Finding Healthcare

Find Your Local GP Surgery:

• In England: Use the NHS Choices website.
• In Wales: Use NHS Direct Wales.
• In Scotland: Use the NHS 24 website.
• In Northern Ireland: Use Health & Social Care in Northern Ireland or NI Direct.

How to Register:

1. Ask your chosen GP surgery if they can register you. If not, ask for a list of other surgeries nearby.
2. Fill in a form with your name, address, date of birth, NHS number (if you know it), and details of your previous GP.
3. If you need help with the form, ask the receptionist.
4. Some surgeries may ask for proof of identity (photo ID like a passport or driving license) and proof of address (recent utility bill or council tax bill).

If You Have No Fixed Address (NFA):

• You can register on a temporary basis for up to 3 months.
• You do not need address ID to register with a GP.
• Gypsies and Travellers have the same healthcare rights as everyone else.
• You can download a letter from the Secretary of State for Health or use the NHS GP Access Card if you are refused registration.
• See this section of our website for more information.

Find Your Local NHS Dentist:

• In England: Use the NHS Choices website or call 0300 330 1348.
• In Wales: Use NHS Direct Wales or call 01686 252 808.
• In Scotland: Use the NHS 24 website.
• In Northern Ireland: Use Health & Social Care in Northern Ireland or My Dentist.

You May Get Free Dental Treatment If You:

• Are under 18.
• Are under 19 and in full-time education.
• Are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months.
• Receive certain benefits (e.g., Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance).

Some people on low incomes may also get free or reduced-cost treatment. More information is available on the NHS website here.

What to do in case of emergency

• If you have severe toothache or have had a tooth knocked out, call your dental surgery for urgent treatment.
• If you are not registered with a dentist, call NHS 111 for advice.

Other options

A&E

• For life threatening emergencies such as severe chest pain or stroke.
• Find your nearest A&E here.

Pharmacy

• Offers advice on minor injuries and illnesses.
• Open late, and some are open 24 hours.
• No appointment needed.

NHS Direct 111

• 24-hour health helpline.
• Trained advisors can help you with your symptoms and advise you on treatment.

Self-care

• Treat minor cuts and bruises at home with a basic first aid kit.
• Ask your pharmacist for advice.

NHS App

• Book appointments, order prescriptions, and get advice from doctors.
• Useful if you can’t book an appointment over the phone.
• Can make bookings over the weekend.

Please find a video below explaining how the NHS app can benefit Gypsies and Travellers.

Discrimination 

• Everyone has the right to healthcare without discrimination.
• You can register at any GP practice unless you live outside the area or the surgery is full.
• More information is available on the Citizens Advice website.
• If a surgery won’t register you without a fixed address or ID, please visit our webpage here.

Making a complaint

• If you have a complaint or feel discriminated against, talk to your local Healthwatch.
• Healthwatch helps patients and carers with complaints about health and social care services.
• Find your nearest Healthwatch office, usually located at Citizens Advice Bureaus.
• Keep a record of your experience. Healthwatch has more advice on their website here.