No fixed abode and registering with a GP in Bucks…
Healthwatch Bucks in conjunction with Wycombe Homeless Connection (WyHC) have recently undertaken a mystery shopper project to find out how easy it is for a person with no fixed abode or who is homeless to register with a GP in Buckinghamshire. Of the 37 practices and 2 branch surgeries contacted, 80% provided a helpful response which is really encouraging.
Click the link to read Healthwatch Bucks website survey findings:
No address, no problem – registering at the GP with no fixed abode
Temporary Resident
Overseas visitors, whether lawfully in the UK or not, are also eligible to register with a GP practice even if those visitors are not eligible for secondary care services. Patients should be offered the option of registering as a temporary resident if they are resident, or at the time of registration are intending to be resident, in the practice area for more than 24 hours but less than 3 months (or for immediately necessary treatment if they are in the practice area for less than 24 hours).
Immediately Necessary Treatment
General Practices are also under a duty to provide emergency or immediately necessary treatment where clinically necessary irrespective of nationality or immigration status. The practice is required to provide 14 days of further cover following provision of immediate and necessary treatment.
Documentation: This practice operates a policy of asking for documentation in order to establish where a patient lives, and who a patient is. This is particularly important to safeguard children and prospective patients are asked to adhere to this policy for the benefit of all our patients.
Entitlement to NHS Treatment: The NHS is the UK’s state health service which provides treatment for UK residents. Some services are free, other have to be paid for. The regulations that govern who can and can’t receive treatment are complex and may change.
A person who is regarded as ordinarily resident in the UK is eligible for free treatment by a GP. A person is ‘ordinarily resident’ for this purpose if lawfully living in the UK for a settled purpose as part of the regular order of his or her life for the time being. Anyone coming to live in this country would qualify as ordinarily resident. Overseas visitors to the UK are not regarded as ordinarily resident if they do not meet this description.
The following NHS treatment is available to anyone:-
- Treatment in an emergency (but not follow up treatment).
- Treatment of certain communicable diseases.
- Compulsory psychiatric treatment.
- To qualify for other NHS treatments you must meet certain conditions which are outlined below
EU Nationals
Foreign nations from EU member states have reciprocal arrangements for both dental and medical health care so can access the full range of NHS services.
Non EU Nationals
Be aware that a valid 6 month visa does not automatically confer the right to free NHS treatment.
Students
If you are a student registered at a UK University (and you have documentary proof of this) and are going to stay in the UK for more than six months you will qualify for NHS treatment from the beginning of your stay and you (and your Dependents) will be entitled to NHS treatment and you may register with a GP.
Medical Emergencies
If you need immediate medical assistance (e.g. because of an accident) telephone 999 – the call is free. An operator will ask you which emergency service you require (fire, police or ambulance). You will need to tell the emergency services what has happened and where you are. If someone is injured and needs to go to hospital an ambulance will arrive and take them to the nearest hospital with an emergency department
If you need urgent treatment but are well enough to travel please make your own way to the nearest Accident and Emergency Department.
How To Register As A Temporary New Patient
You can register as a temporary resident with a GP in England if you are in the area for longer than 24 hours but less than three months.
Why should I register as a temporary patient?
You can register temporarily with a GP near where you’re staying if you’re ill or need medical advice while you’re away from home – for example, if you’re working, studying or on holiday.
You’ll still remain registered with your permanent GP, but you can see your temporary GP for up to three months. After three months you will have to re-register as a temporary patient or permanently register with that practice.
Your temporary GP will pass details of any treatment you have to your permanent GP, who will add the information to your medical records.
What information do I need?
Try to have the following information with you when you see your temporary GP for the first time:
- details of any medical conditions you have
- details of medical conditions you’ve had in the past
- the name of any medicines you’re currently taking
- details of anything you’re allergic to
- contact details for your permanent or previous GP