Many practices are refusing to register homeless patients in spite of national guidance aimed at protecting them, it has been reported.

The Health Service Journal contacted 100 practices and found that two thirds refused to take a patient who could not provide a permanent address. The practices were all in London and the journal contacted them pretending to be a “mystery” patient seeking to register because they were living temporarily in the area – but without an address. NHS England guidance says a homeless patient can use the address of the GP surgery – but many practices told the investigator their system could not handle a patient not having an address. 12 said they would use this approach.

One receptionist said they could “get in trouble” for registering a patient who appeared to be from outside the catchment area. Another practice demanded that the patient be registered with the local council as homeless.

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs, told the journal: “It’s vital that homeless people are able to easily access any healthcare and services they need, particularly given the health risks posed, for example, by rough sleeping. While lack of ID or proof of a fixed address can make it difficult to send appointments by mail, or to visit a patient should a home consultation be required, it should not be a barrier to a patient registering at a GP practice – or to access necessary health interventions. I have worked in practices where we have found ways to overcome these issues. Patients who are homeless are some of our most vulnerable in society, whether they are, for example, rough sleeping or parents with young children who are forced to rely on temporary accommodation due to a lack of social housing.”

Dr Kieran Sharrock, acting chair of the British Medical Association GP committee in England, said: “It is vital that people who are homeless are empowered to register with a GP so they can get the care they need. This may sometimes mean using a temporary address, such as a friend’s or a day centre, and under certain circumstances, the practice address may also be used to register someone. Practices should not put barriers in the way, for instance there is no requirement for proof of identity or address.”