Health Services

The way that health services are delivered in the UK is a continually evolving process. There are now several ways of accessing services to meet your needs and sometimes a combination is the solution, including NHS services, private treatment, or alternative therapies.

NHS

The following link will enable access to an NHS site that offers easy to read information and advice on practically all issues: A – Z of health; articles on living with depression; alcohol; weight loss; men’s health, women’s health and many more. It also offers the latest up to the minute news about current topics e.g. swine flu. www.nhs.uk/livewell

Dentists

The National Health Service (NHS) provides the dental treatment necessary for the health of your mouth and teeth. It is available to everyone, even if you are not registered with the NHS. You can find your nearest NHS dentist by clicking on the link below. You can also use a private dentist but depending on your circumstances, you may have to pay for NHS treatment. www.nhs.uk More information about dentists.

General Practitioners

General Practitioners (GPs) are doctors looking after the health of people in their local community. Your doctor’s surgery should be your first port of call when you aren’t well. GPs usually work with a team including nurses, health visitors and midwives, as well as a range of other health professionals such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

Every individual living lawfully and on a settled basis in the UK has a right to be registered with a doctor and consult them free of charge. However, you will have to pay for any medicines your GP may prescribe for you unless you have a low income, are pregnant or a nursing mother, on income support or have an exemption certificate.

More information on the GP system

The Patients Association offers a number of booklets and publications including ones called ‘You and your doctor’, and ‘How to complain’. They can help you make the right decisions about healthcare for you and your family – you can download them free from the Patients Association site.

Hospitals

With the exception of accident and emergency treatment and specialist clinics such as STD‘s (sexually transmitted diseases), individuals requiring access to hospital services will need to be referred by a GP. Whilst the majority of treatment is free there is a variation in the availability of certain treatments in different areas, depending on the priority given to that particular condition in your location.

Opticians

Almost all opticians are able to offer NHS services. Eye tests are free to certain categories of the population including under 16’s; over 60’s; registered blind or if you or your partner receives certain benefits. For a full list please discuss with your optician.

An eye examination will externally:

(a) Reveal any defect of vision.

(b) Assess how well the eyes work together to provide comfortable and effective vision.

And internally:

(c) Screen for ocular diseases and potentially fatal conditions of the eye or brain as well as systemic disorders such as hypertension and diabetes. Early detection of these is paramount to an individual’s well-being.

Generally an eye examination is advised every two years, but an annual test may be considered necessary and children are often tested every six months. However, if problems are experienced earlier than the recommended re-test date do not hesitate to seek advice.

Alternative Therapies/Complementary Medicine

There is now a wide range of alternative therapies that can help in sustaining good health. You may find that your GP is qualified to offer some of these as part of their suite of NHS treatment. Alternatively you may wish to arrange and purchase these privately. It is advisable to find out what each of the practitioners offers, their qualifications and training and how they are regulated when making any decision about using these services.

Health Emergencies Abroad

For those UK residents used to the National Health Service, accessing medical services overseas may initially seem complicated. Forward planning for any overseas trip will help you deal successfully with any medical emergencies that may arise.

If you already have an underlying medical condition, you may wish to consult your doctor before you go as well as ensuring that you have sufficient medication for the duration of your stay.

Influenza

There are three influenza viruses, types A, B and C. It is not discriminate, affecting birds, animals and humans! NHS 111 offers up to date information and advice.