GP Surgeries in Chichester: How to Find One, Register and Book an Appointment

How do I find a GP surgery near me?

The official route is the NHS Find a GP service. You enter your postcode, for example a PO18, PO19 or PO20 postcode in the Chichester area, and it lists nearby surgeries. We deliberately do not list or compare individual surgeries here, because that is better done on the NHS service, which shows the current address, phone number and whether a surgery is accepting patients.

Who can register, and what do I need?

According to the NHS page on how to register with a GP surgery, everyone in England can register with a GP surgery, including temporary patients visiting from abroad. The NHS says you do not need ID, proof of address or proof of immigration status. You give basic details such as your name, date of birth and address, and an NHS number helps but is not required.

How do I register?

The NHS says the quickest way is online through the Find a GP service, where the form takes about 15 minutes and confirmation is expected within 5 days. You can also visit the surgery for a paper form, download and submit a form, or use the surgery's own website where it has one.

If you do not have a permanent address, the NHS says you can use a temporary address or the surgery's address. Temporary registration is available for up to 3 months.

Can I register with a surgery outside my area?

The NHS says some surgeries accept out of area patients, but this may limit home visits and community services. If a surgery refuses to register you, it must explain the refusal in writing within 14 days. The NHS suggests contacting your integrated care board, Citizens Advice or Healthwatch for help.

Can I change surgeries?

Yes, and it is free. The NHS says you do not need to tell your current surgery, because it is notified automatically. If you are already registered, you can also change surgery through the NHS App.

How do I book an appointment?

The NHS page on appointments and bookings says you can book by logging into the NHS App or NHS website, using a form on your surgery's website, phoning, or going into the surgery and speaking to reception. Your surgery may ask what you need help with so it can choose the right person, which could be a GP, nurse, clinical pharmacist or physiotherapist. Appointments may be face to face, by phone or online, and a surgery may only offer some of its appointments online.

Are there evening and weekend appointments?

As published by the NHS, you can see a healthcare professional on weekday evenings between 6.30pm and 8pm and on Saturdays between 9am and 5pm. You book through your own surgery by phone or online services, and may be offered an appointment at your own surgery, another local surgery or another local NHS service.

What if I need help urgently and the surgery is closed?

The NHS says to phone your surgery if you need an urgent appointment, and that if it is closed a recorded message will say who to contact. If you cannot get help from your surgery, NHS 111 can assess your symptoms by phone or online and direct you to the right service. In an emergency call 999. See our urgent care and St Richard's guide for where to go locally.

What if I am not registered anywhere?

The NHS says you can call any GP surgery to get emergency treatment for up to 14 days if you are not registered or are away from home. Beyond 14 days you need to register as a temporary or permanent patient.

Can a pharmacist help instead?

Often, yes. The NHS suggests considering a pharmacy for advice on common illnesses, and some conditions can be treated through Pharmacy First without a GP appointment. Our pharmacy guide explains how.