Do I have a choice on the GP I go to?

I just moved here three days ago and have a 2 1/2 month old baby. I want to get in to the doctor's right away for his 2 month check up and vaccination. We are staying in temp housing for the first month until we figure out where we will live. Most likely wont be living in the area we are currently staying. But I'm guessing we have to register where we live? I looked at http://www.nhs.uk/Pages/HomePage.aspx to find the GP local to me and found tons of NEGATIVE comments about this clinic. And I called them today to try to schedule a meeting to register and those comments were spot on. I tried to call the 2nd and 3rd closest place but they asked for my postal code and said they were not taking people from my postal code and that I should call back to the other clinic (the first on the list).

So I guess my question is, am I stuck with the clinic that live closest to? I guess I would like to know this answer because 1.) The clinic closest to me seems horrible, and 2.) I am looking for flats right now, and if I am going to be forced to use the clinic closest to where I live and that clinic is horrible, I think I will need to add that key piece of information into my flat search. Would hate to move to a new place and find out the clinic I need to use has a horrible reputation.

Hope someone can help explain this. Thanks!!

Health clinics/surgeries have strict geographical catchment areas so, for the time being, you are restricted by your address.

I haven't heard of anyone making an appointment to register. I have just returned to the UK and I will just walk into the clinic to register.

Be aware that comments on a website are probably from a small section of the public. It may be that you will find an acceptable GP there for your family, and needing to visit soon for your son's checkup will give you the opportunity to find out whether the comments are applicable.

You are limited to catchment areas, but most places I've lived have had several surgeries that I was able to choose from.  You aren't typically forced to one or the other--besides which, there are several doctors usually at each, so even if you don't like one, you may love another.  I say check out all the options in your area then just go for it with one.  It doesn't sound like it will be your surgery for long anyway.

Thanks all!! Yep it seems in the postal code area I am in there is only one clinic with three doctors so I guess if you live in this postal code you are stuck to that clinic. The negative comments are directed at the reception staff, and based on my phone call yesterday, I can confirm they are 100% accurate. I guess that's the problem, you still have to deal with rude receptionist no matter which doctor you go to. Good to hear that most places have more than one clinic that you can choose from. I guess I will just want to check this out before we make our final decision on the place we decide to live. Thanks again everyone! Much appreciated!

Ah, yes, NHS receptionists, the UK's modern version of dragons. (Our closest practice has one lovely woman and four who ALWAYS look as if they are very upset you've not managed to drop dead on your way in and save them the trouble of speaking with you.) I think they are, on the whole, terribly overworked, but they are not famous for a lovely bedside manner.

Don't forget that there are often Nurse Practitioners (or the equivalent) at many practices and, in my experience, they are LOVELY and knowledgeable.  It's gotten to the point that I always ask if it is possible to see one specific nurse first off and only go to the GP for prescriptions/stuff out of her remit. So that's an option!

I always find it helps to phone my receptionists for anything non-urgent in the late afternoon as they are far less taxed then and can spend a few more moments with you.