You do not need proof of address or immigration status, ID or an NHS number.
You might be able to register with a GP surgery that’s not in the area you live. Find out about registering with a GP surgery out of your area.
GP surgeries are usually the first contact if you have a health problem. They can treat many conditions and give health advice. They can also refer you to other NHS services.
Registering with a GP
Find a GP that suits what you need. Some GP surgeries offer more services than others. You can look up GP surgeries to see what they offer and how they compare.
Because of coronavirus (COVID-19), try to avoid going into a GP surgery to register.
You can:
- check the GP surgery website to see if you can register online
- call or email the GP surgery and ask to be registered as a patient
- You can download a GMS1 registration form on GOV.UK if you’re asked to complete one.
You do not need proof of ID to register with a GP, but it might help of you have one or more of the following:
- passport
- birth certificate
- HC2 certificate
- rough sleepers’ identity badge
- hostel or accommodation registration or mail forwarding letter
If you’re homeless, you can give a temporary address, such as a friend’s address, a day centre or the GP surgery address.
If you need to help registering with a GP surgery
If you need help registering or filling in forms, call the GP surgery and let them know.
You could also ask for help from:
- local organisations – for example if you’re homeless you could ask a centre that supports homeless people
- Citizens Advice
- your local Healthwatch
What to ask your doctor
There are a few things you can prepare in advance that will help you to get the most out of time with the health professional.
Video consultations
Most GP surgeries, hospitals, mental health services and community care services now offer video consultations.
Can a GP surgery refuse to register me?
A GP surgery can refuse to register you because:
- they are not taking any new patients
- you live outside the practice boundary and they are not accepting patients from out of their area
- you have been removed from that GP surgery register before
- it’s a long way from your home and you need extra care, for example home visits
If you have problems registering with a GP surgery
- all the NHS England Customer Contact Centre on 0300 311 22 33
- contact your local Healthwatch
Changing GP surgeries
You can change your GP surgery if you need to.
This might be because:
- you have moved
- you have had problems with your current practice
- you were removed from the patient list
You should tell the GP surgery if you change address or move out of the area.
Using a GP surgery you’re not registered with
You can contact any GP surgery if you need treatment and:
- you’re away from home
- you’re not registered with a GP surgery
- it’s a medical emergency
You might need to register as a temporary resident or permanent patient if you need treatment for more than 14 days.
You can register as a temporary resident for up to 3 months. You’ll still be registered with your usual GP surgery if you have one.
Registering with a GP under the Mental Capacity Act The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) is designed to protect and empower people over 16 who are unable to make decisions about their care and treatment.
If a person is unable to register with a GP because they cannot make decisions about their care, registration can be done by:
- a relative
- the main carer
- a lasting power of attorney
- a person appointed by a court under the Mental Capacity Act
The GP surgery can refuse registration for reasons such as they are not taking new patients or it’s too far away from your home and you need home visits.
How to register with a GP practice outside your area
Look for GP surgeries in the area you want to register. See what they offer and how they compare. Some GP surgeries off different services than others.
When you’ve chosen a GP surgery, ask if they’re accepting registrations outside of the area and ask for a registration form.
Find out more about how to register with a GP surgery
The surgery will decide if they can accept you as a regular patient or accept you without home visits.
Because of the distance to your home, the GP surgery might not be able to offer home visits.
If you are not well enough to go to the GP surgery, other arrangements might be made.
Registering with a practice further away from home can affect decisions about referrals for hospital tests and treatment, or access to community health services. Speak to the GP about your options.
Content provided by NHS.uk
Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help.
Published on Thu, 13 Jan 2022 15:10:47 GMT
Modified on Fri, 14 Jan 2022 15:08:30 GMT
Coronavirus update
To prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) there have been changes to GP appointments. But it’s still important to get help from a GP if you need it.
You can contact your GP surgery by:
- visiting their website
- using the NHS App
- calling them
You can also order repeat prescriptions online.
Only visit a GP surgery if you have been told to. Find out how to get medical help from home.
How to book, change or cancel an appointment
You should be able to book or change an appointment at your GP surgery:
- online, find out more about how to start using online services
- by phone
- in person, by going into the surgery and talking to the receptionist
In some GP surgeries, you may also be able to have a consultation online or over the phone. Speak to your GP surgery for more information about online and phone consultations.
Call your GP surgery if you need an urgent appointment. If your GP surgery is closed, a recorded message will tell you who to contact.
Booking, changing and cancelling appointments online
If you are registered with a GP surgery, you can use their online services to book, check or cancel appointments with a GP, nurse, or other healthcare professional.
If you have already signed up to online services, log in to your usual service provider and book one of the available appointments.
To change an appointment online, you will need to cancel the appointment you already have and book a new one.
Read more about how to start using online services, if you are not signed up to them already.
Important
Your GP surgery may only make some of their appointments available to book online. Online appointments may become available at a certain time of day.
Speak to your GP surgery for more information.
Evening and weekend appointments
You can now see a GP or nurse on:
- weekday evenings between 6.30pm and 8pm
- Saturdays and Sundays
Call your GP surgery or use their online services to book evening and weekend appointments. You may be able to get an appointment on the same day.
You may be offered an appointment at:
- your GP surgery
- another local GP surgery
- another local NHS service
If you’re not registered with a GP
You can call any GP surgery to get emergency treatment for up to 14 days if you are not registered with a GP or are away from home.
If your treatment will last longer than 14 days, you’ll have to register as a temporary or permanent resident. Read more about:
Other services
Before you make an appointment to see your GP, think about what other services might be able to help.
- Go to a pharmacy for advice and treatment for minor conditions that do not need a prescription. Read about services you can get from a pharmacist.
- Call NHS 111 if you have an urgent medical problem, but you’re not sure what to do.
- Visit 111.nhs.uk for urgent medical advice for people aged 5 and over only.
- Visit a sexual health service for testing for sexually transmitted infections and contraception advice.
You do not have to make an appointment or register for these services.
Content provided by NHS.uk
Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help.
Published on Thu, 13 Jan 2022 15:23:15 GMT
Modified on Fri, 14 Jan 2022 11:22:19 GMT
Content provided by NHS.uk
Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help.
Published on Thu, 13 Jan 2022 12:24:02 GMT
Modified on Fri, 04 Mar 2022 15:47:20 GMT