Increasing childhood GP registration for the cost of a stamp
Working in collaboration with commissioners in the South West of England to enhance GP registration for children.
Challenge
NHS South, Central and West currently delivers Child Health Information Services (CHIS) to 32% of the 0–19 population in England. Approximately 1% of 0–6-year-olds within the areas we cover are not registered with a GP, totalling 8,000 babies and children.
These children are at risk of missing vital childhood vaccinations and early health checks, which increases their likelihood of experiencing poor health and potentially life-threatening diseases.
In recent years, there has been a rise in preventable diseases such as measles, alongside widening health inequalities. As a result, it is more important than ever to register with a GP before six weeks of age and ensure vaccinations are received on time.
NHS England has emphasised the importance of ensuring no child misses out on invitations for childhood immunisations and has sought to explore potential solutions for those not registered with a GP.
What we did
CHIS maintains health records for all children aged 0-19 who live in, attend school in, or are registered with a GP within our SCW CHIS areas. CHIS is notified when a baby is born or moves into the area, when they register with a GP, and about their immunisations and screenings. By accessing information from the NHS Spine, we can efficiently identify children in the area who have not yet been registered with a GP.
CHIS worked in collaboration with NHS England South West commissioners to develop a letter reminding parents of the importance of registering their child with a GP. The letter outlined how to register, emphasising that the process is quick, free, and does not require a fixed address or identification.
In September 2024, we piloted this initiative in Bath and North East Somerset (BaNES), Swindon, Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire. Letters were sent to 667 children aged 8 weeks to 6 years who were not registered with a GP and had missing vaccinations.
Activity
Health improvement and inequalities
Encouraging GP registration among those who have not registered yet supports health promotion efforts.
Supporting primary care
CHIS can support primary care in timely registration of local populations, ensuring access to essential health services without incurring extra costs for NHS England or GPs.
Data-driven decision-making
Our advanced reporting and analytics tools enable the quick identification of unregistered babies and children.
Impact
Within nine weeks:
- 60 children were registered (9.2%)
- 23 children were fully vaccinated (3.5%)
These children can now access free healthcare, along with the appropriate checks and vaccinations for their age, helping them to remain healthy and well.
Our commissioners regard this outcome as highly positive. NHS England has decided to continue sending letters to children across the South West region in order to improve GP registration and vaccination rates. This approach will also be extended to our other SCW CHIS regions at no additional cost.
SCW CHIS is pleased to contribute to the NHS Long Term Plan, which aims to take stronger action on prevention and health inequalities. We look forward to seeing more children registered, all at the cost of a stamp.
