BOAT-dwellers are being urged to register with a doctor as their numbers in Oxford grow.

Oxford City Council and health partners have launched a new information campaign to support the growing numbers of people living on boats in the city to register with a doctor.

It is estimated there are approximately 180 households living permanently on boats within Oxford city, with many not having a fixed mooring location.

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Some have difficulties registering with a GP practice as a result of not having a fixed address.

In particular, this has affected those who do not have a permanent mooring.

Oxford City Council has worked with Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group to produce a new leaflet with information for boat-dwellers in response to concerns from the community.

Information has been sent to all GP practices in the city to remind them of their obligations and how they can still register a patient without an address.

Dr Edward Capo-Bianco, Urgent Care Lead at Oxfordshire CCG said: “Being registered with a GP will help keep boat dwellers well and prevent illness as winter approaches. People who are registered with a GP will be invited to have a free flu vaccination if they or anyone in their family is eligible.”

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Leaflets and cards are being distributed to boats across Oxford.

A survey to understand the needs of people living on boats can be completed online by visiting smartsurvey.co.uk/s/1JFXH/ and paper copies with a pre-paid envelope are also being distributed.