Ghost Patients Policy

FP69 – Important information about your GP registration

What is an FP69?

An FP69 is a flag placed on your NHS registration record when there is a query about your address. This can happen if NHS correspondence has been returned as undelivered or if you have been asked to confirm your details and have not responded.

The NHS uses this process to make sure its records are accurate and that patients remain correctly registered with their GP surgery.

Receiving an FP69 letter does not necessarily mean you have been removed from Thorpe Road Surgery. However, it is important that you respond promptly to avoid any disruption to your registration.

What should I do if I receive a letter, text or email?

If you receive a request from NHS England or Primary Care Support England (PCSE) asking you to confirm your address or GP registration details, please:

• Do not ignore the communication. Read it carefully and follow the instructions provided.
• Confirm your address and registration details using the method explained in the letter, text or email.
• Respond within the deadline stated in the communication. If you are unsure how to respond, please contact Thorpe Road Surgery for assistance.
• If you have moved house, please let us know your current address so that we can update your records where appropriate.

Some patients may be able to confirm or update their address through the NHS App or the NHS online address confirmation service, if they have been invited to use it.

What happens if I do not respond?

If your address cannot be confirmed, an FP69 flag may be placed on your NHS record. For flags raised on or after 1 October 2025, the practice has three months from the date the flag is applied to resolve the query.

If your details are not confirmed within the required timeframe, you may be removed from the GP practice list. You may then need to register with a GP practice again to access routine GP services.

This could disrupt your ongoing care, prescriptions, screening invitations and vaccination reminders.

What if I still live at the same address?

If you still live at the address held on your NHS record and wish to remain registered with Thorpe Road Surgery, please follow the instructions in the communication to confirm your details.

If you have already responded but are still concerned, or you need help with the process, please contact the surgery.

What if I have been removed from the practice by mistake?

If you believe you have been removed from Thorpe Road Surgery incorrectly, please contact us as soon as possible. We can explain the next steps and advise you about re-registering if necessary.

Why is it important to keep your details up to date?

Keeping your contact details accurate helps us to provide continuity of care and ensures you can receive important information about appointments, test results, screening, vaccinations and the management of ongoing health conditions.

If you receive a letter or message asking you to confirm your GP registration or address, please act promptly. If you are unsure what to do, contact Thorpe Road Surgery for advice.