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 and come in and register. Practices do not have to accept you as a temporary patient although they do have an obligation to offer emergency treatment as an Immediate and Necessary Patient. You cannot register as a temporary patient at a practice in the town or area where you are already registered.

Please also note that it may be easier and quicker in some circumstances for you to attend your local Minor Injury & Illness Unit or Walk In Centre.