If you are ordinarily resident in the UK, you and your family have a right to be registered with a GP. This can include some people from abroad depending on the purpose of their stay. If you are away from your home for more than 24 hours, you can access an alternative GP as a temporary patient.
Choosing a GP
In England and Scotland a list of GP’s can be obtained from your primary Care Trust. If you live in Wales this can be obtained from your Community Health Council. The list provides information about the services offered at each surgery in your area including specialist areas such as ante-natal or minor surgery, availability and opening times. Information may also extend to the GP’s gender and languages spoken. A location search of GP’s in England is available on line at www.nhs.uk/ServiceSearch. This is part of the NHS Gateway website that also offers similar search facilities covering Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland via the relevant links.
So you understand the level of service you can expect it may be helpful to obtain a copy of the practice’s charter before making your choice.
Your chosen GP practice does not have to accept you, and nor do they have to give you a reason although it is good practice to do so.
Registering with a GP
When you have chosen your GP and been added to their patient list, you will need to complete registration forms; you should also take along your Medical Card and complete part A of this. You will be sent a new card advising you that your records have been transferred to your new surgery. Family members do not have to use the same GP practice. You will not be able to insist on seeing a specific doctor at the practice. If you cannot find a GP then you will need to enlist the help of your Primary Care Trust/Health Board/Community Health Council.
If you wish to change your GP you would need to go through this same process. You do not have to give a reason for your change.
Treatment and charges
Not all treatments available at the surgery will be free. In England, Scotland and Northern Ireland prescriptions carry a charge although you may be exempt depending on your age, financial or health circumstances. Otherwise, if you require frequent prescriptions in excess of one per month, you may benefit from a prescription prepayment certificate which will reduce the overall cost. Click the link below for more information.
Most vaccinations will be free, but some may incur a charge, for example travel vaccinations. These are also available at specialist travel clinics but whatever your choice always give yourself plenty of time and consult a medical professional at least 2 months before you travel
Your GP may also charge for sick notes, other than those for social security reasons, for example to cover the first three days of sickness, or as evidence to support an insurance claim, as well as fitness certificates for older drivers.
Second opinions
A GP is not obliged to make a referral for a second opinion either to another GP or a specialist if they do not consider it necessary. Furthermore you would not be able to choose your referral. Some people consider private health care from this point.
Other medical service options
There are a growing number of options to accommodate your health needs. These would include:-
NHS Direct on 08 45 46 47 (or 08454 24 24 24 for Scotland) help line available 24 hours per day, 365 days of the year. This has become the first point of contact for people seeking help outside surgery hours and is staffed by nurses and professional advisers.
NHS Walk-in Centre (only available in England and Wales) – these offer fast and convenient access to healthcare advice and treatment for minor injuries and illnesses such as sprains, fractures, stings, minor head injuries and eye infections for example. They are open from early morning to late evening, seven days a week.
Pharmacists – you can talk to a pharmacist in confidence and they can often advise on common complaints and whether or not you should consult another service.
A & E – unless you need emergency attention, these units should be avoided for minor and routine ailments as priority will be given on the basis of need not time of presentation.
For further information on where to go for help click on the web links below.
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