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30 November 1999
Posted in
Health
So thought it was about time I addressed the London health system in a blog or two. We don't have much on the site about it - which will change soon so stay tuned, but until then here some helpful tips;
• The English health system is known as the NHS or the National Health Service. http://www.nhs.uk/Pages/HomePage.aspx
• It's a free service, not unlike Medicare in Australia.
• Once you have registered, you can go to any GP about any sickness you may have, cough, cold, broken leg, and not pay a penny.
• It's great for girls. Girls, you can visit the free sexual health clinics they have dotted around London
(http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Sexual-health clinics/Pages/Definition.aspx?url=Pages/what-is-it.aspx)
and get the pill for FREE! Months and months worth of it. You can also get an implonon inserted into your arm for nothing, and any other type of contraception you can think off -
• You'll have access to the hospitals, some dentists and ophthalmologists also.
So how do you register?
Don't wait until you're sick - too hard to cope with when you are feeling like crap. So once you have found a place to live find a local NHS doctor that is accepting new patients.
You might have to make an appointment with the local doctor to register, or you might be able to do it over the phone.
You'll have to have your National Insurance number with you. Some doctors want to know you are registered to work in the country and that you will be there for an extended period of time - something an NI number will prove. Others won't even care. Better to have it and be safe, then be turned away from the doctors when all you want is some antibiotics.
Now, in saying that - if you haven't registered with a doctor and you are really really sick, you can use one of the NHS walk-in centres. Medicine needs to be paid for, but pregnancy tests, the contraceptive pill, condoms, and other forms of contraception are free.
http://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/Pages/ServiceSearch.aspx
The best bit: They NHS is on Twitter! So ask any type of question about the London Health system you can think of. They are really great in getting back to you.
http://twitter.com/nhsdirect
So hopefully this info will help you stay fit and healthy in the UK
