RESIDENTS are being urged to make sure they are registered with their local GP in a major new campaign.

The move is aimed at highlighting the benefits of having your name on the surgery’s books and also easing pressure on hospital services.

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Fact sheets are being distributed showing how to register.

They are also on the Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) website.

Most GP surgeries have teams that provide a wealth of health and social care including specialist nurses, pharmacists, and, in some cases, physiotherapists and Social Prescribers.

Once registered, patients can access urgent care when needed and will also be notified by the surgery when they need vital screening or vaccination checks.

Anyone can register for free at GP practices in England, this includes people who are asylum seekers, refugees, homeless people or an overseas visitor.

The NHS website, www.nhs.uk, gives details of surgeries close to people’s homes and they can then go on to the surgery website and register online.

Dr Abid Irfan, Chair of the Berkshire West CCG and a GP in Newbury, said: “It really is very important for people to register with their GP and it’s a very straight forward process.

"You may be asked for proof of identify like a driving licence, but you should not be refused registration or appointments because you do not have a proof of address or personal identification at hand.”

Staff at the surgeries are happy to help anyone having problems completing their forms.

Rebecca Curtayne, communications lead at the patient rights charity, Healthwatch Reading, said: “If you’re unsure about signing up with a GP or need help with the process, call us confidentially on our helpline.

"We can explain which local NHS doctors are taking on new patients, how to decide which surgery is right for you, and what documents you do or don’t need.”

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Mike Fereday, Chair of Healthwatch West Berkshire added: “Access to GP services is vital to all, especially during Covid-19 and you have a right to access health services.

"It does not require a fixed address, identification and your immigration status does not matter.

"If you have any issues in West Berks registering with a GP locally please call us your local health champion, on 01635 886 210 or email contact@healthwatchwestberks.org.uk."