Registering with a GP
An investigation into what patients need to do to register with a GP practice in Dorset and make appointments.
Focusing on phone lines and websites, our volunteers anonymously telephoned all 97 GP practices in the county to ask about how to register as a patient with the practice and how book an appointment. They also telephoned the practices out-of-hours to listen to their phone messages and cross-referenced this with information found on the practices’ websites.
Findings
- 93% of practices required proof of ID and address to register.
- The longest waiting time for a routine appointment was four weeks. Usually people could get a same day appointment for urgent issues. Appointments could be booked in a variety of ways.
- They found many discrepancies between the information given over the phone and information provided on practice websites and NHS Choices.
- All but one recorded message stated the surgery name. 18% didn't state the practice opening hours.
- All practice websites were checked for Out of Hours advice and information. While all except one had some kind of information or signposting, many only gave a very brief summary.
This report was produced by the previous Healthwatch Dorset service provider, Healthwatch Dorset CIC.
Read our report
If you would like this report in a different format, email enquiries@healthwatchdorset.co.uk or call 0300 111 0102.
File download
Registering with a GP
