GP - registering: proof of ID?

[Tabitha1960]

I was with the same GP surgery for 30 years and very happy there. Nine months ago they moved premises, making it harder for me to get there (no car) so I switched instead to the surgery which has taken over their old building, which is close to my house. My rationale was, if I am feeling really ill it's better to have a GP who is close to my home.

The new surgery is absolutely useless; they have refused me an appointment with any GP and so I want to switch back.

When I rang my original surgery I was told that I have to go there in person (which I really wanted to avoid, hoping I could fill in a form online) and, worse, the receptionist stated that I must bring ID. I lightheartedly quipped that I was with the surgery for 30 years and all the GPs there know me and can vouch for me as I have met every one of them all over the years (I checked the surgery website and they are all still there). The receptionist was not impressed but sternly insisted I must prove my ID with either a passport or a driving licence. However, I have neither of these, as I am don't drive and no longer go abroad. I have no any other photo ID as I am a pensioner, so no work ID for example.

I checked the NHS website and it states that I do not need to prove my ID.

This is what it says:

"How to register with a GP surgery

Anyone in England can register with a GP surgery to access NHS services. It's free to register.

You do not need proof of address or immigration status, ID or an NHS number.

...

Once you've chosen a surgery, you'll need to fill in a registration form. These are usually available on:

• the NHS App
• the GP surgery's website
• the GP surgery's profile page on the NHS website (Find a GP)

You can also get a paper form from the surgery.

Do I need ID or proof of address?

No, you do not need ID, an NHS number or proof of address to register.

Some GP surgeries ask for supporting documentation as it can:

• help the surgery find your medical records or transfer them from your current GP

• confirm that you live in the surgery's area (or "practice boundary") if they do not accept patients from outside this area

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-surgery/

What am I supposed to do now? I don't want to ring back and have an argument with them about their breaking the rules, as they may get annoyed and refuse to re-register me. However, I do not have photo ID so I cannot comply with their demands.

I should add that I have my NHS number, NI number, hospital number, house deeds, Council Tax bill, and also typed, headed letters from a doctor in the actual surgery I want to return to, addressed to the address I currently live in. But they say this isn't enough!

Can you phone or email them to explain that you don't have any photo ID, but you do have the other documents you've mentioned.

Ask them what solution they suggest.

I told the receptionist that when I rang and she had no suggestions, just kept telling me I HAD to provide photo ID.

Since writing I have found an application form to change GP and have filled it in, photocopied my expired passport, a letter from the hospital and my Council Tax bill. I'll try posting these to them and see what happens.

I'm a GP. You should not need proof of address or ID to register; to insist on this discriminates against marginalised people who are less likely to have paperwork. If the receptionist doesn't accept your registration, I'd suggest you speak to the Practice Manager.

Thanks @CakeIsNotAvailable

I feel sick with anxiety that they won't have me back as a patient. Since I joined my current practice 10 months ago I have never once been granted an appointment, regardless of what my ailment was. For the first 9 months I only rang them about 3 times and was bluntly told NO, you cannot see a GP, they are "too busy".

On Friday 7th July I was told by an A&E doctor that I was going blind and must phone my GP on Monday as he was handing me over "into his care". I was in shock, frantic with horror at the thought of going blind, and so of course after a weekend of sobbing and deep distress I rang at 8.30 on the Monday. Long story short, though I told the receptionist that I was out of my mind with worry about losing my sight, she still refused to make me an appt with a GP. I rang back that afternoon, the next morning, the next afternoon, and every morning and afternoon for five days, and was refused an appointment. Each time I rang I had to wait at least an hour for a reply. I even sent a friend down in person with a letter explaining the whole matter, begging and pleading for anyone who was a qualified doctor to phone me, and left both my numbers. Nobody ever rang me, and to this day, I have never met or spoken to any GP at the practice.

I am of course going to process a complaint once I find out what the correct procedure is.

Another GP here. You absolutely do NOT need a form of ID to register with a GP practice. As noted above this discriminates against those who have difficulty accessing care like yourself or anyone who maybe homeless, asylum seekers, fleeing domestic violence the list is very long.

The surgery should have an accessibility statement to define how they propose to improve access to vulnerable groups but that is a little OTT for this thread.

You have done all of the ground work and it sounds like you need an urgent appointment to sort out your ongoing care. I would ask to speak to a member of the administrative team or even the practice manager to remind them that they don't need ID.

This is the official guidance:

www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-surgery/#:~:text=To%20register%20you'll%20need,or%20become%20a%20permanent%20patient.

Thank you. I sent my application by post and included a lfew photocopies of things that show my ID and address, though omitting the two things they claim to need (DL and passport). Two days later they texted to say I have been accepted. But their website still insists that DL or passport are required!