General Practitioners (GPs)
General practitioners (GPs) are doctors who look after your health locally. GPs are experienced in diagnosing and treating both physical and mental illness. Your GP can offer advice, prescribe medicines and help you manage long term conditions such as diabetes and asthma.
In some cases a GP may refer you to a local clinic or hospital to have tests or treatment. They may also refer you to local health services and specialist doctors.
Register with a doctor at a local GP practice
If you are not registered with a GP you can find out about GP practices near your home by visiting the NHS Choices website and entering your postcode.
Once you have found a GP practice you will need to call or visit the practice to register. The GP practice will need to check that you live in the area their practice covers, known as their ‘catchment area’.
When you register you will be asked to provide proof of your address and your identity and you may also be asked to book in for a health check. This is usually carried out by a nurse. If you need to be seen by a doctor before your health check you can still ask to see a doctor for what’s called ‘immediate necessary treatment’.
Changed your contact details?
It is important to make sure you let the practice know if your contact details change, to ensure you get information about screening and other health services that you need.
Help Finding a GP
Find a local GP in the Newham area by searching the NHS service directory.