Life in the UK Test
Chapter 5:EVERYDAY NEEDS
Health
Finding a doctor
Healthcare in the UK is organised under the National Health
Service (NHS)
NHS began in 1948, and is one of the largest organisations
in Europe. It provides all residents with free healthcare and treatment.
Family doctors are called General Practitioners
(GPs) and they work in surgeries. GPs often work together in a group practice.
This some times called 'Primary Health Care Centre'.
Your GP is responsible for organising the health treatment
you receive. Everything you tell the GP is completely confidential and
cannot be passed on to anyone else without your permission.
Treatment can be for physical and mental illnesses. If you need to see
a specialist, you must go to your GP first. Your GP will then refer you
to specialist treatment if you have special needs.
You should register with a GP as soon as you move to
a new area. And not wait until you are ill.
The health centre, or surgery, will tell you what you need to do to register.
Usually you must have a medical card. It you do not have one, the GP's receptionist
should give you a form to send to the local health authority. They will
then send you a medical card.
All patients registering with a GP are entitled to a
FREE health check. Appointments to see the GP can be made by a phone or
in person. In exceptional circumstances, GPs can visit patients at home
but they always give priority to people who are unable to travel.
Although the treatment from the GP is free , you have
to pay a charge for your medicines (Prescriptions) and for certain services,
such as vaccinations for travel abroad.
Prescriptions are FREE for anyone who is
- under 16 years of age (under 25 in Wales)
- under 19 and in full-time education
- aged 60 or over
- pregnant or a mother with a baby under 12 months old
- Suffering from a specified medical condition
- Receiving Income Support, Jobseekers' Allowance, Working Families
or disabilities Tax Credit.
For urgent medical treatment
