New Patients

We welcome new patients who live within our practice area to register with us.

We are now accepting new registrations at the practice.

How to register with us

It’s easy to join Bishop’s Close Medical Practice. You can register in any of the following ways:

1. Register Online

Use the NHS online service- Register with a GP surgery. This is the preferred method to avoid delays or errors.

2. Download a Registration Form

Download and print our registration form (Please complete and return it to reception.)

3. Collect a Form from the Surgery

Visit the practice and pick up a registration form. Our friendly reception team is always happy to help.

Once you have submitted this form, you may need to provide the practice with suitable proof of ID (passport, driving license, bank statement or utility bill).

Having Your NHS Number

It is helpful if you know your NHS number when registering. You can find it here: Find your NHS number – NHS.

Named GP

As part of our commitment to personalised care, every patient is allocated a named GP. You can still choose to see any GP or healthcare professional within the practice.

Text Messaging Service

We offer a text message service to send appointment reminders and important practice updates. Please remember to update your contact details — especially your mobile number — using the ‘Update Your Details’ section if anything changes.

Temporary Registrations

If you are staying in the area temporarily, you can receive urgent treatment from us as a temporary patient for up to 3 months.

Please speak to reception, as you may be asked to complete a short form.

You will remain registered with your usual permanent GP during this time.

FAQs

What are the acceptable examples of Photo ID and Proof of Address?

Acceptable photo ID:

Current passport or identity card
Resident permit issued by Home office
Current UK photocard driving licence
HM Forces identity card
Police photographic ID card
University or college photo smartcard
NHS smart card

Acceptable proof of address:

Recent utility bill (within 3 months of the current date)
Local authority tax bill ( valid for current year)
Bank or building society statement ( within 3 months of a current date)
Current tenancy agreement
Court order (within 12 months of the current date)
UCAS letter (within 12 months of the current date)

What is temporary registration?

If you are ill while away from home or if you are not registered with a doctor but need to see one, you can receive emergency treatment from the local GP practice for 14 days. After 14 days you will need to register as a temporary or permanent patient.

You can be registered as a temporary patient for up to three months. This will allow you to be on the local practice list and still remain a patient of your permanent GP. After three months you will have to re-register as a temporary patient or permanently register with that practice.

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.

What if I live outside the practice area?

From January 2017 if you live or move outside of the practice area we may decide that it is not in your best interests or practical for you to be registered at Southdene Medical Centre. If your health needs change and you require more input from the health services we would advise that you should seek to register with a more local practice.

If you have been registered with us prior to January 2017 as an ‘Out of Area’ patient we are currently reviewing your registration to see if it would be more appropriate for you to be registered with a GP practice closer to your home.

For further information visit the NHS Choices website.