Temporary Patient Registrations

To register as a temporary patient simply contact the local practice you wish to use. Practices do not have to accept you as a temporary patient although they do have an obligation to offer emergency treatment. You cannot register as a temporary patient at a practice in the town or area where you are already registered.

If you are away from home but need to see a doctor you can receive EMERGENCY TREATMENT from a local GP practice. Emergency treatment does not include routine appointments for on-going issues or non-urgent hospital referrals.

If you develop an acute illness while you are away from home that requires emergency treatment you can contact the surgery and ask to register as a temporary resident. We will ask you to complete a Temporary Registration Form.

You can register as a temporary resident with a GP in England if you are in their area for longer than 24 hours but less than three months.

What does temporary registration mean?

You’ll still remain registered with your permanent GP, but you can see a temporary GP for up to three months. After three months your temporary registration will expire and you will either have to re-register as a temporary patient or permanently register with that practice.

The 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?

In order to be able to treat you appropriately the following information is needed by a temporary GP:

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 GP

Read the answers to more questions about NHS Services and Treatments.