Practice area

Our surgeries are located in Dorchester (on the edge of Poundbury) and Portesham.
We serve a semi-rural and rural area including:

• Burton Bradstock and Shipton Gorge (west)

• Godmanstone and Piddlehinton (north)

• Puddletown and Crossways (east)

Who can register

You can register with the practice if you live within our practice boundary.

Registration is free, and you do not need to be registered elsewhere to apply.

How to register

You can register in one of the following ways:

• Click here to use the online registration form

• Visit reception to collect a paper registration form

If you know your NHS number, please include it, as this helps us process your registration more quickly.
You can find your NHS number on the NHS website if needed.

Your named GP

All patients are allocated a named GP.
For continuity of care, we encourage you to see your named GP where possible.

You may express a preference for a particular GP, and we will try to meet your request, subject to availability.

Proof of identity and address

We may ask for proof of identity and address to help us register you accurately and safely.

This is helpful but not essential, and lack of documentation will not prevent you from registering.

Examples include:

• Photo ID (such as a passport or driving licence), or

• Documents such as a birth certificate, marriage or civil partnership certificate

Proof of address may include:

• Utility bill, council tax bill, bank or building society statement

• Benefits letter or visa/work permit
  (issued within the last 3 months where possible)

If you are unable to provide these documents, please speak to reception and we will be happy to help.

If you are staying within our practice area and need urgent medical care, please contact your usual GP practice first, as they may be able to support you remotely (for example, by sending a prescription to a local pharmacy).

If your usual GP is unable to help and you require urgent treatment, you may contact the surgery to ask about registering as a temporary resident. You will be asked to complete a temporary registration form.

You can register as a temporary resident with a GP in England if you are staying in the area for more than 24 hours but less than three months.

Important information

• GP practices are not required to accept temporary registrations, but emergency treatment will always be offered where clinically necessary

• You cannot register as a temporary patient at a practice in the same area where you are already registered

What does temporary registration mean?

• You remain registered with your usual (permanent) GP

• You can receive care from this practice for up to three months

• After three months, temporary registration ends and you would need to register permanently if you wish to stay with the practice

If you receive treatment as a temporary patient, we will share relevant information with your permanent GP so it can be added to your medical record.

Information we may need from you

To help us provide safe and appropriate care, we may ask for:

• Details of any current or past medical conditions

• A list of medicines you are currently taking

• Details of any allergies

• Contact details for your permanent GP

If you are unsure about any of this information, please let us know and we will do our best to help.

We are committed to making our services accessible to everyone.

If English is not your first language, we can offer:

• Interpreting services for appointments, where needed

• Translated information to help you understand NHS services, how to register, and how to access care

If you need an interpreter or additional support, please let us know when booking your appointment. 

We do not require proof of ID or addres register. Care is not affected by immigration status.

The information below explains how the NHS works, including the role of GPs, how to register with a practice, and how to access urgent and emergency care. It is written in clear language and available in several languages.

Please select a leaflet in your preferred language below.