Do they ask for an address if you go to a&e

[User6540]

Or will it come up automatically within the same trust?

Not only will your current address come up but your past address will come up. That's how it works here.
If you or your child needs medical attention go to A & E. Why worry about the admin?

Yes I think they ask your address when you check in

I assumed they wouldn’t need to ask if it comes up?

When you go into any hospital they'll always ask for your address, etc at the desk. People move, people have the same name as other people.....the desk lady has to check that you are the right person as the one which comes up on the screen. Surely if you are sick and need A+E, this would be the least of your worries.

Yes. If you are already registered they might just ask ‘are you still at xyz address?’.

There are options if you need to conceal your address. It can be marked as a ‘secure address’ and isn’t visible on any computer screen. This is what we do for kids in foster care or adults with orders against partners for domestic violence.

in my local hosp they ask for ID to prove the right to use NHS. I do not have any of the docs they ask for, but luckily I am already on the system and they assume my status, ie immigration, has not changed. I think this is a pilot scheme because of all the hoo=haa about health tourism, but it has been going for over a year here.
I do think though that anyone will be treated in an emergency, I guess it's to build up a database and deter people from getting in sideways to get care they should pay for. doubt it works.
ID is quite a problem if as me, you don't have a passport. why should I pay a lot, and have to get various docs/signatures when I don't need one, don't go outside UK.
a bank clerk suggested, apply for a provisional licence, even if never going to drive; it's cheaper, easier to get, and will do for ID. good idea.

Once you give your name and date of birth you can be traced .

Are you okay OP? Why are you concerned?

If you haven’t been at that particular hospital before they may not have it (they don’t at our local A&E).

Are you OK, OP?

They won’t refuse you treatment if that’s what you are worried about and you can ask them to make a note not to send you any post to the address if that’s a concern.

When I have been they ask if my address is correct. Also a couple of years ago they said whilst my fiance went to the toilet while I was explaining whilst I was at a&e would I want them to let my next of kin know I was there so I have someone with me. I said my fiance was with me. After more chatting about my details I discovered that they had my exh as my nok! So be careful they don't have old details!

Unless you're a frequent patient at hospital you wouldn't think to notify a hospital of change of address, phone number, next of kin etc so it's better practice to just ask for these details every time you use A&E.

I just give my NHS number when I go in

Hi OP are you ok?
At our trust (Gloucestershire) even if you give MRN they will probably ask you address phone numbers as they like to check they hold the correct details.
Im more concerned about you though,i am a nurse can i help?

I agree, worried about you OP. If you tell us your worries maybe someone knowledgeable can help?

IME if you go in and give your name and DOB and you’ve been before, they’ll read out the first line of your address, GP surgery and last three digits of your phone number - just to confirm it’s you and these details haven’t changed. If you haven’t been before they’ll ask for these things.

If you go to a hospital you’re registered with, they’ll have your address and they do ask you if that’s still correct.

A lot of child abuse injuries are covered by parents taking a child to a different hospital every time they’re hurt, so the address isn’t registered and they won’t be traced back.

If it's something like being embarassed they've seen it all before.

You can just change address at reception if it's new/not linked to past anymore

I’ve moved out of the catchment for my gp and I’m so worried they will remove me off their list.i know I should change my address with them but I’m not in a good frame of mind at the moment and the local doctors have got a terrible reputation.

The gp has nothing to do with which A&e you go to. Also I thought the catchment thingy changed a few years ago so you can choose which GP you register to? We have been registered to our GP for ages and it’s out of our catchment area and it’s never been a problem.

www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/gps/patient-choice-of-gp-practices/

This might be helpful?

Individual practices can refuse to take patients outside of their boundaries. You could call the GP practice and ask what their policy is if you move to x area.

If you need to go to A&E you really need to go. They will ask your address and your GP practice but I’m not sure whether they’d send the GP practice your new address - given how disorganised the transfer of info has been in my experience, I’d be shocked if they did.

Still, if you need medical attention you really need to get it!

Thanks for replies I know it doesn’t affect what a&e I go to but I assume on my discharge summary they will say what my address is

I’m not saying I’d recommend it but what about if you give A&E your old address?

Do you have mail redirection set up from your old address?

I work In a surgery in our area you can stay on if you want to and live out of area it have to agree that the doctor eont make house calls and if you need the district nurses they dont visit out of area. Check if your area is the same