Registering with a local doctor (GP)

Monika J

When my child was ill, I was so worried I took her straight to the doctor. I didn’t know that I needed to register or make an appointment! Luckily the receptionist was really helpful and I managed to register the whole family on the same day!

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Scroll down the page to view the next sections: 'Step-by-step guide' and 'Helpful phrases'.

1. You can access most healthcare services through your local doctor (GP)

A General Practitioner (GP) is our main point of contact when we are feeling ill or worried about our health, and the concern is not urgent. It’s free to see them, but you need to register first!

2. You need to register with your GP before you can make an appointment

You can only receive medical advice and treatment after you have registered with your GP. It can take a few days to register so don’t delay or wait till you feel unwell. It may be quicker if you have your ‘proof of identity’ and address, but you should never be refused if you cannot show these documents:

If this happens, show them this link that details the regulations

3. You can visit your local pharmacy for minor illnesses like colds and allergies

Pharmacists are trained health professionals who help with your medicines and provide advice for minor conditions like aches and pains. You will usually get advice more quickly than waiting to see your GP. They can also help you to decide if you need to see a doctor or other health professional.

4. Most healthcare in the UK is free

The National Health Service (NHS) provides a range of free health services, but most people have to pay for additional care such as medicines and dental/ eye care. Some people can get help towards these costs - read more about this in our dedicated ‘Cost of Healthcare’ section.

5. You should only visit an Accident & Emergency department or dial 999 in a medical emergency

A medical emergency is when a life is at risk. This includes:

Severe chest pain, choking & breathing difficulties
Severe bleeding
Severe allergic reactions
Loss of consciousness

6. If you need urgent or emergency medical help, call the relevant services

Free NHS advice line (111) - to get immediate advice on your health condition or where to go to receive further care
Free emergency phone line (999 or 112) - only to be used in an emergency when a person’s life is at risk

Step 1 - Find your local GP practice/ surgery
Most surgeries only register people who are living in the local area. You can find your nearest doctors by:
- Searching online on the NHS website here
- Asking at your local library
- Searching in a free navigation app like Google Maps - enter ‘GP’ in the search bar
Step 2 - Prepare your documents
Legally, you do not need to show any documents to register. However, it may be quicker if you have the following:
- Proof of identity - a passport, national ID card or full EU driving licence
- Proof of address e.g. a household bill dated within 3 months (see ‘Organising documents & registrations’ for more details)
Step 3 - Fill in a registration form for each family member
If you are not confident in English, ask someone to print and complete the form with you in advance here, or ask the receptionist to book an interpreter. It will ask for:
- Basic details e.g. your name and address (this can be a temporary address)
- Details about your health - this will not affect your registration
Step 4 - Have your application processed

Some surgeries can do this on the same day while others take a few days. The receptionist will tell you how long it will take and how they will contact you to confirm your registration. Most surgeries send a letter to the address you provided
Step 5 - Take action if you are having trouble registering with a GP
- Show staff the regulations link if you are refused because you cannot provide proof of address or identity
- Get help from organisations listed in ‘Other local help & support’ (e.g. Haringey Migrant Support Centre)
Step 6 - Make your first appointment with the GP!
You can make an appointment by phone, in person or online:
- If you are not confident in English, you can ask for an interpreter which is usually provided over the phone
- You can request to see a male or female GP but keep in mind that you may not get an appointment with the same GP each time you visit.
Step 7 - Attend your appointment
If you are late, you may be asked to rebook. During your 10-15 minute appointment the GP will:
- Ask you questions about your medical problem and may run some tests
- Advise you about your condition - they may give you a prescription for medication that you can pick up from a pharmacy, ask you to return for a review / further tests or refer you to a specialist doctor

Registering with a local doctor (GP)

Monika J

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Key information

1. You can access most healthcare services through your local doctor (GP)

2. You need to register with your GP before you can make an appointment

3. You can visit your local pharmacy for minor illnesses like colds and allergies

4. Most healthcare in the UK is free

5. You should only visit an Accident & Emergency department or dial 999 in a medical emergency

6. If you need urgent or emergency medical help, call the relevant services

Step-by-step guide

Registering with a local doctor (GP)

Step 1 - Find your local GP practice/ surgery

Step 2 - Prepare your documents

Step 3 - Fill in a registration form for each family member

Step 4 - Have your application processed

Step 5 - Take action if you are having trouble registering with a GP

Step 6 - Make your first appointment with the GP!

Step 7 - Attend your appointment

Helpful phrases

Asking to register with a local doctor (GP)

Asking for an interpreter

Asking for help when feeling unwell

Asking for directions to the local doctor (GP)

Making an appointment with the local doctor (GP)

Getting medication from a pharmacy with a prescription