Question and Answers in relation to Covid 19 Guidance changes
With effect from Wednesday 01 June 2022
Q: What guidance?
A: During the pandemic the Scottish Government produced guidance that advised patients should not move practice unless they had moved into a new area.
As we move out of the acute stage of the pandemic the Scottish Government has advised that this guidance will change as of Wednesday 01 June 2022.
Q: What is changing?
A: The Scottish Government guidance, with effect from Wednesday 01 June, advises patients can move practices. Unfortunately, some Aberdeen City Practices at this current time do not have capacity to accept new patients.
Therefore, to ensure patients can still put forward their preference to move practice, the Primary Care Team for Aberdeen City will hold waiting lists for those patients that want to move to practices that are currently full. The Primary Care Team will inform the patient when a space becomes available at their preferred practice.
If the practice does not have capacity but you are new to the area or have moved from another area, you will still be able to register (if where they live is within the practice boundary).
Q: Does this apply to all GP practices in Aberdeen City?
A: No, some city practices do have capacity and will be able to accept you. This temporary measure only applies to those that are currently at full capacity.
Q: What do I do if I want to move practice?
A: You contact your preferred practice as normal, and they will inform you if they have capacity or not.
If the practice has capacity, you can register.
If the practice does not have capacity but you are new to the area or have moved from another area, you will still be able to register.
If you are not new to the area and would simply like to register with a different practice and that practice is at capacity, they will provide you with a telephone number or email for you to contact the Primary Care Team so your details can be added to the waiting list.
The Primary Care team will liaise with patients to find a suitable alternative practice or will advise when their preferred practice is able to take on new patients.
Q: I am happy with my current practice do I have to move?
A: No, you do not have to move.
Q: I have just moved house into a new area that is miles away from my previous practice, can I change practice?
A: Yes, you can contact a nearer practice and let them know you have moved into the area.
Q: How long will these waiting list be in place?
A: The waiting lists are only temporary and will be reviewed monthly. The aim is to remove the waiting lists within three months or sooner if demand does not exceed capacity.
Q: How will I be contacted when a place becomes available at my preferred practice?
A: You will be contracted by a member of the Primary Care Team when a place becomes available.
Q: Is there a list available of the GP practices that are currently not taking on new patients?
A: No, the list could change on a daily basis therefore it is not practical to provide a list.
Q: What should I do if I do not hear back within three months?
A: If you haven’t heard back within three months, please contact the main email for an update; gram.gpcityregistrations@nhs.scot or call 01224 846668.
Q: How come someone new to an area is able to register with a GP practice when the same GP practice is telling me that they’re full to capacity and I need to join a waiting list because I’m not new to the area?
A: Whilst you have a current GP practice who covers your address you will be able to access NHS Heath Care. Those who are new to the area do not have access to any of these services and we have a responsibility to ensure no one is left without access to GP care.