What should I do if my GP removes me from their list?
Removal of patients from GP lists
GP practices may apply to remove patients from their list if the relationship between patient and GP has broken down.
Your GP will normally explain the problem to you and try to resolve it. They may ask to see you or may write to you. If the problem can’t be resolved, the GP will normally advise you in writing that you may be removed from their list.
Patients cannot be removed from a GP’s list because they’ve made a complaint. However, the basis of the complaint may mean that the relationship between patient and GP has already broken down.
If a patient has been violent or abusive, or has behaved in a threatening way towards their GP or a member of staff and the police have been involved, they may be removed from their GP’s list immediately without warning.
Your GP’s practice leaflet may explain their policy for removing patients from their list.
Moving out of your GP’s catchment area
You may also be removed from your GP’s list if you move out of the area covered by their practice.
If you’re removed from your GP practice’s list, you may need to register with another GP practice. You will be given 30 days in which to make alternative arrangements.
Getting a new GP
You may choose to register with a different GP practice, but the practice does not have to accept you. This is the same for anyone registering with a GP – it’s not related to your removal from your former practice’s list. It may be because you live outside the practice’s catchment area or because the practice is not accepting new patients at that time.
A practice cannot refuse you unless it has reasonable grounds for doing so. These must not relate to race, gender, social class, age, religion, sexual orientation, appearance, disability or a medical condition. It must also give you reasons for its decision in writing.
If you’ve been removed from your GP’s list and you haven’t yet registered elsewhere, your NHS England area team can find you another GP.
For more information, see:
What if I need treatment?
If you need emergency treatment or have treatment more than once a week, you can get treatment from your current GP until your condition improves or until a new GP practice accepts you.
Patients who have been removed from their GP’s list because of violence are only entitled to emergency treatment if their GP thinks it’s clinically necessary.
Other family members
If you’re removed from your GP’s list, it won’t necessarily affect other members of your family. However, this may depend on why you’ve been removed from the list. For example, if you’ve moved out of your GP’s area, other family members will also need to register with a new GP.
Read the answers to more questions about NHS services and treatments.
