Finding a NHS GP practice
How to register with a GP?
Why register?
It is important to register at a GP surgery so you can easily access the health and care support that you need. A general practice tends to be the first place that people go to in order to seek health advice and medical treatment. If you need specialist help, the general practitioner can make a referral. Sometimes when you book an appointment at a medical practice, you may see someone other than a doctor such as a nurse, clinical associate, mental health nurse or physiotherapist. The reception team will usually ask you questions to make sure you see the right person.
Finding a GP practice
First, to register with a GP practice, you need to find one near you. Most people register with a GP practice that is closest to where they live so that it is more convenient to get to. Use www.nhs.uk/register to find practices close to you. Remember to check whether they are accepting new patients.
Complete the registration form
When you have found the GP practice that you want to register with, you next need to complete a form to register with the practice. This is usually available on the NHS App, the GP Practice website or the NHS website. Alternatively, you can fill in a paper copy in the practice.
When registering with a GP practice, it is important to know that you do not need identification, an NHS number or proof of address. Not all GP practices are aware that these are not needed and may challenge you on this, but rest assured, these documents are not needed. This is helpful information for people who do not hold ID, are refugees or are homeless. If your GP practice is adamant that you need ID or proof of address, get in touch. We can post a yellow card to you, which proves that you do not need these things to register.
If you do not have a permanent address, you still have the right to register.
Submit the registration form
The next step is to submit your form to the GP practice. A GP practice can only refuse to register you if:
- They are not accepting new patients.
- You live outside their catchment area and they do not allow patients outside of their catchment area.
- You have been removed from the practice before.
Out of hours and emergency GP services
Out-of-hours GP appointments
GP practices are often open at set hours throughout the day. Check with your GP practice for their opening hours. For those who are unable to access their GP within their opening hours, you may be able to book an Enhanced Access Appointment.
Enhanced Access is an appointment that is outside of your GP's opening hours and is sometimes at another location such as a neighbouring Medical Centre.
Leeds GP Confederation are contracted to provide Enhanced Access Services across Leeds which provide a wide range of Primary Care support outside GP core hours.
This service is delivered from 17 hubs Monday to Friday from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm; Saturday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Hours may vary depending on the hub.
Emergency and urgent care
If you need to see a health professional out of hours and outside of the Enhanced Access hours, you may want to take an alternative route to access the care you need.
- If it is an emergency (i.e. if your life is in danger), call 999 or go to Accident and Emergency (A&E).
- If it is urgent but not an emergency, call NHS 111 or use 111 Online.
- If it is not an emergency or urgent, you can contact your GP practice when they reopen.
Accessing the GP for people with disabilities or communication needs
Your rights
It is a right for people who have a disability, those with limited English or those with other additional communication needs to be able to access the health and care services that they need. The Equality Act (2010) states that all organisations must take steps to remove the barriers people face because of disabilities, language barriers or other additional communication barriers.
All NHS services must also comply with the Accessible Information Standard which aims to ensure that everyone is given information in a way that they can understand.
You can inform your GP practice of your preferred method to be contacted. This could be by phone, text message, email, with an interpreter or translator or other. The Accessible Information Standard means that the NHS must contact you in the way that you prefer.
Reasonable adjustments
For people with learning disabilities or sensory impairments, accessing the GP can be more difficult without additional support.
You can request reasonable adjustments. These are a legal requirement to make sure health and care services are accessible for all. Some examples are:
- Double appointment to have more time in the appointment
- Plain English or easy-read appointment letters
- Early appointment times for people who have difficulty waiting.
- Having a quiet space
- Having an interpreter or translator
- Large print letters or braille
- Hearing loops
Share your feedback
If you would like to feedback on your experience (good or bad) or if you are unable to get the treatment that you need, get in touch.
Call us on 0113 898 0035, email info@healthwatchleeds.co.uk or text 07717 309 843
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