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Can I change my GP?

You are entitled to change your GP at any time and do not have to give a reason. Within the same practice you will need to speak to the practice receptionist. To change to a difference practice you will need to tell your local Health Authority who will give you further information about how to change.

When you have found another doctor willing to accept you as a patient you will need to given them your medical card for registration at the practice. If you do not have a medical card you can speak to the practice staff who will explain how to register.

If you want to change to a GP further away from your home you may find that a practice refuses to accept you as a new patient if they are already very full. A practice does not have to accept you if you are not a local resident.

If you need to change doctors because you have been removed from a doctor’s register the procedure is very similar. If you are unable to find a GP who will accept you, your local health authority will allocate you a GP.

If you move away from your practice you do not necessarily have to change if your old practice is still convenient for you. However, if your GP decides that treatment or home visits are not possible you will need to change to a nearer practice.