GP Registration
Quick links
What is the Client entitled to?
- Anyone in England may register and see a GP without charge. This includes: asylum
seekers and refugees, overseas visitors and those who are homeless. - They do not need to provide ID or proof of address to register with a GP (although you might still be asked).
- They can register using a temporary address such as a friend’s, a day centre or the practice address.
- They just need to state that you are staying/sleeping within the local practice area. (Living outside the area the GP works is a legitimate reason for the GP refusing to register you)
- Prescriptions are free of charge for those claiming benefits. Those not entitled to benefits (No Recourse to Public Funds) can apply for help with prescription costs by completing an HC1 form.
How do you make the Client's case effectively?
- Make sure they avoid being violent or abusive to staff – although a GP cannot refuse them registering for lack of ID/proof of address; this sort of behaviour is likely to be a “reasonable ground” for refusing them
- Healthy London Partnership/Groundswell’s provide “Right to Healthcare” Cards and Action Update Cards which they can bring with them when registering
What do you do if you are ignored/refused your rights?
Direct the GP to:
- the Primary Medical Care Policy and Guidance Manual – Section 4: GP Patient Registration Standard Operating Principles for Primary Medical Care
- The British Medical Association Guidance
What sources of expertise/clout can you turn to?
Health Watch (03000 68 3000) can help you navigate the NHS complaints process or explain how to go about reporting the incident to the GMC (the GP’s regulatory body) if they continue to refuse to register the Client.
Legal Sources
- Part 13 of the General Medical Services Contract
- Sch. 3, part 2 of the NHS General Medical Services Contract Regulations 2015