Don’t be a ghost on the list

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 The NHS is reviewing GP registers to remove people who have moved away or can no longer be contacted. It’s a routine process called list validation (sometimes called “list cleansing”). 

The problem: it’s moving quickly, and patients who still live locally and still want to be registered are sometimes being removed — often simply because they didn’t reply to a letter they thought was junk. 

 • Stay registered — so you can see your GP when you need to. 

• Keep your care on track — screening invitations, reviews and repeat prescriptions all rely on you being on the list. 

• Avoid the hassle — if you’re removed, you’d have to re-register from scratch to get back on a GP list 

 1. Reply to any NHS or PCSE message If you get a letter, text or email asking you to confirm your details, follow the instructions and respond before the deadline. This is the single most important thing. 

2. Check your details in the NHS App Make sure your address, mobile number and email are up to date. If you don’t use the app, just call us and we’ll help. 

3. Tell us if you’ve moved Changed address or phone number recently? Let the practice know so your record stays correct. 

4. Check on family and neighbours Elderly relatives, or anyone who rarely opens their post, are the most likely to be removed without realising. Please pass this on to them. 

It’s a fair question, and checking before you act on any letter is sensible. But in this case, a letter from NHS England or PCSE (Primary Care Support England) about confirming your GP registration is genuine — and ignoring it is exactly what can get you removed. 

A genuine list-check letter will: ask you to confirm your name and address, give you a deadline to respond, and never ask for payment, bank details or a PIN. If a message asks for money or card details, that IS a scam — but a simple “please confirm your details” request is real. If in doubt, contact the practice and we’ll confirm it for you. 

 If you’ve had a letter you’re unsure about, or you think you may have been removed in error, please get in touch and we’ll help you sort it.