Register with our practice

We are using a new online service called Register with a GP surgery that makes it easy to register with this GP surgery. ** see above if your new address is more than one mile away from Wooler.

Just fill in this quick online form to start the process. You do not need proof of address or immigration status, ID or an NHS number.

The service is designed and run by the NHS, so your personal information is safe. It cuts our administrative workload and makes it easier for you to register.

Paper forms are still available if you need one.

Currently, we can only accept patients who live within the practice area which includes the surrounding villages and hamlets including:

To the North: Carham and Wark, Cornhill on Tweed, Etal, Milfield, Mindrum, Kirknewton, Akeld.
To the South: Powburn, Glanton, Whittingham, Thrunton
To the East: Doddington, Lowick, Chillingham, Chatton, Bewick.
To the West: into the beautiful hills and valleys surrounding the Cheviots.

Although we have a pooled list, all patients should have a ‘named’ GP who they see for continuity of care. Please let us know which GP you prefer.

** Please note that if you live more than a mile from Wooler, the practice will dispense your medication for you. The income from the dispensary is a large part of our practice income and without it, maintaining the high quality of service we provide would be difficult so we urge you to have your medicines supplied by us.

Temporary Registrations

If you are ill while away from home or if you are not registered with a doctor but need to see one you can receive emergency treatment from the local GP practice for 14 days. After 14 days you will need to register as a temporary or permanent patient.

You can be registered as a temporary patient for up to three months. This will allow you to be on the local practice list and still remain a patient of your permanent GP. After three months you will have to re-register as a temporary patient or permanently register with that practice.

To register as a temporary patient simply contact the local practice you wish to use. Practices do not have to accept you as a temporary patient although they do have an obligation to offer emergency treatment. You cannot register as a temporary patient at a practice in the town or area where you are already registered.

Catchment Area (Practice Boundary)

Named GP & Continuity of Care

We ask that all patients registered choose a GP in the practice as their ‘named GP’.

Continuity of care is a cornerstone of general practice and refers to a patient’s ability to see the same GP, or a small, consistent team of clinicians, over time. In an increasingly complex healthcare system, continuity remains one of the defining strengths of primary care, enabling the development of trusted relationships, deeper understanding of patients’ needs, and more coordinated care.

A GP who knows their patients over many years gains valuable insight into their medical history, social circumstances, family context, and personal preferences. This knowledge cannot always be captured fully in medical records. Regular contact with the same clinician allows subtle changes in health to be recognised earlier, supports accurate diagnosis, and facilitates more personalised care. Patients often feel more comfortable discussing sensitive issues with a GP they know and trust, leading to better communication and shared decision-making. Continuity can also improve efficiency, as clinicians spend less time gathering background information and can make more informed decisions more quickly.

Continuity is also particularly important for vulnerable groups, including older adults, people with complex physical or mental health needs, and those receiving end-of-life care. These patients often require frequent healthcare interactions and benefit significantly from having a clinician who understands their history and can provide coordinated, holistic support.

Continuity is our aim but we do understand that there will be occasions when you need prompt medical attention and it is more appropriate to see any available doctor rather than wait to see your regular doctor when they return to duty.

Accessing someone else's information

Proxy access to patient information means that a patient gives another person permission to view or manage some of their health information on their behalf.

Examples of people who may have proxy access include:

Parents or guardians accessing a child’s medical records
Family members helping an elderly relative manage care
Carers supporting someone with a disability
Individuals legally appointed through a power of attorney or similar arrangement

Depending on the healthcare organization and legal requirements, proxy access may allow the person to:

View appointments
Read medical records
See test results
Request prescription renewals
Communicate with healthcare providers
Manage account settings

Access is usually granted only with the patient’s consent (unless the person lacks capacity and a legal representative is authorised to act for them). Healthcare providers may restrict certain sensitive information or limit access when required by privacy laws and safeguarding considerations.

In the NHS, proxy access is commonly provided through online patient services such as the NHS App or GP online services, subject to verification and approval by the practice. If you require proxy access, please contact reception for a form and further details.