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Welcome To NHS South East London

Choosing a doctor
A list of GPs is available on this site. A directory of all GPs in Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham is also available at your local library, Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS) (see further information and help below), NHS Direct (see below) or Citizens Advice Bureau.

Each practice has a catchment area and a Practice List. Different practices may offer different services and clinics, but all offer basic medical care, diagnosis and treatment. Before you choose, check if any local practice has a service that you or your family particularly need. To find out more information speak to a receptionist at the surgery or to the Practice Manager.

How to register with a doctor
Take your medical card to the surgery. The card holds most of the information the new surgery will need to register you as a patient. You can still register if you have lost your card but you will need to complete a separate form.

Having problems registering with a local doctor?
If you left your last practice voluntarily (e.g. you have moved) and are having problems registering with a new practice your local Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS) can assign you to a local GP. However, to be assigned you MUST have tried, unsuccessfully, to register with at least 3 local practices in your area. If you have tried to register with 3 practices and need to be assigned please contact your local Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS) for an assignment form. You will be informed of the surgery you have been assigned to within 28 days of receipt of your fully completed assignment form.

The PALS helplines for each Primary Care Trust in Lambeth, Southwark & Lewisham are provided under "Been removed from a GP list?" below

Are you away from home and need a doctor?
You can register as a temporary patient anywhere for up to three months.

Are you homeless?
You need not give an address, but it is better if you can give an address of a friend, a day centre or a hostel. You do not have to register as a permanent patient. Health services are also available at hostels and drop in centres. For further information on health services for the homeless please go to the Three Boroughs Primary Health Care Team website

Want to change doctors?
When you go to the surgery, you may not want to see the doctor that you are registered with. You may ask to see any of the GPs at the surgery. If you want to change practices, go to another practice and ask to register - you do not need to say why.

Practice leaflets
Practice leaflets explain what times the surgery is open; whether you need to make an appointment or whether you can walk in and wait; which clinics are available and when, and what specific practice policies are. Pick up a leaflet when you register.

Alternatively, check with the practice to see if they have a website to view this information online.

Been removed from a doctor's list?
GPs can remove any patient and his/her family from their practice list. Most GPs only do this if a patient is abusive, violent, or threatening in the surgery. If you have been removed for this reason you will be assigned to another surgery within 2 days by the Patient Services department (see above).

Patients will also be removed if they have moved outside their practice's catchment area. If you have been removed for this reason and are having problems registering with a new practice the Patient Services Department can assign you to a local GP. However, to be assigned you MUST have tried to register, unsuccessfully, with at least 3 local practices in your area. If you have tried to register with 3 practices and need to be assigned please contact the Patient Services Department on 020-7716 7000 extensions 4020, 7551, 7905 or 7713 for an assignment form.

If you are worried about the situation or you need help with getting a GP contact your local Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS). The PALS helplines for each Primary Care Trust in Lambeth, Southwark & Lewisham are provided below:

Getting on with your doctor
A good relationship with your doctor is useful. Sort out any disagreements calmly as soon as possible. If you are not happy seeing the doctor you are registered with ask to see another doctor at the practice.

Home visits
If you think you need a home visit because you are too ill to go to the surgery, contact the surgery as soon as possible so that the visiting round can be organised in time.

Interpreters
A professional interpreter is available for NHS patients within Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham. If you need an interpreter please request one through your doctor's surgery.

Further information and help
Patient Advice & Liaison Services in Lambeth, Southwark & Lewisham:

Other NHS information and help