How to Find a GP in the UK: Complete Guide 2024

Why Finding the Right GP Matters

Your GP is your first port of call for healthcare in the UK. Whether you're new to an area, moving house, or switching practices, finding a suitable GP directly affects the quality of care you receive. The right practice will have convenient opening hours, good accessibility, and staff who actually listen to your concerns. Once registered with a GP, you can access prescriptions, referrals to specialists, and preventive health services through the NHS at no cost.

Unlike private healthcare, registering with an NHS GP is free. Most UK residents are encouraged to register with an NHS practice locally. Some patients choose private GPs for faster appointments or specific services, but that's optional. This guide takes you through the practical steps to find, register with, and switch to a GP practice that works for you.

Using the NHS GP Finder Tool

The quickest way to find a GP practice is the NHS GP Finder tool on the NHS website. Enter your postcode and you'll see all registered practices in your area, sorted by distance. You can review key information about each practice without leaving home.

The GP Finder shows you:

• Practice name, address, and contact details
• Opening hours and appointment availability
• Whether the practice is accepting new patients
• Services offered, such as sexual health clinics or diabetes management
• Accessibility information for disabled patients
• Patient satisfaction ratings from recent surveys

You can filter by accessibility needs, such as wheelchair access or disabled parking. This is important if you have mobility requirements. Some practices display details about their clinical team, including the number of GPs, nurses, and support staff.

Registering with a GP Practice

Once you've found a practice that suits you, registration is straightforward. Most practices accept registration online through their websites or the NHS Patient Access portal. If your chosen practice doesn't accept online registration, visit in person or phone them for a registration form.

You'll need to provide:

• Full name and date of birth
• Current address and postcode
• National Insurance number
• Phone number and email address
• Details of any current medications or medical conditions
• Previous GP details if you're transferring records

The practice will request your medical records from your previous GP if you're moving. This usually takes 7-10 working days. Once registered, you can book appointments and access online services through the NHS Patient Access app. If a practice is full, ask to be added to their waiting list or try another nearby practice.

What to Look for in a GP Practice

Choosing the right practice means considering more than just location. Check appointment availability first. Does the practice offer same-day appointments for urgent issues, or are waiting times long? Some practices offer telephone or video consultations, which saves time if you're busy.

Location and accessibility are equally important. A practice within walking distance or on your regular bus route works best. Check car parking if you drive, and whether the building is accessible for people with mobility difficulties. Some practices open late on evenings or weekends, which suits people working standard hours.

Patient feedback gives real insight. The NHS website shows patient satisfaction ratings and reviews. You can also contact Healthwatch, a local patient advocacy organisation, to ask about practices in your area. Ask friends, family, or colleagues about their experiences with local practices if you can.

Check what services each practice offers beyond standard GP care:

• Nurse clinics for chronic disease management
• Sexual health and contraception services
• Minor injury treatment or wound care
• Respiratory or cardiovascular clinics
• Mental health support or counselling
• Physiology or blood testing facilities on-site

Special Circumstances: Finding a GP When Moving House

If you're relocating within the UK, you'll need to register with a new practice. Tell your current practice your moving date as soon as you know it. They'll note this on your records, and you won't need formal deregistration in most cases. Your medical records will be held for three years and transferred automatically when you register with a new GP.

Register with a new practice within a few weeks of moving. This ensures you have care in your new location and can obtain prescriptions without delay. Many practices can issue one month's supply of repeat prescriptions while your records transfer if you're running low on medication.

International students and temporary residents can register with a GP. You'll typically need a letter from your educational institution or employer confirming your UK address. Asylum seekers and refugees have the same right to register as any other UK resident.

Online Tools and Additional Resources

Beyond the NHS GP Finder, other resources help you choose the right practice. The NHS Patient Access portal lets you book appointments, request prescriptions, and view parts of your medical record if your practice is signed up to the service. Check whether your chosen practice offers Patient Access before registering if this matters to you.

Healthwatch England publishes local reviews and information about GP services in your area. You can also check Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings online. The CQC inspects GP practices and rates them as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate. Detailed inspection reports are published on the CQC website.

If you're unhappy with your current GP or can't find a practice that suits you, contact NHS England on 0300 311 2233. They can guide you on finding a practice, help with complaints, or assist if you're having difficulty registering. Your local Integrated Care Board also holds information about GP services in your region.

Switching GPs and Changing Your Mind

If you're registered with a GP but want to change practices, there's no penalty or formal process. Simply register with a new practice and your records transfer automatically within a few days. You don't need permission from your current practice. Inform your current GP in writing if you want formal confirmation that you've left, though many practices process transfers without this.

If you can't find an NHS GP in your area or have specific healthcare needs your local practices don't meet, private GP services are available. Private GPs charge per appointment and aren't free on the NHS, but they may offer faster access or specialised services. You can register with an NHS practice and also see a private GP if you choose.

Compare GP Practices and Make Your Final Decision

Finding a suitable GP means balancing convenience, availability, and the specific services you need. Start with the NHS GP Finder, check patient ratings and accessibility information, then contact your top three choices to ask about appointment availability and services. Most practices are happy to discuss whether they're a good fit before you register.

Registration takes around 10 minutes online on most practice websites. You'll have access to NHS care, prescriptions, and specialist referrals within days. Remember, you can change practices if your needs or circumstances change, so don't worry about making a perfect choice immediately.

Compare quotes from 3 local GP practices using the NHS GP Finder tool, checking their websites for contact details and availability before registering with the practice that best meets your requirements.