GP Surgeries: NHS & Private Doctors

Anyone living in the UK can register with a local GP surgery for free. You do not need proof of address, immigration status, or an NHS number to register — although having them helps. A surgery can only refuse to register you if its list is closed or if you live outside its catchment area. If you are homeless, an asylum seeker, a refugee, or a visitor, you still have the right to register and receive free NHS primary care.^{[1]NHS[12]GOV.UK}

You can find nearby surgeries on the NHS website. It is worth checking the CQC inspection rating too — this tells you whether the practice has been judged good, outstanding, requires improvement, or inadequate.^{[7]Find a GP[9]CQC}

To register, fill in the practice's form (often online). You may be asked for ID and proof of address, but you cannot be refused just because you do not have them. Children can be registered by a parent or guardian. Once registered, you should be invited for a new-patient check within six months if you wish.^[1]NHS

Can you register with a GP far from home? Sometimes. Practices can accept out-of-area patients if they choose, but they are not required to. They may offer a different level of service — for example, home visits may not be available. If you travel between two areas regularly, ask whether you can register as a temporary resident elsewhere.

A GP (general practitioner) is a doctor trained to diagnose, treat, and coordinate care for a wide range of health problems. Your surgery can help with:

• Common illnesses such as infections, rashes, coughs, stomach problems, and mental health concerns.
• Long-term conditions such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression.
• Prescriptions and repeat prescriptions.
• Vaccinations, including flu, COVID-19, travel, and childhood immunisations.
• Health checks, smear tests, contraception, and sexual health advice.
• Referrals to hospital specialists, physiotherapists, community nurses, or mental health teams.
• Sick notes (fit notes) for work.
• End-of-life and palliative care coordination.

Most GP surgeries are a team, not just one doctor. You may also see nurse practitioners, practice nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, mental health practitioners, and social prescribers.^[3]NHS

You can usually book an appointment by phone, online, or through the NHS App. Many surgeries now offer phone, video, or face-to-face appointments. The NHS aims to offer urgent appointments within 48 hours, and same-day access for urgent problems at many practices.^{[2]NHS[11]NHS App}

Phone-first systems are common now. When you ring, a receptionist or trained care navigator may ask what the problem is. This is not to pry — it is to make sure you see the right person. You do not have to give details, but it often helps you get the right appointment faster.^[2]NHS

If you need a longer appointment, for example because you have several issues or need an interpreter, tell the receptionist when you book. Many surgeries can book a double slot or arrange a translator.

You have the right to see a particular GP if you prefer, although you may have to wait longer. You can also request a chaperone for intimate examinations, or ask to have a friend or relative with you.

If your GP prescribes regular medication, you can usually order repeat prescriptions through the NHS App, online, by phone, or in person. Your prescription is sent electronically to a pharmacy of your choice.^{[11]NHS App}

In England, most adults pay a prescription charge for each item. Some people are exempt — for example, children under 16, people over 60, pregnant women, people with certain medical conditions, and those on certain benefits. A prescription prepayment certificate can save money if you need several items in a year. Prescription charges are different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.^[6]NHS

You can also ask a pharmacist for advice on minor illnesses. Many pharmacies offer NHS services such as blood pressure checks, emergency contraception, and treatment for minor ailments without needing a GP appointment.^{[8]Find a pharmacy}

If you need medical advice when your surgery is closed:

• NHS 111 — free, 24/7. They can advise, book you into an urgent treatment centre, or send an ambulance if needed.
• Urgent treatment centres / walk-in centres — for injuries and illnesses that are urgent but not life-threatening, such as cuts, sprains, minor infections, and burns.
• Your GP out-of-hours service — in many areas, the local NHS arranges a doctor to cover evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
• 999 or A&E — for life-threatening emergencies, severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding, or signs of stroke.

You can also use 111 online if you do not want to phone. The service will ask questions and tell you what to do next.^{[4]NHS out-of-hours[5]NHS 111[17]Urgent treatment centres}

If getting to the surgery or an appointment is the problem, see our guide to Ambulances and Medical Transport for NHS non-emergency patient transport, community transport and help with travel costs.

Private GP services exist alongside the NHS. You may pay per appointment (typically £40–£150) or buy a membership. Some employers offer private GP services as a benefit. Private GPs can usually offer longer appointments, same-day or weekend access, and more choice of doctor.^[13]Which?

Important: a private GP is separate from your NHS GP record. They may not have your full medical history, and they cannot usually refer you into NHS hospital care on an urgent cancer pathway. If you need NHS tests or treatment, your NHS GP is usually the right route.

You do not need to deregister from your NHS GP to use a private GP. You can use both. However, if you choose to have private treatment, the NHS will not usually pay for it unless it is an emergency or you have a rare exception.

If you are considering private care because you cannot get an NHS appointment quickly, it is usually worth asking your NHS surgery first about same-day slots, urgent access, or the practice pharmacist.

You have the right to:

• Choose your GP practice (within reason).
• Be treated with dignity and respect.
• See your own medical records — usually free through the NHS App.
• Have a friend, relative, or advocate with you.
• Request a female or male doctor for intimate examinations.
• Refuse treatment or ask for a second opinion.
• Complain if you are unhappy with the care you receive.

If you are not happy with your GP surgery, first talk to the practice manager. If that does not resolve it, you can make a formal complaint through the practice's complaints procedure or through NHS England. The Patient Association and Healthwatch can also help you understand your options.^{[14]Patient Association[15]Healthwatch[16]NHS complaints}

• "Can I register without proof of address?"
• "How do I book appointments — phone, online, or app?"
• "Do you offer same-day or urgent appointments?"
• "Can I request a particular doctor or a double appointment?"
• "Can I order repeat prescriptions online?"
• "What do I do if I need help out of hours?"
• "Do you have a pharmacist or physiotherapist in the practice?"
• "How do I make a complaint if something goes wrong?"

• NHS 111 · urgent advice, 24/7
• Find a GP · nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp^[7]NHS
• NHS App · appointments, prescriptions, records · nhs.uk/nhs-app^[11]NHS
• CQC inspection reports · cqc.org.uk^[9]CQC
• General Medical Council · check a doctor is registered · gmc-uk.org^[10]GMC
• Patient Association · free helpline 0800 345 7115 (Mon–Fri 9.30am–5pm) · patient-association.org.uk^{[14]Patient Association}
• Healthwatch · local NHS advice and complaints support · healthwatch.co.uk^{[15]Healthwatch}