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How do I join a local GP?

Author

Charlotte Adams

Published Mar 09, 2026

How do I join a local GP?

Before you register, contact the GP surgery to confirm that it covers the address where you are living or staying temporarily. Ask to register at the GP reception. Show this leaflet and they will ask you to fill in a registration form. Ask for help with filling in the form if needed and return it to the GP reception.

In respect to this, how do I register with a local GP?

Register with a GP

  1. your name and address.
  2. the name and address of the GP practice you're currently registered with, if you have one.
  3. your NHS number, if you know it.
  4. the name and address of an emergency contact.
  5. the name and address of your carer, if you have one.
  6. your medical history.
  7. any allergies you may have.

Furthermore, can I join any GP practice? Since 2015, all GP practices in England have been free to register new patients who live outside their practice boundary area. This means you can register with a GP practice somewhere that's more convenient for you, such as a practice near your work or closer to your children's schools.

Besides, how do I temporarily register with a GP?

To register as a temporary resident in England, you can find a GP near you. The surgery will ask you to complete a Temporary services form GMS3 (PDF, 81kb). You can register as a temporary resident if you plan to live near the GP surgery for up to 3 months.

How do I register with a GP in the UK?

It's quick and easy to register with a GP. Call Primary Care Support England on 0333 014 2884 (option 1) for advice, or pop into a practice near your home and ask about becoming a patient. You can also visit uk for more information. It's usually only possible to register with a GP near where you live.

How do I find out my NHS number if I don't have a GP?

If you cannot find your NHS Number at home, you can ask your GP practice to help you. They should be able to provide the number for you as long as you are registered with them. To protect your privacy, you may be asked to show a passport, driving licence or some other proof of identity.

How do I obtain my NHS Number?

Getting your NHS Number

When you register with a GP practice you'll receive a letter with your NHS Number. If you are not able to find your NHS Number, contact your GP practice for help. It is not possible to find your NHS Number online.

How do I find the best GP in my area?

To find a new GP you can:
  1. ask your current doctor for advice.
  2. ask your family, friends and neighbours for recommendations.
  3. ask a local pharmacist or other medical professionals who have dealings with doctors in the area.

How do I register with the NHS?

Before you register, contact the GP surgery to confirm that it covers the address where you are living or staying temporarily. Ask to register at the GP reception. Show this leaflet and they will ask you to fill in a registration form. Ask for help with filling in the form if needed and return it to the GP reception.

How long takes to register with GP?

How long does it take to register with a GP? Registering with a new GP surgery can take a few days, and in some cases a week or two. It will depend on how your new surgery works, and if they need to book you in for an initial health check. With Push Doctor, it only takes a few minutes to register to see a GP.

What does my NHS number look like?

Your NHS Number is printed on your medical card given to you when you register with a GP practice. Your NHS Number helps healthcare staff to find your health records. Each NHS Number is made up of 10 digits, shown like this: 450 557 7104 (this is an example number only).

Can a doctor refuse to accept a new patient?

Physicians do not have unlimited discretion to refuse to accept a person as a new patient. Because much of medicine is involved with federal regulations, physicians cannot refuse to accept a person for ethnic, racial, or religious reasons.

How does NHS work for foreigners?

If you need NHS hospital treatment, you will be charged at 150% of the national NHS rate if you are a national of a country outside of the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Some services or treatments carried out in an NHS hospital are exempt from charges, so they're free to all.

Can you just walk into a GP?

✔? Visit a walk-in centre

You also don't need to be registered or have an appointment in order to see a GP or nurse there. However, they usually operate on a first-come-first-serve basis, so be prepared to sit in the waiting room for a while.

Do you need proof of address to register with a GP?

It clarifies that patients do not legally need to provide documentary evidence of identity, immigration status or proof of address, to register with a GP. Inability by a patient to provide identification or proof of address would not be considered reasonable grounds to refuse to register a patient.

What do you do if you don't have a GP?

If you're away from home and need to see a GP, you can contact any GP surgery nearby.

Alternative services

  1. NHS 111 for non-emergency medical advice and information about local services.
  2. a pharmacist can provide advice and treatment for minor conditions that do not need a prescription.

Can you register at more than one GP?

It is not possible for patients to register as a NHS patient with two GP practices at the same time as only one practice can hold a patient's medical records and there are potential clinical risks in maintaining duplicate records.

Can a GP remove you from their practice?

A GP may be able to remove you from the patient register in some situations, for example, because you move out of the practice area or are physically or verbally abusive to people at the practice. In most cases, the GP must have given you a warning, and provided you with the reasons for your removal from the register.

Can GP refuse to prescribe?

Any GP has the right to refuse to prescribe a drug that they are not prepared to take clinical responsibility for.

Can my GP refuse to refer me to a specialist?

If you disagree with your GP's decision, you can ask them to refer you to another healthcare professional for a second opinion (an opinion about your health from a different doctor). Although you do not have a legal right to a second opinion, a healthcare professional will rarely refuse to refer you for one.

How much does a GP appointment cost NHS?

Each appointment costs an average of £30, putting the total cost to the NHS at more than £216million pounds on top of the disruption for staff and fellow patients that would pay for: The annual salary of 2,325 full time GPs. 224, 640 cataract operations.

How can I get a prescription without going to the doctor UK?

asking a local pharmacist if they can provide an emergency supply of your medicine. in some cases, a nurse at an NHS walk-in centre may be able to supply your medicine or a prescription. outside normal GP hours, you may be able to get a prescription from an out-of-hours service or by calling 111. Visit NHS 111 online.

Is NHS free for foreigners?

People will be entitled to free care if, on all the facts, they remain ordinarily resident in the UK despite spending time outside the UK. However, since 2017, overseas visitors working on UK-registered ships are no longer entitled to free NHS care and their employer is liable for their NHS costs.

What does a GP earn in the UK?

A doctor in specialist training starts on a basic salary of £37,935 and progresses to £48,075. Salaried general practitioners (GPs) earn £58,808 to £88,744 depending on the length of service and experience. GP partners are self-employed and receive a share of profits of the business.

Is GP free in UK?

Free services. GP and nurse consultations in primary care, treatment provided by a GP and other primary care services are free of charge to all, whether registering as an NHS patient, or as a temporary patient, which is when the patient is in the area for more than 24 hours and less than 3 months.

How can I get a prescription online?

While you cannot simply order a prescription online, you can meet with an online doctor to get medication prescribed online. In order to receive prescription medication you must first consult with a medical doctor. This can be done online via phone or video chat.

Can you see a GP about mental health?

Many health professionals provide mental health services. Your doctor (GP) is often a good place to start for most mental health conditions. Doctors can provide treatment or refer you to other services for mental health.