- Visiting a doctor is free. Although there is a prescription charge of around £5 for any medicines prescribed and you must be registered generally with a local doctor. For minor ailments, you can just visit a chemist and ask for advice, but relatively few medicines in the UK are available over the counter, so you may still have to visit a doctor to get a prescription. Also remember that some drugs which are legal in some countries, are NOT legal in the UK. Be sure to carry a letter from the prescribing doctor stating what they are and for whom they have been prescribed.
It is a good idea to register with a doctor as soon as you have found somewhere to live. Local doctors are listed in the phone book. If you become ill and are not registered, its not going to prevent someone from treating you.
Should you need a doctor to visit you at home during the night, most doctor's surgeries have an answering service which will give you the relevant number to call.
Alternatively, call the 24 Emergency Advice Line: 0181-677-8383.
MEDICAL ADVISORY SERVICE 0181-994-9874
CONTRACEPTION
Contraception is still free for everyone in the UK. Contraception,
advice on pregnancy termination's and free supplies of condoms, pills,
coils, etc. can be obtained from your local family planning clinic. Check
for your local clinic in the phone book. Appointments are usually not necessary
but some operate only a few days a week so find out their schedule. Most
clinics also offer free and confidential HIV testing and counselling.
FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION 0171-837-5432
NATIONAL AIDS HELPLINE 0800-567-123
DENTISTS in London
Visits to your local dentist can prove to be an expensive business
unless you are unemployed and in receipt of state benefits. Some dentists
offer free check-ups, but treatment can be expensive. In an emergency,
you can visit the
EASTMAN DENTAL HOSPITAL 0171-915-1000
near Kings Cross. It is a free walk-in emergency dental hospital for
anyone without a dentist in London. No appointment is needed, and people
are treated on a first come first served basis. Its open 9am to Noon, and
2-4pm, Monday to Friday.
Also GUY'S HOSPITAL DENTAL SCHOOL 0171-955-5000
offers a similar service and is open 9am-3:30pm, Monday to Friday.
For emergencies you can contact the Dental Medical Emergency Info Line
0181-677-8383.
VACCINATIONS AND HEALTH ADVICE IN LONDON
Vaccinations are not required to enter the UK, but if you plan to travel through Africa, Middle East, South America or certain European countries, it is advisable to see a doctor or specialist travel medical centre before departing. It's not a bad idea to have your childhood shots boosted, plus Hepatitis A and Tetanus. Ask for a vaccinations certificate as some countries require these before they will let you enter. Nurses and those hoping to work in the medical field are advised to carry their immunization details as well. If you don't have any specialist travel centres at home, there are some in the UK where you can receive advice about shots and other health issues for travellers.BERKELEY TRAVEL CLINIC - 0171-629-6233
INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CENTRE - 0171-259-2180
NOMAD LONDON 0181-889-7014
STERNDALE CLINIC 0171-610-4560