"The practice illegally refuses regstration"

At least according to one person at reception, the practice has a policy of outright refusing to register anyone who cannot provide proof of address immediately upon registration, in direct violation of NHS Guidelines.

I moved to Manchester a few weeks ago. Didn't get around to changing my address with the bank yet (for some reason they only let you do it in-branch in person). So I don't have proof of address just yet.

Today I tried registering withthe New Bank Health Centre - and they ask me for proof of address (which, if you ask organisations such as Praxis, from whom I have received training a while ago, they shouldn't do to begin with; but could probably be chalked down to poor training, as long as they don't actually turn everyone awat.

When I explain I don't have one yet, they outright refuse to register me. Which is outright illegal under the NHS guidelin. I actually asked - in principle - how they would handle a homeless person or somebody who cannot provide proof of address because they sublet informally - and the receptionist has confirmed to me that it would be their policy to turn them away - illegally!

For the record, this is the direct qoute from the guidelines:

"You should not be refused registration or appointments because you don’t have a proof of address or personal identification at hand. It is not considered a reasonable ground to refuse registration. This also applies if you are an asylum seeker, refugee, a homeless patient or an overseas visitor, whether lawfully in the UK or not."

Now, this is not something that would affect me in the long run - I'll get proof of address in a few days - but I'm really concerned about who else is being denied access to the NHS - domestic violence victims in shelters? Vulnerable migrant workers?

As we speak, the local Healthwatch and local CCG are being informed of the issue.