GP & Primary Care Clinics

GP and primary care in the UK

Primary care is usually the first point of contact with the NHS: GP surgeries, NHS walk-in centres, urgent treatment centres and minor injury units. To see an NHS GP you normally register with a practice in your area. GPs are registered with the General Medical Council (GMC), and GP practices in England are registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission, which gives them a published rating.

Registering with an NHS GP

You can register with a GP surgery whose catchment area covers where you live — you don't need proof of address or immigration status to register. Once registered you can book appointments, request repeat prescriptions and be referred to specialists. Each practice listing on HealthWise shows its CQC rating where available so you can compare local surgeries.

When it's urgent — but not an emergency

• NHS 111 — free, 24/7, by phone or online. Advises on the right service and can book you in.
• Urgent treatment centres & walk-in centres — for injuries and illnesses that need same-day attention but aren't life-threatening.
• Pharmacies — can advise on many minor conditions and, under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme in England, supply treatment for some common conditions without a GP appointment.

In an emergency

For life-threatening situations — chest pain, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, signs of a stroke — call 999 immediately. HealthWise helps you find providers; it does not give medical advice. Always consult a clinician about symptoms.

Last updated: 2026-07-22

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