Seeing a doctor

Monika J

When my child was ill, I was so worried I took her straight to the doctor. I didn’t know that I needed to register or make an appointment! The receptionist was really helpful and I managed to register the whole family on the same day.

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Scroll down the page to view the next sections: 'Step by step guide' and 'Helpful phrases'.

1. Register with a local doctor (GP) to access most healthcare services

A General Practitioner (GP) is our main point of contact when we are feeling ill or worried about our health, and the concern is not urgent. It’s free to see them, but you need to register first:

Don’t delay as it can take a few days
It may be quicker if you have proof of identity and address but you should never be refused if you don’t have them

2. Take action if you are having trouble registering with a GP

A GP can refuse to register you if they are full or if the address you provide is out of their range. The receptionist should direct you to another local surgery.

Show staff the regulations link if you are refused because you cannot provide proof of address or identity
Get help from organisations listed in our dedicated section ‘Other local help & support’ (e.g. Citizens Advice or Consonant)

3. GPs (local doctors) are specialised in general medicine

GPs work with nurses and other health professionals to offer a range of services that care for your general health. These include:

Treatment of minor illnesses, for example, prescribing medication
Advice on healthy living such as quitting smoking and eating better
Vaccinations
Minor surgical operations
Referrals to a specialist doctor

4. To get advice from a specialist NHS doctor, you must be referred by your GP

You can’t self-refer to a specialist except when accessing family planning (contraception) or urgent/ emergency treatment. Your GP will refer you to a specialist if they think you need further assessment and treatment. For non-urgent cases:

You may have to wait up to 2 weeks to learn more about your appointment
You will be seen within 18 weeks from when you were referred

5. Book early to get an appointment with the GP

Most surgeries are open Monday to Friday and offer appointments by phone, in person or online. Appointments are usually offered within a few days, but there are same-day slots for urgent cases if you call in the early morning:

Book separate appointments for each family member
You may need to re-book for another day if you arrive late
Give at least 24 hours notic if you need to cancel your appointment

6. Ask for an interpreter if you are not confident in English

When making an appointment with your GP or other specialist NHS clinic, ask for an interpreter to be arranged in advance. This is usually provided over the phone.

Step 1 - Find your local GP practice/ surgery
Most surgeries only register people who are living in the local area. You can find your nearest doctors by:
- Searching online on the NHS website here
- Asking at your local library
- Searching in a free navigation app like Google Maps - enter ‘GP’ in the search bar
Step 2 - Prepare your documents
Legally, you do not need to show any documents to register. However, it may be quicker if you have the following:
- Proof of identity - a passport, national ID card or full EU driving licence
- Proof of address e.g. a household bill dated within 3 months (see ‘Organising documents & registrations’ for more details)
Step 3 - Fill in a registration form for each family member
If you are not confident in English, ask someone to print and complete the form with you in advance here, or ask the receptionist to book an interpreter. It will ask for:
- Basic details e.g. your name and address (this can be a temporary address)
- Details about your health - this will not affect your registration
Step 4 - Have your application processed

Some surgeries can do this on the same day while others take a few days. The receptionist will tell you how long it will take and how they will contact you to confirm your registration. Most surgeries send a letter to the address you provided
Step 5 - Take action if you are having trouble registering with a GP
- Show staff the regulations link if you are refused because you cannot provide proof of address or identity
- Get help from organisations listed in ‘Other local help & support’ (e.g. Haringey Migrant Support Centre)
Step 6 - Make your first appointment with the GP!
You can make an appointment by phone, in person or online:
- If you are not confident in English, you can ask for an interpreter which is usually provided over the phone
- You can request to see a male or female GP but keep in mind that you may not get an appointment with the same GP each time you visit.
Step 7 - Attend your appointment
If you are late, you may be asked to rebook. During your 10-15 minute appointment the GP will:
- Ask you questions about your medical problem and may run some tests
- Advise you about your condition - they may give you a prescription for medication that you can pick up from a pharmacy, ask you to return for a review / further tests or refer you to a specialist doctor

Seeing a doctor (GP)

Monika J

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Key information

1. Register with a local doctor (GP) to access most healthcare services

2. Take action if you are having trouble registering with a GP

3. GPs (local doctors) are specialised in general medicine

4. To get advice from a specialist NHS doctor, you must be referred by your GP

5. Book early to get an appointment with the GP

6. Ask for an interpreter if you are not confident in English

Step by step guide

Registering with a local doctor (GP)

Step 1 - Find your local GP practice/ surgery

Step 2 - Prepare your documents

Step 3 - Fill in a registration form for each family member

Step 4 - Have your application processed

Step 5 - Take action if you are having trouble registering with a GP

Step 6 - Make your first appointment with the GP!

Step 7 - Attend your appointment

Helpful phrases

Asking to register with a local doctor (GP)

Asking for an interpreter

Asking for help when feeling unwell

Asking for directions to the local doctor (GP)

Making an appointment with the local doctor (GP)

Getting medication from a pharmacy with a prescription