To ask is it legal for a gp to close their list to new patients

[User3033036]

I have to move to a different town to care for my dad. I moved gp’s as I was in the area for a few months. I then attempted to register with back with my old GP they have informed me that their list is closed. My husband and children are still registered with this GP.

Yes, ours is closed with the exception of new born babies belonging to existing patients.

I think if you explain the situation they might make an exception. I don't know why you changed your GP when you had only moved temporary. You could still have got an appointment at the other surgery.

If they're full, they're full.

To answer your question about vaccination, it’s all hands on deck at the moment. All practices are over-stretched and all need to contribute to the effort to get us all vaccinated. GP practices are doing vaccinations whilst trying to carry on with all their normal workload and may be using locum GP’s to help. If all over-stretched GP’s refused to contribute, there would be no vaccination programme 🤷🏻‍♀️.
There is no set length of time for list closures. I suggest you contact your CCG and ask.

ask the lady you spoke to where you should register, it always used to be within 7 miles

She just told me to stay with my current one for now or ring 111 for medical advice if needed.

@User3033036

I didn’t say I had an issue with them running the vaccine program. I said I didn’t understand why a GP practice that is supposedly struggling so much that they can’t have new patients has a GP partner running the program. I’m sure other GP in the area could have taken it on.

Perhaps the other GP is just as busy. It's quite likely the GP running the programme is doing so on top of all their usual work.

Tbh you are being ridiculous complaining that the GP is involved with the biggest vaccination programme the country has had, and needed, in decades. You have no idea of their work pattern, or why they are the specific person involved, or anything.

You have a GP currently. You've been told how to access medical help closer to home if it's needed.

They're not going to change the rules, or quit the vaccine programme, or open up their list again, just because it's inconvenient to you.

I changed as they told me to as it was likely I would be in the other area three months plus.

Of course they can close their list. It's common practice, just like with the dentist.

@User3033036

I’m not in catchment for the one two miles away either so I can register with them.

I'm confused. Do you mean you CAN'T register with them? (the one 2 miles away...)

Yes I mean I can’t sorry.

Can they do this ?

Yes they can.

If it helps OP channel Bob the Builder theme tune.