How to Do a Change of Address for an NHS Medical Card

In the U.K., the National Health Service (NHS) issues residents an NHS card, which details their name, address, the doctor with whom they're registered and their unique NHS number. This card is used for NHS administration purposes only. The NHS card is issued upon registration with your local health center and gives your doctor details of your full medical history. Whether you move within a local area or move nationally, you will need to inform the NHS of your change of address, so it can keep your records up to date and have access to your medical records.

Instructions

• 1

  Your doctor's office receptionist will help you change your address on your NHS card.

  Inform your doctor's office, if you have moved locally. A staff member will ask you to complete your details on a "GMS1" form, which will allow her to update your records. She will ask you for your previous NHS medical card or your unique NHS number. Once this change has been made, she will send you a new medical card.

• 2

  Locate your nearest doctor's office or health center

  Locate your nearest health center using the local area phone book or the Internet, If you have moved nationally.

• 3

  Make an appointment to register at your new doctor's office.

  Call the health center and ask for a registration appointment with the administrator. You will need to explain that you have just moved into the area.

• 4

  If you don't have your NHS card, take proof of identification with you.

  Take your old NHS card with you to your appointment. If you have lost the card but know your unique NHS number, you will be OK, but take proof of identity with you. If you don't know your NHS number, the administrator can locate you using certain information you provide, including your full name and date of birth. Provide proof of your previous address, as well as proof of your identity.

• 5

  The health center administrator will register you at your new doctor's office.

  Complete a "GMS1" (Family Doctor Services Registration) form as part of the registration process. The health center administrator may type the information directly into his computer to save time, or he may ask you to complete the form while you are there.

• 6

  You will need to provide details of your previous doctor.

  Know all the details for your previous doctor, including her office address and postal code, as you will need to provide this information along with your NHS number.