Can I go to a GP in another area?
If you're away from home and need to see a GP, you can contact any GP surgery nearby. You can receive emergency treatment from a GP surgery for up to 14 days – for example, if you fall ill while on holiday. If your treatment will last longer than that, you'll have to register as a temporary or permanent resident.
It is not possible for patients to register as a NHS patient with two GP practices at the same time as only one practice can hold a patient's medical records and there are potential clinical risks in maintaining duplicate records.
A GP can continue to treat you if you move out of their catchment area, but they will have to assure the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) that they are willing to do so.
These requests are treated as a priority and in most cases the records are transferred within two days. If your records are electronic, and they can be accepted onto your new GP practice computer system, they'll normally be transferred within two days of your old practice agreeing to release them.
You most certainly can register at 2 gp surgeries at the same time.
A GP surgery can refuse to register you because: they are not taking any new patients. you live outside the practice boundary and they are not accepting patients from out of their area. you have been removed from that GP surgery register before.
You can change your GP at any time and don't have to give a reason. If you're changing GPs because you're moving to a new area you'll need your medical card, NHS number, or proof of your address to register, and then you can make an appointment immediately.
You can register with a GP practice to get an NHS number. If you do not already have an NHS number, you'll be assigned one during registration. You'll get a registration letter in the post and your NHS number will be shown in the letter.
Find a GP practice near you in London. If you cannot register with a GP, then you can try an Urgent Care Centre or GP-led health centre. Registration is not required and patients do not need an appointment. Most centres are open 365 days a year and outside office hours.
Anyone in Wales can register with a GP for treatment (see link below for GP's available in Cardiff and Vale).
Do I have to change GP if I move Scotland?
If you're changing address but aren't moving too far, you might want to stay with your current GP. You should ask the GP if they're willing to continue treating and visiting you at your new address.
If a patient has been violent or abusive, or has behaved in a threatening way towards their GP or a member of staff and the police have been involved, they may be removed from their GP's list immediately without warning.
You can change your GP at any time and don't have to give a reason. If you're changing GPs because you're moving to a new area you'll need your medical card, NHS number, or proof of your address to register, and then you can make an appointment immediately.
