GPs "gentlemen agreements" blocking patient choice ..

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LONDON (AFP) - GPs were criticised Thursday for engaging in "gentlemen's agreements" whereby they agree not to accept patients previously registered with other doctors.

Health minister Ben Bradshaw told the BBC News website that doctors are reluctant to take on new clients hence stifling consumer choice.

"There is no doubt there are some areas where gentleman's agreements operate that mitigate against lists being open to new patients and therefore work against real patient choice," he said.

GP salaries is split into two key parts: with a lump sum topped up with smaller payments per patient and a second payment which serves as a bonus for GPs offering a range of extra services at their surgeries.

GPs earn between