Register with a GP in Newcastle for free

You do not need to know your NHS number to register with a GP in Newcastle. Your NHS number is used to help identify your medical records. However, we can still find your records without your NHS number. It’s important to complete the online registration form accurately to prevent delays with your registration.

To see a doctor in Newcastle:

• If you are already registered with a doctors surgery in Newcastle then contact your doctor's surgery to make an appointment.
• If you are not registered with a doctors surgery in Newcastle but are temporarily in the area and need an urgent appointment (more than 24h but less than 3 months) then you may be able to see a doctor by registering as a temporary resident. Alternatively you may wish to call 111, see a pharmacist, or use an NHS GP walk-in centre.
• If you are not registered with a doctors surgery in Newcastle but live here permanently and do not need urgent attention then the best course of action is to register with doctor's practice near where you live or work. See the FAQ on this page about how to register for a doctors in Newcastle.

You can register as a patient at Westerhope Medical Group if you live in west or central Newcastle or the surrounding area. We can also accept Out of Area patients if you live within the local ICB.

We can only offer home visits to your address if you live within our catchment area. If you are primarily housebound or require visits to your home, our service will not be suitable.

To Register for an NHS GP in Newcastle follow these steps:

1. Find a GP Surgery near you. Westerhope Medical Group is based in NE5 and accepts patients from all of Newcastle. Some services can be provided online or over the phone, but patients living outside our catchment area may not be eligible for some services, such as Home Visits.
2. Check that your chosen NHS GP is accepting new patients.  Westerhope Medical Group is accepting new patients.
3. Register with your chosen NHS GP. For there are various ways to do this: using our online registration form; completing the registration form on the NHS App; filling out the PRF1 Form and bring it with you to Westerhope Medical Group.

You don't need:

• Proof of Address
• Proof of Immigration Status
• ID Card
• NHS Number
• National Insurance (NI) Number
• the name of your current GP (if you have one)

To register for a doctors in Newcastle you typically need to follow these steps:

1. Find a local doctor's surgery: Search for a GP practice located close to where you live or work. You can use online directories or the National Health Service (NHS) website to find doctors near you.
2. Contact the doctor's surgery: once you have chosen one, contact them by phone or visit their website to inquire about the registration process and check if they are accepting new patients.
3. Complete registration forms: The GP practice will provide you with registration forms to fill out. These forms may require information such as your personal details, previous medical history, and NHS number (if you have one). 
4. Provide necessary documents: You may need to show proof of your identity during the registration process. If you already have an NHS Number it might speed up your registration if you have this to hand.
5. Attend a new patient health check (this is often optional but recommended so that your doctor can understand your current state of health and medical history).

To change doctors in Newcastle:

1. Find a new doctors surgery: search for a GP practice located close to where you live or work. You can use online directories or the National Health Service (NHS) website to find doctors near you.
2. Contact the new doctors surgery: once you have chosen one, contact them by phone or visit their website to inquire about the registration process and check if they are accepting new patients.
3. Complete registration forms: The doctors practice will provide you with registration forms to fill out. These forms may require information such as your personal details, previous medical history, and NHS number (if you have one). You do not need to tell your old doctors that you are leaving - they will be notified automatically by the NHS when your registration with the new GP practice is confirmed.
4. Provide necessary documents: You may need to show proof of your identity during the registration process. If you already have an NHS Number it might speed up your registration if you have this to hand.
5. Attend a new patient health check (this is often optional but recommended so that your doctor can understand your current state of health and medical history). Your patient records will automatically be transferred from your old doctor to your new doctor, but it is still important to have a new patient health assessment with your new doctor so they can get a proper understanding of your health and healthcare needs.

It takes around 5 minutes to complete the online registration form.

After that your registration is processed by the GP Surgery (usually within 2-3 working days). 

Finally, your registration is confirmed by NHS England.

The NHS states it can take 10 to 14 days to process your information and transfer your medical record from your previous NHS GP surgery (if you have one) to Westerhope Medical Group. However, the process is often faster than this and can take as little as 2 to 3 days to be completed.

If you haven’t registered with a GP in Newcastle before, we recommend using our online registration form. This is the same form we recommend that all patients use. It’s important to complete the form accurately to ensure your registration gets accepted.

Once you’ve registered, you may be offered a free new patient health assessment. This allows you to take actions to reduce your risk of developing serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes and some types of dementia.

Your new patient health assessment includes a health questionnaire, a check to ensure any repeat medications are up to date, in-person observations (such as measuring your blood pressure, pulse check, and BMI), blood tests (if clinically necessary and you’re aged between 40 and 74), and a consultation with a healthcare assistant to discuss your overall health and wellness.

At the end of your assessment, you’ll receive personalised advice to help you enjoy a healthier life for longer. And if needed, we can also book you in for a follow-up consultation.

You do not need to know your NHS number to use NHS services or register at our Newcastle GP practice, but it can be useful to have it. Visit the NHS website to find your NHS number. You need to live in England to use this service.

No, you do not have to pay to register with an NHS GP - anyone who lives in England can register with an NHS GP for free.

You cannot be registered with two NHS GP surgeries at the same time. When your registration with Westerhope Medical Group gets accepted by the NHS, you will no longer be registered at your previous NHS GP surgery.

You should register with a GP in Newcastle if you’re a student and you spend the majority of your time at your university address. You can then get quick and easy access to care when you’re in Newcastle. This is particularly important if you have a long-term health condition and need regular medication reviews.

You can register with Westerhope Medical Group using our easy online registration form.

You need to register with a GP in Newcastle before you can get an appointment. However, in some cases, you can be registered as a temporary patient for up to 14 days and receive care despite not being a permanent patient.