Anyone in the UK can register for free with a GP. GP surgeries are usually the first point of contact if you have a health problem or concern.
They are able to treat many conditions and give advice. They can also refer you to other NHS services for specialist support, such as Op COURAGE: the Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service if you are in England.
Some GP surgeries offer more services than others, so it is good to find a surgery that suits your needs, as well as one that is local to you.
Some GP surgeries will allow you to register as a new patient online. For others, you may need to call or visit the surgery and ask to register as a new patient.
Some surgeries require proof of ID. If you are homeless, you can give them a temporary address such as a friend’s address, a day centre, or even the GP surgery’s address.
More information
If you are in England and require additional support for registering with a GP surgery, speak to your local Citizens Advice or local Healthwatch, or call the NHS England Customer Contact Centre on 0300 311 2233.
If you are in Scotland, and have a question about your health or local NHS services, call the NHS inform helpline on 0800 22 44 88. The helpline is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.
