Using the National Health Service (NHS)
Cost of Health Care
The National Health Service (NHS) in UK is funded through taxation and-with a few exceptions (see below)-all aspects of health care are free for anyone who is entitled to use the service.
Services for which you may have to pay a contribution towards the cost are:
prescriptions
dental care
eye care
wigs and fabric supports (e.g. spinal support)
Many people, however, are exempt from these charges or entitled to pay a reduced fee.
Prescriptions are free to everyone aged 16 or under and 60 or over and several other groups of people. Further details of who is eligible for free prescriptions can be found here : https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/who-can-get-free-prescriptions/ The prescription charge in England is £9.35 per item. If you have a regular prescription it may be cheaper to buy a Pre-Paid certificate which is £30.25 for three months or £108.10 for 12 months. These can be bought on-line, by phone or from some pharmacies. Details can be found here https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/save-money-with-a-prescription-prepayment-certificate-ppc/
Dental care. Advice about help with costs can be found here https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/dental-costs/get-help-with-dental-costs/
Eye care. Advice about who is entitled to free eye tests and help with the cost of spectacles can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/free-nhs-eye-tests-and-optical-vouchers/
Wigs and fabric supports. Advice about who is entitled to free wigs and supports or help with costs can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/wigs-and-fabric-supports-on-the-nhs/
How to Access Healthcare
Ask a local pharmacist for advice – a pharmacist can give you advice about many common minor illnesses, such as diarrhoea, minor infections, headaches, sore throats, or travel health.
Make an appointment with your GP (General Practitioner) if you are feeling unwell but it is not an emergency or if you have a long term condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure and need regular prescriptions or monitoring. If you need to see a consultant for a new or on-going problem the GP will refer you.
Call NHS 111 if you need urgent medical help or advice but it is not a life-threatening situation.
Call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
Go to a walk-in centre, minor injuries unit or urgent treatment centre, if you have a minor illness or injury (e.g. cuts, sprains or rashes) and it cannot wait until your GP surgery is open.
Attend an Accident and Emergency department (A&E) for more severe injuries https://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/other-services/Accident%20and%20emergency%20services/LocationSearch/428
if you are not sure which NHS service you need call NHS 111
Information about many conditions and treatments can be found in the NHS Health A-Z guides.
This infographic (in Ukrainian or Russian) may be helpful
Visiting the GP
All GP surgeries are organised slightly differently but most will require you to make an appointment for a consultation with a doctor or other member of the practice staff. Appointments can be made over the phone, on-line or (not all practices) in person at the reception desk. The receptionist may ask you why you need an appointment and may ask some questions to find out how urgent your problem is. This is so that they can make you an appointment with the best person to help you. Everything you say to a receptionist is confidential.
The first appointment with a GP will often be on the telephone. This may be on the same day or some time in the future. Many problems can be dealt with on the phone but if the doctor needs to see you they will arrange for you to attend the surgery. If you need blood tests, other investigations or to see a different health professional they will also arrange those for you.
Sexual Health
GP surgeries provide contraceptive services and sexual health advice but you can also attend a sexual health clinic for if you need advice about emergency contraception, unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections etc without contacting a GP first. Information can be found here https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health (Some clinics provide a limited range of services and some require appointments-check before attending)
Information about how to get help if you have been raped or sexually assaulted can be found here https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/help-after-rape-and-sexual-assault/ You will not be obliged to report the assualt to the police if you feel uncomfortable about doing this.
Transport to Appointments for Health Care
If you do not have your own transport and cannot get to an appointment on foot or public transport, Chew Valley Community Transport may be able to help. Details can be found on this website under the heading More (More>Transport>Individual Journeys>Health). You will need to register for their service.
NHS App
The NHS app https://www.nhsapp.service.nhs.uk can be download and can be used to:
get your NHS COVID Pass
order repeat prescriptions
book and manage some appointments
get health information and advice
view parts of your health record securely
view your NHS number