Changing your GP
Removing you from the register
A GP may be able to remove you from the patient register in some situations, for example, because you move out of the practice area or are physically or verbally abusive to people at the practice. In most cases, the GP must have given you a warning, and provided you with the reasons for your removal from the register. The GP will inform the Primary Care Trust (PCT) who then notifies you.
If you have been violent, or have threatened to be violent, towards your GP or practice staff, and the police have been informed, you can be removed immediately from the GP's list. You will only be accepted for emergency treatment by the GP who has removed you if the GP is satisfied that it is clinically necessary.
If you have been removed from a GP's list you may wish to complain if you feel you have been treated unfairly, for example, if you feel discrimination was involved. You may be able to get help to do this from a Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). To find details of your nearest CAB, including those that can give advice by e-mail, go to www.citizensadvice.org.uk.
Changing doctors
If you move to a new area which is outside the area of your current doctor, you will need to change doctors. You also have the right to change doctors at any time without having to give a reason if you are unhappy with the service you have been provided.
It is important that you have a doctor you feel comfortable with and one that you can talk to openly and honestly about your life and your lifestyle. If you have an ongoing or lifelong medical condition where visits to the doctor are regular, it is also important that you are confident that the doctor can give you the medical care you need, especially if your health is expected to get worse over time.
The process of finding a new doctor can be challenging but it is done in the same way as registering with one. Once you have found a new doctor, let your old surgery know for administrative purposes.
Temporary or out of area patients
If you fall ill whilst away from home or if you are not registered with a doctor but you need to see one, you can still contact your nearest surgery to ask for treatment.
You can receive emergency treatment for 14 days. After that you will have to register as a temporary or permanent patient.
Temporary registration allows you to be taken onto the doctor's list for a three month period. If you have a doctor but are away from your home area, you can register temporarily with a doctor near where you are currently staying and still remain a patient of your permanent doctor.
