Southern Independent Medical Practice
The Southern Independent Medical Practice was set up in October 1994 by Dr Richard Willis. He became frustrated by the increasing central government control following the introduction of a new GP contract in 1990 and also by the lack of time that could be given to individual patients, often with significant complex health needs very often previously managed in secondary care. A situation that has only become more acute over the last 20 years and has led to a catastrophic fall in GP morale and difficulty in recruitment in the NHS. Setting up as an independent practice has given patients an alternative choice of high quality, personal health care in a friendly, safe and confidential environment.