GPs have a responsibility to monitor a patient for whom they are providing healthcare or prescribing medicines. When a patient registered with a GP practice in England and Wales travels abroad, provision of medicines for the treatment of existing long-term conditions may be provided at NHS expense for up to three months. If a patient is travelling abroad for longer than three months, they are expected to arrange for an alternative supply of medicine in their location.
Registration Contract Breaches
Most medicines are available in most countries, so they are likely to be able to access a continuing supply for long-term conditions. Under the National Health Service (General Medical Contracts) Regulations 2015 a person must be removed from a practice’s list of patients when:
- they notify that they intend to be away from the UK for a period of at least three months
- they have been absent from the UK for a period of at least three months
The removal of the patient from the list takes effect from:
- the date of their departure;
- the date on which notification is received of their departure, whichever is later
Advice for Patients
Hence, if / when we become aware that a patient of Eden Park GP Surgery meets the criteria outlined above, we are legally required to de-register them from our practice. In line with this policy, we strongly advise you to arrange alternative medical care if you plan to be abroad for an extended period. While we understand that family and work commitments may present challenges, our duty is to ensure the efficient operation of our services and minimize, within reason, administrative complexities that could impact the timely delivery of high-quality care to our patients.
Please be advised that should you need to de-register with the practice to allow for travel for a period of three months or more, you are very much welcome to re-register with us upon return to the area, at which time we should be able to resume your continuity of care without issue.
By registering with our practice, you agree to comply with the three-month travel policy, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.