Changing GP surgery - Problem

jazzy

I was hoping to change to another doctors surgery, because my current GP is not satisfactory. After trying to register with another surgery in my area I was informed that they will not take new patients on if patients already have a GP in the same area. Is this normal practice nowadays?

elsien

From the CAB page:

Problems with registering
Unless the GP’s register is full, or you live too far away for home visits, it is unlikely that the GP will refuse to accept you.
However, if the GP does refuse to accept you, then they must have reasonable grounds for doing so. These must not have anything to do with race, gender, social class, age, religion, pregnancy or maternity,sexual orientation, appearance, disability or medical condition. The GP must give you the reasons for their decision in writing. If a GP refuses to register you because of who you are, it could also be unlawful discrimination.

Did you get the reason in writing?

jazzy

I spoke to the surgery on the phone and they informed me that they have an agreement which I presume means with the other local surgeries in the area that you cannot change surgeries if you are already registered with another local surgery.
Are these grounds for raising my concern further?

silvercar

Sounds like all the surgeries in the area are virtually full and the local NHS trust has persuaded one to keep it's doors open to new patients. As they are full they are reluctant to take on new patients so are only doing so when the patient doesn't have a local surgery.

elsien

You could always contact NHS England for clarification about the policy - this page is about complaints but they do give advice as well and the contact details are the same.

https://www.england.nhs.uk/contact-us/

jazzy

I live in Wales so it comes under NHS Wales. I have sent NHS Wales an email for clarification.