GP Services
Your GP is there for you when you need help with things like new, unusual, or persistent symptoms, chronic pain, long term conditions and new prescriptions. Other healthcare providers such as pharmacists or NHS 111 might direct you to your GP too.
To get a GP appointment, you will first need to be registered with a GP practice. It’s free and easy to register with a practice and you do not need proof of address or immigration status, ID or an NHS number. Bear in mind though that some surgeries might ask for supporting documentation so they can find your medical records or transfer them from your current GP, or check you fall within their practice boundary if they do not accept patients from outside this area.
To find a practice near you, please check here or use the national GP finder.
If you think you need an appointment at your GP surgery, you can contact them:
- Using the NHS app
- Using a form on your GP surgery's website
- By phone
- In person, by going into the surgery and talking to the receptionist
Before booking an appointment, a member of the GP surgery team may ask what you need help with. This might feel like a personal question in some cases, but they do this to decide how quickly you need to be seen and who the most suitable healthcare professional in the practice is for your needs. You can find out more about how GP practices are working as Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDTs) here.
If you have a more complex health condition or need further tests, your GP may send you to hospital or refer you to a consultant that specialises in that area.
Extended Access
Did you know you can also see a GP outside of normal hours? You can see a healthcare professional on:
- weekday evenings between 6.30pm and 8pm
- Saturdays between 9am and 5pm
Call your GP surgery or use their online services to book evening and Saturday appointments. Your appointment will either be at your GP surgery, another local GP surgery, or another local NHS service and you may be able to get an appointment on the same day.
GP Health Record
Did you know you can now access your GP health record on the NHS App?
This includes consultation notes, letters and test results from your GP. Accessing your GP health record can also help you better understand and manage your condition, without having to phone your GP surgery.