Access to healthcare – GP registration cards: Information for GP practice staff

Public Health Scotland, in partnership with Scottish Government has developed Access to healthcare – GP registration cards (also known as the blue cards) to assist people from certain groups when registering with a GP for the first time.

The cards explain that when registering at a GP practice:

• People do not need a fixed address
• Their immigration status does not matter
• They do not need ID, but if they have any it’s helpful to take it.

Some people may present the card to reception staff when trying to register.

What to do if someone presents a card?

It’s important that all colleagues, particularly reception staff, are aware of the card and how they can support individuals who present this to them.

Some of the barriers that certain communities face when registering for a GP include:

• Language and communication – people may not have English as a first language or struggle with completing forms.
• No fixed address – some people from transient communities will have no fixed address and will not be able to provide proof of address.
• Unsure of their rights – some non-UK citizens are unsure if they are allowed to access NHS services, and this can make them reluctant or nervous to register.
• Digital challenges – some people may not have access to a smart phone or not feel confident completing forms online.

More information on how you could help reduce these barriers can be found here.

Practices that are unable to register new patients

If your practice is currently not able to register new patients, please explain why. Sometimes people from marginalised communities believe they have been refused registration because of who they are. 

For more information about the access to healthcare cards please visit the Healthy Literacy Place Website.