"mert1639" wrote in message
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"Joe Lee" invalid@noaddress wrote in message
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"mert1639" wrote in message
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"Big Les Wade" wrote in message
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Don Aitken posted
Anyone turning up at a GP's surgery and asking for treatment as a
temporary patient gets it, too. No question of requiring them to prove
their identity arises.

Really? I'd like to know what your source is for this assertion.

I have never been asked for any formal documents to register with a GP.
What could they ask for, apart from a birth certifcate? Many places
don't
issue NHS cards anymore.

And medical confidentiality applies in both cases.

Confidentiality certainly applies *if* treatment is given.

But treatment is certain to be given beacuse the Doctor has no reason to
refuse.

Unless someone were acutely ill they would not receive treatment at our
surgery. As a result of the type of appointments system they use, even
registered patients can find it difficult to get a same-day appointment.

That may well be the case, but doesn't alter the fact that a patient is
entitled to ask for treatment as a temporary patient.

If I became ill whilst away from home (& assuming I was able to travel),
I
would attend the nearest Hospital casualty unit rather than seek
treatment
at a GP's surgery.

Well so would I, but what if you had a mild illness that didn't require
hospital treatment?

If the symptoms were such that I believed I might be wasting a Dr's time,
then I'd go to a chemists, ask to speak to the Chemist in person & follow
their recommendation.

--
Joe Lee