GP stands for general practitioner.  These are doctors who practice medicine and work in the community looking after the health and ill health of people.  They have an excellent understanding of general health issues. Some also specialise in particular medical areas.

You can talk to your GP about anything. Your doctor acts as a gateway to most services in the NHS, offering everything from vaccinations and prescriptions to medical advice and care.

Nurses also work in GP surgeries. They support the work of doctors and can offer advice on an increasing range of health-related matters.

GP surgeries are open Monday to Friday office hours. However, some may open on Saturday mornings or at other times. Please phone your local practice for details.

Your local Doctors surgery (or GP practice) provides a wide range of family health services, including:

• advice on health problems
• vaccinations
• examinations and treatment
• prescriptions for medicines
• referrals to other health services and social services

If your condition is non-urgent, you can expect to see a doctor within two working days or a health professional such as a nurse within one working day. If you don't need an appointment within two working days, you can also book in advance if this is more convenient for you.

It is important to attend for appointments, or notify the surgery if you have to cancel or change it.

Find a doctor

Click the link to navigate through to our  Search for a local NHS service near you page. 

Click this link for details of How to register at a GP Practice.

NHS Devon / Torbay & Plymouth Performer Lists

Primary Care Trusts have performer lists for their area which names the GPs, Dentists and Ophthalmic Opticians who satisfy a range of criteria for working in the NHS. Click the link for full details and to view our latest Performer Lists.