Content

Registering with GP, Dentist, Mental Health and general NHS information

  1. How to access the NHS
  2. Registering with a GP practice
  3. Booking an appointment
  4. Medication
  5. NHS medical exemption certificate
  6. Translators
  7. Chaperones
  8. Dental care
  9. Pregnancy care
  10. Opticians
  11. Hearing services
  12. Mental health
  13. Where to get medical help

1. How to access the NHS

Translated information about how the National Health Service (NHS) works is available from the Doctors of the World website, together with a wide range of other translated information about the NHS:

You can also download PDF guide on how to access NHS (in Ukrainian) to keep.

2. Registering with a GP practice

You can find your local GP. You can register either online or in-person at the surgery.

You will need to register all members of the family you have travelled with.

Tell your doctor about any serious health conditions for which you might need urgent prescription.

When you register with a GP, you will be given an NHS number.

You’ll get a registration letter in the post and your NHS number will be shown in the letter. Make a note of your number or try not to lose this letter as knowing your NHS number will help you to access other NHS services.

You are entitled to free primary and secondary health care.

3. Booking an appointment

You can book an appointment by phoning the GP or booking online through their website.

If you require a translator, you will need to request this when you book your appointment.

Same-day appointments are for emergencies only. If you require same day appointment, you need to call your surgery first thing in the morning.

If you cannot get through – you need to call 111.

4. Medication

Some medication can be accessed over the counter at a pharmacy.

Other medications, such as antibiotics, you will need a prescription from your doctor.

Prescriptions are free for:

  • pregnant or have recently had a baby
  • under 16 years old
  • aged 16 to 18 years old and in full-time education
  • over 60 years old

Or if you are on any of these benefits:

  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Universal Credit dependant on last assessment
  • Tax credits with an income of less than £15,276

Some people who are eligible will get free prescriptions. For those who have to pay, the current prescription charge is £9.35 for each item. This is a set fee regardless of what medication you are receiving.

If you are not certain if you need to pay, then speak to a pharmacist who can help.

5. NHS medical exemption certificate

These are supplied for those who are eligible for free prescriptions due to medical grounds. The certificate:

  • entitles you to free NHS prescriptions only
  • doesn’t cover dental treatment or help with other health costs
  • should be shown when you collect a prescription
  • is valid for five years (or until your 60th birthday, whichever is sooner)

If you think you are eligible, you can apply for a medical exemption certificate through your GP.

6. Translators

Translators are provided upon request by the NHS. Please request a translator when you book your appointment.

Professional translators should be requested for every appointment. Family members or friends may not be allowed to translate for you.

7. Chaperones

If you require a chaperone, please request one when booking an appointment. You can request a specific gender; however, it is important to note that this is not always possible.

If you are having an examination and would like someone in the room, you can ask to either bring someone with you or get a chaperone.

8. Dental care

Dental care can be accessed free through the NHS for specific groups, i.e children under the age of 16. Some treatments will require some payment. If you have not yet registered with a dentist, then you can call Access Dental – NHS Devon Dental Helpline on 01392 822348.

If you have an emergency, or to register, please call 03330 063 300.

NHS information on dentistry

9. Pregnancy care

When you find out that you are pregnant, Your GP can refer you to a hospital or a midwife-led team for antenatal care and delivery. 

Read our guide on pregnancy and birth in UK.

10. Opticians

If you’re eligible for a free NHS sight or eye test, the NHS pays for it, and you will not be charged. Otherwise, they cost roughly £25. Opticians and sight tests.

11. Hearing services

You can get a free hearing assessment at places like Boots and Specsavers on the high street. If it is abnormal, then your GP can refer you to an NHS hearing aid provider if they think you might need a hearing aid. How to get an NHS hearing test.

12. Mental health

Looking after your mental health is just as important as your physical wellbeing. There are specialist services for adults and children dedicated to those who have become refugees, as well as general mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.

If you are worried about your mental health and would like to discuss your options, then call and book an appointment with a GP. If you are having a mental health crisis and need immediate help, call the 24/7 Urgent Mental Health helpline on 0808 196 8708.

There are also many well-established organisations and charities in the UK who offer specialist support to people from Ukraine arriving in the UK. It’s good to keep these in mind in case you need their support now, or in the future.

Barnardo’s UK

Offering support with:

  • Therapy with a qualified psychotherapist – delivered via the phone or online, with access to interpreters
  • Advice on a range of issues e.g., housing, accessing key health services, education, employment and more via our trained helpline support workers
  •  Practical support – access to digital devices to ensure families stay connected to loved ones during this worrying time, as well as stimulating toys for children, vital baby items and more (subject to demand)
  • Thrive LDN
  • Offering wellness and mental health support

TALKWORKS is a free, confidential, NHS talking therapy service, part of IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies), for people (aged 18+) who are seeking help and support about their mental health. Our TALKWORKS Exeter team is located at Compass House on Magdalen Road, close to the city centre.

13. Where to get medical help

Self help

There is a lot of useful advice which is easily accessible through your phone or computer from the NHS website, for both new problems and long-term conditions.

It will help to guide you if you do not know where you need to go for further help for each condition as well as provide advice about how to treat or manage certain conditions at home.

Pharmacy

At all local pharmacies you can get advice as well and you can buy medications and supplies to manage many conditions at home. Find your local pharmacy

NHS Minor Ailment Scheme

If you don't pay for your prescriptions, you may be able to use the NHS Minor Ailment Scheme to get advice and, when appropriate, free treatment for certain common illnesses without seeing a GP. NHS Minor Ailment Scheme

NHS 111

NHS 111 can help if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When to use NHS 111 online or call 111

For help in other languages, call 111 and ask for an interpreter.

GP practice

You can get help from a GP for free, but you’ll usually need to make an appointment which are for routine and non-urgent conditions that can usually wait a few days.

Urgent care centre

Urgent care centres are there to manage problems that still require urgent medical treatment but are not life-threatening that would require a hospital visit.

When to visit urgent treatment centres or other urgent care services

Accident and emergency (A&E)

A&E is there for helping those who are suffering from genuine life-threatening emergencies, either from injury or illness. When to go to A&E.

Call 999

If you have had an accident or need emergency help, and either you are unable to or it is not safe to get yourself to A&E, then call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Please note that just because you call an ambulance, it does not mean you will get seen any quicker in A&E unless it is a true emergency. When to call 999.