Symptoms, finding new GPs

[LLKH]

I hope this is the right section to post this in. If not, please point me in the right direction.

I am newly pregnant with our first, EDD 20 December and we need to switch GP practices because we have moved just outside their catchment area. We really liked them so this is proving disappointing and problematic.

DHTB and I have both had bad experiences with other surgeries and we don't want to repeat them, especially now! Does anyone have any advice on selecting practices? Are there any red flags that we should watch out for? This has to be done relatively soon so I can register as pregnant.

Thanks!

I should have mentioned above that we live in London.

I don't think you have to switch if you don't want. Just stay until such time someone makes you leave. I don't live in my GP's catchment and the pesky receptionist would love to ditch me. But I like the GP, she is fine with where I live, and I'm not budging.

My GP is in a different catchment area than me. I have a community midwife that is based at a different hospital than my local one, and communication between the two has been fine. If they haven't asked you to move and you like it I don't think you need to worry about it.

I am in sort of the same situation as Strix - we moved just outside of catchment area (though hospital is the same) and GP advised me to stay put for now but not to update address with reception, as they will then boot me out, which is annoying.

If you really do have to change, you can look up GP surgeries for your postcode on NHS direct and sometimes there are patient reviews, which can be really helpful. My GP said I should also ask local pharmacists who the good GP's are. She also said that you should be able to meet the new GP before registering - although I can't imagine reception staff being very cooperative about this, and neither can I think what I would say to a prospective GP in that situation

Don't worry too much about your GP for your pregnancy, your community midwife unit will provide your care from booking in onwards (I also live in London and only saw my GP once to say I was pregnant and ask what happens next). If there are any complications, you will be referred to an obstetrician at the hospital, not your GP.

I was naughty, I also live in London and din't change GPs as I liked them. Did give hospital the correct address though by ringing direct so I got letters from them.

If you have preferences as to your GP, e.g young, female, no accent, etc, etc, then check the practice has GPs like that.

Also, if the reception staff are very good, that's usually a good sign of a happy, well run & helpful practice.

I think that going to a practice with quite a few GPs is also good as you then have choice of GP without changing practice.

Oh...and check whether you can book with one GP or whether you have to see whoever is available next.