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Original poster

How do I find out who my FIL's GP is?

18 replies

Scoobyblue · 21/03/2023 18:18

My FIL has been living on his own for a number of years since his wife died. His general health (both physical and mental) and particularly his hearing have gone significantly downhill in recent months. He agreed this weekend with my husband that he would go to the GP to discuss his hearing (and hopefully other issues would come out of this) but he can't remember who his doctor is or which surgery his is registered at. He lives in a large city so lots of doctors' practices.

We have just phoned what looked like the nearest and most likely surgery but they said that they can "neither confirm nor deny that he is a patient there". He can't phone as he can't hear anything over the phone. We are four hours drive away.

Any ideas as to how to work out who is his GP?

OP posts:
AnnaMagnani · 21/03/2023 18:21

Does he have any letters from his GP/hospital clinics that might give you a clue?

Alternatively you could register him on the NHS app.

Or just go with him to the local big surgery with some proof of ID, see if he's registered there and if he isn't get him registered. Easier than trawling around every possible surgery.

starpatch · 21/03/2023 18:21

This is a tricky one. Maybe try contacting 111 and see if they can help as they may have access to a record with it on.

Chowtime · 21/03/2023 18:23

Does he take any medication? His GP would be on the prescription or medication box I think.
Other than that - you will have to phone adult Social Services and they will be able to find the GP for you, because the GP will confirm to SS whether they are the GP but won't confirm it to a random person who phones them, if that makes sense.

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DeathMetalMum · 21/03/2023 18:26

If he takes medication the pharmacy would know which gp he is with. It wouldn't usually be on the box of medication.

Alternatively you could just register with his nearest GP surgery as a new paitent?

Original poster
Scoobyblue · 21/03/2023 18:27

Have trawled though all his correspondence and there is nothing. And currently on no medication which is a miracle for an 89 year old. He definitely had the Covid vaccinations so someone somewhere "owns" him but he has thrown out all documentation if there ever was any.
Useful ideas though. Will persue it.

OP posts:
bakebeans · 21/03/2023 18:29

for a hearing test he may be able to self refer as some areas offer this.

Doidontimmm · 21/03/2023 18:32

I just booked a hearing test with Boots, no referral needed. They may be able to trace a GP?

Blogdog · 21/03/2023 18:33

Could you call a few different practices asking to make an appointment for him? They may tell you if they have a patient registered under that name or not if you do.

Marchforward · 21/03/2023 18:33

Register him with a new doctors.

2bazookas · 21/03/2023 18:35

Did he get any covid vaccinations? if he can remember where he went that might help' or maybe there are letters in the house.

Starseeed · 21/03/2023 18:37

Surely GPs have some accessibility policy for patients who can’t use the phone? Pretty shocking if they don’t. Can you push the nearest one or two to talk with him by email?

Inkblue · 21/03/2023 18:41

You really need to get an LPA set up though it takes a few months. Could you put the GP practice on speakerphone and get your FiL to ask the question and you could hear the answer?

Original poster
Scoobyblue · 21/03/2023 18:41

Thanks for all the suggestions. Will phone and try and book appointment times tomorrow as if he is a patient there. Like you have said, they will then surely say if he isn't registered with them.

OP posts:
WeWereInParis · 21/03/2023 18:51

Get your DH to call and pretend to be him, and ask for an appointment. My dad had to pretend to be his FIL with (I think) my grandparents' gas company or similar, because they wouldn't speak to my gran as she wasn't named on the account, and my grandad had dementia.

Newjumper2023 · 21/03/2023 18:55

If ringing to book an appointment fails try ringing the ccg and if they won't tell you ask them to send a letter to his home confirming his gp practice.
Do you know where he gets his flu vac (assuming he has them)?
Has he had any contact with the district nurses?
Any hospital appointments?
Does he have any old nhs letters?

Namechangingagain111 · 21/03/2023 18:56

Has he got a mobile phone?
If yes, there might be some texts from his GPs surgery (my dad gets appointment reminders, vaccination appointments etc. by SMS)

DelilahBucket · 21/03/2023 18:59

Just pick a surgery and register him. It's not like he had a favourite GP that he knows. If they ask if he's registered elsewhere explain the situation. They will find his records. Then discuss with him about you getting Power of Attorney.

CMOTDibbler · 21/03/2023 19:10

Does he have a paper phone list? My parents had a little book that mum had written all the important numbers in that lived by the phone and 'doctors' was def in there

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