You and Your General Practice

Are you wondering how to get the most out of your GP (general practice)? NHS England’s “You and Your General Practice” guide is a clear, user-friendly resource designed to help you understand how GP services work and what you’re entitled to.

What it Covers

This guide answers many of the questions you might have about accessing GP services, including:

• When and how to contact your GP — via phone, in person, or online, and what to do when the practice is closed. 
• What happens when you request an appointment, including how the practice assesses your needs and what options you may be offered. 
• Patient rights and eligibility, like from what age you can attend alone, what support is available if you need extra help or use a different language, and whether you need ID or proof of address. 
• How to choose, change, or register with a GP, plus what happens if you’re new to the UK or temporarily away from home.
• Fees, fairness, and what to expect in terms of treatment — treatment should be respectful, equitable, and free for standard GP services.
• How you can help your practice (e.g. being prepared, cancelling on time, using the NHS App) and how to give feedback or raise concerns. 

Why It’s Useful

• This guide is especially helpful if:
• You want clarity on how GP services work
• You need to understand your rights (e.g. when practices can decline registration, what you’re owed if you need extra help)
• English isn’t your first language (there are many translated versions available) 
• You’re new to the UK or not sure how the NHS works locally

You can read the full guide on the NHS England website