Help if you are refused Message to the GP Practice If you require further information or
advice, please contact your local NHS
registration England primary care commissioning team
(www.england.nhs.uk/about/regional-
Ask the GP receptionist to write the reason why Thank you for helping to register this area-teams).
they cannot register you in the box overleaf. If patient. We hope the patient was able to show
How to register
Please refer to the NHS England Guidance
you do not live in the catchment area or the GP you relevant documents. NHS Guidelines say
on Patient Registration:
already has too many patients, they can refuse ‘If a patient cannot produce any supportive
Patient Registration Standard Operating
to register you. If you are refused registration documentation but states that they reside within
with a doctor (GP)
Principles for Primary Medical Care (GP),
because you do not have proof of address, the practice boundary then practices should
November 2015: www.england.nhs.uk
identification or because of your immigration accept the registration’.
/commissioning/wp-content/uploads/
status, a volunteer or friend could advocate on
There is no regulatory requirement to prove sites/12/2015/11/pat-reg-sop-pmc-gp.pdf
your behalf. If the GP practice still refuses to
register you, ask a volunteer, friend or caseworker identity, address, immigration status or an NHS
to liaise on your behalf with your NHS England number in order to register as a patient and no
contractual requirement for GPs to request this. To be completed by the GP practice
office by sharing the completed form with them.
If you cannot register this patient, please
You can make a complaint All asylum seekers and refugees and those who identify the reasons from the list below
By email:
[email protected] are homeless, overseas visitors, whether lawfully and sign and date the form so the patient
(for the attention of the complaints manager in the UK or not, are eligible to register with is informed.
in subject line). a GP practice even if they are not eligible for
A: Our list is closed to new patients
By post: NHS England, P.O. Box 16738, secondary care (hospital care) services. as from (date)
Redditch, B97 9PT. The patient MUST be registered on application
By phone: 0300 311 2233 (Telephone B: The patient states that they live
unless the practice has reasonable grounds to outside the practice boundary and
Interpreter Service available). decline. we do not offer an enhanced
registration service.
For further information GP practices have limited grounds on which they
You may be able to get help and advice from can turn down an application and these are; if C: We cannot register the patient
your local Citizens Advice: due to other reasons as stated below:
www.citizensadvice.org.uk or your local The commissioner has agreed that they can
Healthwatch: 0300 068 3000 close their list to new patients. Name:
www.healthwatch.co.uk The patient lives outside the practice GP Practice:
To request the leaflet in other formats and boundary.
languages call: 0300 311 2233 . Other reason (if applicable):
Doctors of the World Clinic Advice Line:
020 75157534 . This line is open from
10am - 12 midday, Monday to Friday. Date:
Outside of this time, please email:
[email protected] Signature:
www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk
NHS England Publications Gateway reference #06277
What is a GP? Do I need ID to register? Finding a doctor Registering with a doctor
A GP is a local family doctor. You need You do not have to provide ID when Before you register, contact the GP surgery Ask to register at the GP reception. Show
to register with a GP as soon as you can registering with a GP, but it is helpful to to confirm that it covers the address where this leaflet and they will ask you to fill in a
when you arrive in England so you can see do so. It is helpful if you can provide at you are living or staying temporarily. registration form. Ask for help with filling
the GP when you are sick. least one of the documents below when in the form if needed and return it to the
You can register with any GP in your local GP reception.
registering with your GP:
area as long as they have space for new
What does it cost? Passport patients. You can also get help by: Help with filling in the form
Local organisations that support asylum
There is no charge to register with a GP Birth certificate seekers, refugees and migrants may be able
Asking friends
in England. Once you are registered, there Biometric residence permit to help you fill in the GMS 1 form or local
is also no charge to see your GP. If your GP Asking at the library
Travel document registration form.
decides that you need medicine, you will Asking local organisations such as
receive a prescription. HC2 certificate schools, mosques, temples, and If you can’t get help, tell the GP
ARC card churches receptionist. Ask them to book an
To get your medicine, take the prescription interpreter who can help you fill in the
to any pharmacy. If you have been issued Utility bill Asking a support worker
form so you can register.
with a HC2 certificate, you will not be Asking your housing case worker
charged for the medicine. You should show If you prefer, you can ask to see a
Looking on the NHS Choices
this to the staff at the pharmacy and also female GP (if available). If not, ask the
website - www.nhs.uk
tick the correct box on your prescription. receptionist for a female chaperone.
If you haven’t been provided with an HC2
certificate already, you will need to fill in an You can expect to be treated politely
HC1 certificate form to apply for an HC2. and with dignity.
The GP and staff will expect you to treat
If you want more information about the them politely.
HC2 certificate you can contact Help with
the Health Cost on 0300 330 1343. You can ask for help if you feel they
don’t understand your needs.
If you need to see a GP, but have difficulty
speaking or understanding English, tell the You can ask to discuss your health
staff at the GP surgery. They will be able issues and personal details in a quiet
to arrange an interpreter. You will not be and confidential place at the GP surgery.
charged for this service. Your details should always be kept
confidential and safe by the GP.
