New guidance from the Department of Health will abolish `open but full` lists at GP practices because it is too confusing for patients.

Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) must state whether lists are `open` or `closed` under the proposals, which aim to make the availability of primary care services clearer to patients.

Action should also be taken to ensure patients registered with a GP outside their home area can get the same level of care that they would receive at their nearest practice, the Choice of GP Practice document says.

Patients who move home but remain within an outer boundary area agreed by the PCT cluster and the practice can remain registered with their practice under the proposals.

However, the guidance also acknowledges that patient choice needs to be balanced with practicality. GP practices with reasonably large boundary areas may not be required to set up an additional outer boundary area, according to the document, but this is expected to be "the exception rather than the norm".

"PCT clusters should work with GP practices to ensure that the arrangements are as fair and equitable as possible and that they serve patients` interests," the guidance states.

Three pilot schemes will be run around the country in areas where a high number of patients travel in for work. Nottingham City; Manchester and Salford; and Central London: Westminster, City & Hackney and Tower Hamlets, are the chosen areas.

Copyright Press Association 2012