Skip navigation | Skip to footer
Why is this important?

The information we provide differs between countries. To get information for your country, please select from the dropdown.

Can I change my doctor?

This information applies to England, Wales and Northern Ireland

Anyone can change their GP without giving a reason.  On the other hand, if you moved out of the GP’s usual area, there is no need to change unless the GP says that treatment and home visits can not be continued.

If you decide to change GPs, you should contact the surgery you want to change to, and ask to register as a patient with them. If they agree to take you on, they will ask you to fill in a registration form or ask you for your medical card details. Some GP practices also want to see proof of your identity, like a passport, and proof of your address, like a utility bill.

The GP practice will then send your details to the health authority, who will write to you to confirm that you're registered with the new practice. Your medical records will be sent to the new practice.

Some health authorities also issue NHS medical cards. If they do, they will send you a new card when they write to you. But not all health authorities issue cards, and you don't need a card to register with a GP or get NHS treatment.

In Northern Ireland, you register with a doctor’s surgery or health centre, not an individual GP, and you can choose which doctor, nurse or health professional you wish to see. You also have the right to change your doctor’s surgery without giving a reason. To register with a new surgery, talk to the receptionist who can tell you whether you live in the area the surgery covers and whether it is taking on new patients. If the surgery is willing to accept you as a patient, you'll need to bring your medical card and fill in a registration form (HS100). People from outside of UK or people who have been out of the UK for more than a year, should fill in (HS22X) which the receptionist will give to you. Your medical records will then be transferred to your new surgery.

If you want to change doctors because you've been removed from a doctor’s list, the procedure is similar to changing through choice. If you're having trouble finding a GP who will take you on, contact your health authority who can allocate a GP in your area.

In Northern Ireland, if you live over a certain distance away from a surgery, or if it has closed its patient list, your application may be refused.  If this happens, contact your local Health Board, which should be able to find you a new doctor's surgery. The surgery that refused to accept you should give you reasons for the decision. It must not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, social class, age, religion, sexual orientation, appearance, disability or medical condition.

You can find more information about your rights as an NHS patient on Adviceguide.

Other Frequently asked questions about health:

A to Z Index