How to check if the online healthcare service and the healthcare professionals working there are registered with UK regulators:
All legitimate online healthcare services based in the UK should clearly explain on their websites or apps how they are regulated in the UK, to give you confidence you will receive safe care. This information is usually available on the homepage, on their ‘About us’ page or in frequently asked questions (FAQs).
The healthcare professional who is giving you advice or treatment should give you details of their professional registration including their name and registration number; ask them for these details if they don’t provide them straight away. You can also visit the website of their professional regulator to check the healthcare professional is on their register, or if you want to raise a concern about them.
The following organisations regulate healthcare professionals in the UK:
General Dental Council (GDC)
The GDC registers and regulates dental professionals in the UK.
Raise a concern about a dental professional
General Medical Council (GMC)
The GMC registers and regulates doctors in the UK.
Raise a concern about a doctor
General Optical Council (GOC)
The GOC registers and regulates optometrists and dispensing opticians in the UK.
Raise a concern about an optometrist or dispensing optician
General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
The GPhC registers and regulates pharmacy professionals and registered pharmacies (including online pharmacies) in Great Britain.
Raise a concern about a pharmacy professional
The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
The Health and Care Professions Council registers and regulates health, social work and psychological professionals in the UK
Raise a concern about a professional registered with the HCPC
Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
The NMC registers and regulates nurses, midwives and nursing associates in the UK.
Raise a concern about a professional registered with the NMC
Pharmaceutical Society Northern Ireland (PSNI)
The PSNI regulates pharmacists and pharmacy owners in Northern Ireland.
Raise a concern about a professional registered with the PSNI