proving you are entitled to NHS treatment - anyone else having to do this?

[Dizzyclarebear]

I've just had a call from the finance department from the hospital that's been treating me so far (I'm 14 weeks - but probably will have moved out of the area by the end of August - but that's another story). Apparently, I have to come in and have an appointment to prove I'm entitled to NHS treatment. The man from Finance asked if I think I'm entitled to treatment. I said as I was born in the UK and have never lived aboard so yes, I think I am. He then asked if I could prove it.

So long conversation short, I have to take some more time off work, to go in to see him with my passport and a recent utility bill in my name. Why I couldn't be asked to bring this with me when I went for my 12 week scan, I don't know.

Is anyone else having to do this or is it just a South East London thing? And what about woman who 1) don't have a passport or 2) don't have the utility bills in their name? And is it just child birth or are other treatments checked now? My DH had a non-emergency op on his ankle last year and at no point was asked to prove entitlement to free NHS treatment - wondered if this is a new thing...

How odd! Which hospital are you at? Would love to know... I'm in SE London too, and never been asked. In fact, I've even picked up 3 prescriptions and had a dentist check-up, forgetting my MAT exemption certificate each time, and the pharmacists/dentist all told me not to worry, I was obviously pregnant (not sure that's the point!).

Talking of Mat Ex certificates, have you applied for yours? If you have that, it would be pretty conclusive proof! If not, you should apply for it...

I'm booked into Queen Elizabeth hospital in woolwich - but I guess it's random as friends have been there recently for non PG things and haven't been asked. Trying not to take it personally... (I'm sure it's random)

Re Madremia - I've been asked to take UK passport, recent untility bill - I guess you'll have to make sure when you move back at least some of the household bills are in your name in case you need to use them as proof for this (and would do that anyway as everything you do now seems to need bills in your name to prove you live where you say you do). Prehaps check the NHS website to see if you're entitled.

Not going seeing him for a couple of weeks (after my strop about refusing to make a special trip to see him) but will let you know what's said!

Oh and Bumpmakestwoandabit - you live in SE London and have an NHS dentist??!?!! How?!?!!