Registering with a GP without a permanent address, Barnet

In 2018, Healthwatch Barnet was alerted to difficulties in accessing/registering with GP services in Barnet, especially for people without a permanent address. They tested the registration process in Barnet by contacting the 57 registered GPs in the borough, through a mystery shopper exercise.

The mystery shopper called all GP practices over a 4 day period and managed to speak to staff in 54 of them. The caller posed as somebody who was currently, and for the foreseeable future, without a fixed address. Of the 54 GP surgeries spoken to 51 were registering new patients. Those that were not said their list was currently closed but gave no further explanation.

When asked if someone could register without the documents, 51 of the surgeries said the caller must have the correct documents. The majority of GPs did not offer a solution to the caller when they said they did not have an address. However, 14 offered some form of advice to the caller. This included information on access to urgent care and walk-in centres. Three practices suggestions to the caller, to assist them with registration, such as temporarily registering or speaking with the practice manager.

The findings were shared with Barnet Clinical Commissioning Group who responded to say that they were committed to ensuring that every patient is able to access primary care services. They have said they will reinforce that message by reminding all practices in their area of their obligations with regard to registering patients, regardless of whether they have a permanent home address.