Safe Surgeries - GP registration for vulnerable groups

This report replicates a similar report conducted by Waltham Forest Save Our NHS in May 2023.

78% of GP surgeries who we contacted said that photo ID and/or proof of address was required to register at the practice compared to 49% in 2023. 

But 53% of those GP surgeries who said they required photo ID for registration, were willing to make accommodations if they were pressed. This often involved being given the opportunity to come into the practice to discuss potential options. This suggests that, in practice, patients without photo ID could still be registered if they advocated for themselves or pressed the issue. 

However, this approach creates an indirect barrier, especially for vulnerable groups like refugees or undocumented migrants who may hesitate to “push” for fear of negative repercussions or drawing attention to their lack of documentation. This reluctance can prevent these individuals from accessing essential healthcare, or accessing care in the wrong places e.g. A&E, underscoring the need for clear, accessible policies that remove the expectation of photo ID altogether.