GP Registration in Swindon

Registering with a GP gives you access to NHS services including appointments, prescriptions, and referrals. Swindon has many GP practices, and most accept new patients. Here's how to find a surgery and register.

Medical and healthcare – register with a GP in Swindon
Register with a GP to access NHS services in Swindon. Credit: Unsplash
~5 daysRegistration typically takes
FreeNHS GP registration
Catchment areaMust live within surgery area
How to register with a GP
StepAction
1. Find a surgeryNHS Find a GP (postcode search) – check if accepting new patients
2. Register onlineNHS App: "Change GP surgery" – or surgery website
3. Provide IDProof of address and ID – surgery checks catchment
4. WaitUsually up to 5 days – surgery will confirm

Source: NHS

Temporary registration

If you're away from home for up to three months, you can register as a temporary patient at a local surgery.

How to find a GP surgery

Use the NHS Find a GP service. Enter your postcode to see surgeries near you, their opening hours, and whether they're accepting new patients. Surgeries in Swindon include Old Town Surgery, Kingswood Surgery, Hawthorn Medical Centre, Victoria Cross Surgery, The Hermitage Surgery, Carfax Medical Centre, and North Swindon Practice – availability changes, so always check the NHS website for current status.

How to register

Online (NHS App or website)

Many surgeries offer online registration. Via the NHS App: select "Change GP surgery," enter your postcode, search for available surgeries, and choose "Register online." The form takes about 15 minutes and asks basic health questions. Registration usually takes up to 5 days. You'll need ID and proof of address – the surgery will verify you live within their catchment area.

In person or by phone

You can also register by visiting the surgery or calling them. Ask for a registration form (GMS1). Some practices, like North Swindon Practice, accept online registrations. Children under 16 must be registered by a parent or guardian.

What to consider

When choosing a GP, think about: location and travel, opening hours, services (e.g. mental health support), accessibility, and patient reviews. Catchment areas apply – you must live within the surgery's area to register.

For other health services, see our guides to Great Western Hospital and NHS dentists in Swindon. For general support, see help and support.

Find a GP near you

Search by postcode – see opening hours and whether they accept new patients.

NHS – Find a GP

References & sources

  1. NHS – Find a GP (accessed February 2026)
  2. NHS – How to register with a GP surgery (accessed February 2026)

Information correct as of February 2026. Surgery availability changes. Always check the NHS Find a GP page for current information.