Newly arrived migrants will have a lot to do when they move to the UK. They will need to find somewhere to live, work, and register their children in school. An important part of the move that migrants should not neglect is the need to register with a doctor.
NHS Web site
Visit the NHS Web site to find your local GP. Once you reach the site, enter your 7-digit postcode, town or area where you live. The NHS web site also helps patients search for their nearest urgent care centre, dentist, pharmacy, eye doctor and other health care services. Click here to go to the NHS web site.
Register with GP (General Practitioner)
Soon after you arrive and settle into your home, you will need to register with your nearest doctor, who is more commonly known as a General Practitioner, or GP, in the UK. Registered patients are then allowed access to the UK’s free NHS (National Health Service) for themselves and their families. Contact your local doctor’s surgery (a practice where a group of GPs work together in a clinic or health centre) and ask to register. The receptionist should be able to tell you if there are any vacancies for new patients. You will need to complete a simple form, including your name, address, health issues, medical history and so forth. Once you have registered, you will be able to make future appointments to see your doctor or a nurse during duty hours.
GP Services
NHS patients do not pay for doctor’s visits, or for any services that their GP, nurse or other medical practitioner provides. These services include general advice on health issues, physical examinations, diagnosis of physical symptoms, and prescribing medications. If your GP feels that you need specialist treatment, you will be referred to the most appropriate health service in the area.
It is important for newly arrived migrants to register with their local GP so that they and their family members are covered for routine, diagnostic and urgent care. Search the NHS web site to locate your local doctor’s surgery, and then register with a GP. Once you have followed these steps, you will be free to make an appointment.
Sources:
Find NHS services in your area
http://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/Pages/ServiceSearch.aspx?r=1&rtitle=Find+a+local+health+service
Health and well-being: Directgov
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HealthAndWellBeing/index.htm
