GMS1 Registration Form
The GMS1 form is a short questionnaire, entitled 'Family Doctor Services Registration', which asks you for information including your name, date of birth, gender, address, telephone number, date of entry to UK (if non-UK citizen), details of previous doctor, and whether you need your surgery to dispense medicines (if you live far away from a pharmacist). You need to complete a copy of this form when you are registering at a medical practice and do not have an NHS medical card.
The form also asks you if you wish to register as a blood or organ donor.
Blood donors go to clinics at regular intervals, typically three times a year, and give blood that could be used in a transfer to save a life. You have to answer a questionnaire at the clinic which asks you about your lifestyle: the answers you give let the doctor know whether or not your blood is suitable for donation. Typical questions might ask whether you have recently used drugs, had unprotected sex, or travelled to a tropical country. Once the questionnaire has been checked, and you have registered as a blood donor, you will be able to give blood. You typically donate around a pint of blood at each session, which takes around ten minutes. The entire process at the donor clinic will take around one hour; after you have donated blood you are given refreshments and a chance to rest.
Organ donors agree to allow their internal organs to be used to save or improve a life after their own death. If you agree to be a donor, you can specify which organs can be taken when you die. You can choose to donate your kidneys, heart, lungs, pancreas, liver and corneas. You may wish to donate only one part of your body, or be happy to donate any part of your body that might prove useful for someone else. If you register as a donor, the donated internal organ(s) will be removed after your death, and made available to a patient waiting for a transplant.
If you have any questions about the GMS1 form, or are uncertain how best to fill out the application, ask a receptionist for assistance. They should be able to solve your query, or direct you to someone who can.
