HOW TO REGISTER WITH A GP SURGERY 

Anyone in England can register with a GP surgery. It's free to register. You do not need proof of address or immigration status, ID or an NHS number. You might be able to register with a GP surgery that's not in the area you live.

GP surgeries or your local pharmacy are usually the first contact if you have a health problem. They can treat many conditions and/or give health advice. They can also refer you to other NHS services.

When you register with a GP practice, you'll receive a letter with your NHS number.

Find a GP that suits what you need. Some GP surgeries offer more services than others. You can look up GP surgeries to see what they offer and how they compare.

Find a GP

Can a GP surgery refuse to register me?

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
• •   It is a long way from your home and you need extra care, for example home visits.

If you have problems registering with a GP surgery:

• •  Call the NHS England Customer Contact Centre on 0300 311 22 33
• •  Contact your local Healthwatch

Changing GP Surgeries

You can change your GP surgery if you need to.

This might be because:

1. You have moved.
2. You have had problems with your current practice.
3. You were removed from the patient list.

You should tell the GP surgery if you change address or move out of the area.

WHAT DENTAL SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE ON THE NHS?

There is no need to register with a dentist in the same way as with a GP because you are not bound to a catchment area.

Simply find a dental surgery that's convenient for you, whether it's near your home or work and phone them to see if there are any appointments available.

Find a Dentist

Dental surgeries will not always have the capacity to take on new NHS patients. You may have to join a waiting list, look for a different dentist who is taking on new NHS patients, or be seen privately.

Once you find a dental surgery, you may have to fill in a registration form at your first visit, which is just to add you to their patient database. But that does not mean you have guaranteed access to an NHS dental appointment in the future.

Who is entitled to free NHS dental treatment in England?

You do not have to pay for NHS dental services if you're:

• •   Under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education
• •   Pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months.
• •   Being treated in an NHS hospital and your treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist (but you may have to pay for any dentures or bridges)

Dental emergency and out-of-hours care

If you think you need urgent care, contact your usual dentist as some surgeries offer emergency dental slots and will provide care if clinically necessary.

You can also contact NHS 111, who can put you in touch with an urgent dental service.

Do not contact a GP, they will not be able to offer urgent or emergency dental care.

When to go to A&E

Only visit A&E in serious circumstances, such as:

Severe pain, heavy bleeding, injuries to the face, mouth, or teeth

If you're not sure whether you should go to A&E, contact NHS 111, who will be able to advise you.

How much will I be charged?

The emergency dentist will only deal with the problem at hand and provide clinically necessary treatment to stop any pain. An urgent dental treatment will be charged at Band 1 (£26.80), unless you're entitled to free NHS dental treatment.

ENTITLED TO ANY FREE TREATMENT?

Although most NHS treatments are free, there is usually a charge for:

• •  NHS prescriptions
• •  NHS dental check-ups and treatment
• •  Sight tests
• •  New glasses or contact lenses.
• •  Repairing or replacing glasses or contact lenses.
• •  NHS wigs
• •  NHS fabric supports – things like surgical bras, support  tights and spinal supports
• •  Travel for NHS treatment

You could be entitled to help with these costs depending on your circumstances – 
Check it out! 
services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk

PRESCRIPTION PAYMENT CERTIFICATE

You can buy prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) from the NHS which may make your prescriptions cheaper.

A 3 or 12 month PPC covers all your prescriptions for that period, no matter how many you need.

A prescription costs £9.90 per item, but a PPC costs:

•   £32.05 for 3 months
•   £114.50 for 12 months

This means if you’re going to buy 4 or more prescriptions in 3 months, or 12 or more prescriptions in 12 months, it may be cheaper to buy a PPC.

You can pay in 10 monthly instalments if you buy a 12 month PPC.

How to buy?

https://www.gov.uk/get-a-ppc