Guildford
Community Health Service Area
Health Profile (Version 1.0)
Attachment to a General Practitioner or Group Practice
One important social determinant of health and a key strategy to reducing health inequities is access to primary healthcare.[10] However, this access has been found to vary based on factors such as income, education, social support and area of residence. Attachment to a regular general practitioner improves access to primary care, as general practitioners often act as the first point of contact for individuals to the healthcare system.
Attachment is also an indicator of continued care as individuals who are attached to a general practitioner or family practice are provided with long-term, consistent care by health professionals who understand their health needs. This often reduces the need for duplicate testing and provides a more comprehensive and integrated care experience for the patient.[11]

