Step 1 – Find a local GP
You can register with any GP in your local area as long as you are in their catchment area. Search to find details of your nearest GP practices here.
A General Practitioner (GP) is a local family doctor and usually your first contact if you have a health problem.
Registering with a GP practice is really easy and important. You need to be registered with a GP to get medicine, hospital referrals, tests and treatments as well as invitations to vaccinations and cancer screening.
Being registered means you can quickly get the help you need. GPs are always free of charge and provide appointments seven days a week, including evenings and weekends.
It is important to register with a local GP as soon as you can when you move home or when you arrive in England, so you can see the GP or a member of their practice team when you are sick.
As well as doctors, you can see a range of other professionals, often more quickly, at your practice. This includes nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, mental health professionals and professionals who can connect you with support both in the NHS and the community.
Registering with a GP is free of charge. Anyone in England is entitled to register with a GP practice and to see a GP when they need to.
Children are not automatically registered with a GP when they are born. You need to register your children with your GP practice.
You do not need a fixed address to register with a GP. You do not have to show ID, or proof of address or immigration status.
If you need to see a GP, but have difficulty speaking or understanding English, tell the staff at the GP surgery. They will be able to arrange for an interpreter. You will not be charged for this service.
You can register as a temporary resident with a GP surgery for up to 3 months. This can be helpful if you’re living away from home but do not want to change your home GP surgery.
You can change your GP practice at any time if you want to.
Registering with a GP practice is really simple and easy.
You can register with any GP in your local area as long as you are in their catchment area. Search to find details of your nearest GP practices here.
You can register yourself or a dependent quickly and easily online here. You can also visit the practice and complete a registration form.
Once you have registered with a GP practice, your health records will move with you and will be transferred automatically from your previous GP surgery.
It is important to register with a new GP if you move to a new area. You can change GP at any time, for any reason and your medical records will be transferred automatically from your old GP surgery.
If you have problems registering with a GP surgery you can contact us.
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Need to register with a GP and not sure how to do it? Download our free leaflet on everything you need to know about registering with a GP practice.
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