AIBU to think this is silly?

[KitKat1985]

Moved a couple of weeks ago. Phoned my GP surgery to tell them I had moved and was told I need to 'pop in' and do it in person. So I asked if it was because they needed to see some proof of ID or new address or similar and they said no, I don't need to bring anything, I just need to do it in person. So basically I need to --wrestle- get the 3 year old and the baby into the car, drive to the other side of town, unstrap them all again, get baby into the buggy, inevitably deal with at least one toddler related meltdown, and 'pop in' to the GP surgery to spend 30 seconds telling them I've moved, and load the kids all back into the car and drive back again just because they won't let me tell them the exact same information over the phone?!

If telling people over the phone was good enough for my banks, child benefit etc, why can't my GP surgery let me do it?

Are you still within their catchment?

I’ve only ever updated the address when I’ve gone for an appointment. Is than an option?

Tell them when you next actually need to go in?

With a bank, they will ask you a range of security questions to make sure the person they are dealing with is the person whose data they are changing. I imagine the GP surgery has this as an additional procedure to stop randoms calling up and changing people's details. It happens.

Yes still within their catchment but no longer within walking distance. Normally I'd just change address when I next have an appointment but they post out all the letters for the kids vaccinations etc through the mail, so I need them to have the right contact details really as I don't otherwise go to the GP surgery that often.

It was probably for security reasons that you had to tell them in person, just be thankful you weren't waiting for an hour to have the 30 second chat!

I would agree Penggwn but they have told me when I phoned up that I don't need to bring in any ID or proof of new address, so I don't really see how it's much more secure than me doing it over the phone.

Why don't you just send them an old-fashioned letter so they've got it in writing and explain in your letter that it is very difficult for you to get there in person to inform change of address because have no-one to leave toddler and baby with at the moment. (Address it to the doctor)

It isn't hugely more secure, but it definitely is somewhat more secure. The receptionist would be able to do a common sense check and ask for ID if he or she felt the person was unlikely to be the patient. They have dates of birth and so on, so that would be one test. They also have CCTV.

Mrsjoy - Because they've told me I have to do it in person. If they needed to see proof of ID or something I'd understand, but since they don't I just think it's a bit daft.

Normally I'd just change address when I next have an appointment but they post out all the letters for the kids vaccinations etc through the mail
Haven't you arranged for your post to be diverted if you've moved?

Meopham - Yes but I still need to give them my new address eventually.

Where I work we need you to fill in a form. This then gets put into your paper records when the address is changed on them. If it's done over the phone the paper records can get missed or be inaccurate.

A letter would be fine.

Have you got a redirection on your mail with the Post Office so any of the letters your mention will be forwarded? If yes, then there's no rush, just tell them next time you go in to the surgery.

Yes but I still need to give them my new address eventually.
Give them your address when you're next there for a bona-fide appointment. Its not difficult