Moving: Must I change GPs?

I'm moving about one train stop away from my current surgery. Although it won't be really far, it will prob put me closer to a different surgery. Can I stay with my old one or do I have to register with a new one?

I'd rather stay w/ this surgery for many reasons, not the least of which is that I've been going there for over a year and they are my best shot at a citizenship reference.

You need to check with your current surgery whether you are still in their area. If not, then you will have to change to another one that is.

Really?  Are you sure?  I thought it was at the GP's discretion, and that if you couldn't find a new one they weren't allow to strike you off.

I know my mum has been with the same surgery for 40 years, despite them moving AND her moving, so she is way out of their catchment area.

Vicky

Maybe each surgery has it's own policies. We moved 15 mins away from our surgery and had at least 4 surgeries closer to our new residence but our surgery had no problem with keeping us on as patients.

It's at the GP's discression. The GP practice is paid by the PCT to provide a service for a very specific catchment area. This allows the PCT to be sure that every street in their area is covered. Most GPs won't take patients from outside their catchment area, but they are allowed to make exceptions in exceptional circumstances. It's particularly a problem in heavily populated areas with few GPs - they need to keep space free for people who are legitimately in their catchment.....

Oh well, I'll go to the surgery tomorrow and ask.

Will be a pain if I have to more: I really like this one. Quick appointments, nice staff, etc.

I still go to the GP surgery in the town I used to live.  I know I should switch but I really like the doctors and i've been going to them ever since I was a child.