Getting healthcare

What is my GP

Your ‘GP’ is your main point of contact at the NHS. ‘GP’ stands for General Practitioner. They are also known as family doctors.

GPs are highly skilled doctors who are trained in all aspects of general medicine. They can provide you with advice about your health. They can also get you in touch with specialist doctors.

How to register with a doctor

To see a doctor you need to register with a practice.

To find your nearest practice, you can search on the NHS website.

Once you have found your local GP's details, you need to contact them. They will help you to register.

To register you, they will ask for personal details.

This includes:

• your name,
• your date of birth, and
• your phone number.

They may also ask to see proof of your identity and proof of your address. If you do not have either of these, they cannot refuse to register you.

If you need help registering please discuss your registration with a GP with the Kingston Resettlement Welcome Team at refugee-migrantschemes@kingston.gov.uk.

How to book an appointment

To see a GP or nurse, you need to book an appointment. You can do this by ringing your doctor’s office (‘GP Practice’).

You can ask to see a male or female GP or nurse and your GP surgery will do their best to accommodate this. Your surgery may offer you a telephone appointment initially.

You may have to wait a few days for a non-urgent appointment.

If you think you need to speak to the doctor urgently, tell the receptionist that you need an emergency appointment. They will try to see you that day. If the GP thinks you are too ill to come to the surgery, they may visit you at home.

GP appointments are usually 10 minutes long. You must make a separate appointment for each family member as the GP or nurse will only be able to see one patient in each appointment. Please make sure you arrive on time for your appointment or cancel it if you are unable to attend.

If you need support to register with a doctor (GP), contact your support caseworker, or email the Kingston Resettlement Welcome Team.

How to book an interpreter for your appointment

If you need an interpreter you must tell the receptionist when you make the appointment.

Tell the staff which language you speak and they will book an interpreter for you or get an interpreter on the phone.

It is important that you and the doctor understand each other so that they can make an accurate diagnosis of your problem.

You will not be charged if you require an interpreter.

Everything discussed in the consultation is confidential including anything discussed in the presence of an interpreter.

What to do if your GP surgery is closed

If your GP surgery is closed and it is not an emergency, for example, a minor illness or injury (cuts, sprains, or rashes), you can visit a walk-in health centre, minor injuries unit or urgent care centre.

Visit the NHS website to find your nearest health centre.

Everyone in England is entitled to register and receive treatment from a GP practice, without providing proof of address or ID.

Accessing medication from the pharmacy

Your GP may want you to take medicines and will write you a prescription. Take your prescription to the pharmacy or chemist. You may need to pay for your medicine.

A central pharmacy in Kingston is Boots: 42 Union St, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1RP.

Contact number: 02085411644

The pharmacist can also give free advice on treating minor health problems, such as colds and coughs.

You can buy some medicines from the pharmacy without a prescription, including some painkillers and cough medicines; however, you will have to pay for these medicines.