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Don’t Become a GP Ghost Patient
You may have seen recent reports in the news about patients being removed or deducted from their GP practice lists across the UK.
NHS England and Primary Care Support England (PCSE) are reviewing the accuracy of GP practice lists to remove "ghost patients"
What is a “ghost patient”?
A “ghost patient” is someone who remains on the practice list despite having moved away or otherwise no longer being an active patient.
The term “ghost patient” refers to a person who remains registered on a GP surgery’s official list despite having moved away, relocated abroad, or no longer using the practice.
To keep national records accurate, NHS England and Primary Care Support England (PCSE) routinely conduct a process called list validation (or “list cleansing”).
What you need to know – NHS list validation
You may receive a letter from NHS England or Primary Care Support England (PCSE). This is part of a routine process called list validation (or list cleansing). It helps ensure GP records are accurate across England. To keep national records accurate, NHS England and Primary Care Support England (PCSE) routinely conduct a process called list validation (or “list cleansing”).
Why this matters to you
Keeping a patient list correct helps GPs to ensure:
- You stay registered and can see your GP when you need to.
- You get important letters, including for screening, vaccinations etc.
- The practice gets the right funding to care for their patients.
What you need to do
If you or someone you care for gets a letter from NHS/PCSE asking you to confirm your/their details, please respond.
Do not ignore it.
- Follow the instructions in the letter.
- Confirm your details are correct.
- Let us know as soon as possible if you have moved.
What happens if you do not respond
If you do not respond and PCSE cannot confirm your details:
- They may remove you from the practice without you even knowing it.
- If you get removed, you will not be able to get an appointment with a GP until you re-register.
Need help
- Contact our practice via the usual preferred means
- If you have friends or relatives who are patients but have not contacted their practice in the last three years, please encourage them to get in touch to update or confirm their details.
Published: Nov 2, 2026