Temporary Residents Policy

 

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Even if you have been a patient of this practice in the past, you are not currently registered with this Practice and so will be seen as a “Temporary resident” This arrangement applies if you are staying in the area for between 24 hours and 3 months or if you are a student returning to School or University next term.

Temporary residents can only be provided with immediately necessary here and now treatment. We are unable to deal with pre-existing matters or to initiate investigations or referrals. We may issue a one-off prescription to tide you over until you can obtain one from your usual GP practice or we may refer you to hospital as an emergency. Longstanding matters and outpatient referrals should be taken back to your regular General Practitioner. We do not have a budget for prescriptions or referrals and we get no funding for providing your care. We also do not have access to your current medical records

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If all you require is an urgent prescription (e.g. if you have run out or come away without your medication) you can contact 111 who will be able to liaise with a local pharmacy who can issue a temporary supply. You can also easily obtain repeat prescriptions from your usual practice by sending a request with a SAE, or by email or on line. They may be able to send the prescription to any chemist using the Electronic Prescribing Service.

Under the terms of the National Health Service we are not currently your Doctor and your usual surgery must therefore provide your continuing health care needs. If your condition is not immediately necessary or urgent then please tell the receptionist and we will cancel the appointment to avoid this risk of disappointment should the Doctor be unable to meet your needs.