy, then we will book your appointment with them.

I’m young and usually healthy – do I need continuity of care?

Younger, healthier people who rarely visit their doctor are less likely to experience the benefits of continuity. However, if a doctor gets to know you while you are young and healthy this may be useful later if you develop an on-going health problem.

Shouldn’t I see any Doctor, rather than wait for my own Doctor?

Sometimes if you need urgent care and your doctor is not available. However, we believe its important to see your own Doctor as they will know you better and be able to provide better care.

Published: Jul 30, 2025

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