General
Practitioners
Family doctors, general practitioners (or GPs) provide primary
medical and health care, treating both acute and chronic illnesses
as well as providing preventive care and health education. These
services are available free at the point of need through the National
Health Service (the NHS) in the United Kingdom.
NHS
or Private?
Most GPs offer free treatment under the NHS, and many also offer
private consultations (for which you have to pay). Normally, you
would register with a neighbourhood doctor or medical practice
on moving into the area. This is a simple formality - make an
appointment to see the doctor and ask to be placed on his list
- that's essentially all you need to do. Serious illnesses are
often initially seen and diagnosed by a GP who will then refer
you to a specialist consultant at a nearby hospital for more complex
and advanced treatments.
Medical practices often also employ a practice nurse to manage
routine work, patient monitoring and minor treatments or check-ups.
Serious
Accidents & Emergencies
More serious medical emergencies and accident treatments are usually
dealt with directly through Accident & Emergency Departments
(A&E) of any hospital.
You may go directly to A&E or in serious cases dial 999 to
call an ambulance.
See: Medical &
Hospitals.
Doctor's
Location Map
To help you find a doctor in your locality we have provided a
map below showing both those who accept NHS and those who only
accept private (paying) patients.
Click on any
balloon on the map for contact details and applications.
NOTE
- NHS Only
If you only want to refer to an NHS doctor or clinic, be sure
to check the top right checkbox "Only show clinics that
accept NHS Patients".
