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

• Ask your chosen GP surgery if they can register you.
  • If not, ask for a list of other surgeries nearby.
• Fill in a form with your name, address, date of birth.
  • Also NHS number (if you know it), and details of your previous GP.
• If you need help with the form, ask the receptionist.
• Some surgeries may ask for proof of identity:
• Photo ID like a passport or driving license)and proof of address like a recent utility 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 here for more information.

A&E

• The NHS say to call 999 for life-threatening emergencies like:
  • Serious road traffic accidents.
  • Strokes and heart attacks.
• Heart attacks might make you feel:
  • Heavy or squeezing pain in the chest.
  • Pain that spreads from the chest into areas like the arms, jaw, neck or back.
  • Breathless, dizzy and/or sweaty.
• Strokes need to be treated FAST and can cause:
  • Drooping or weakness on one side of the Face.
  • Weakness, paralysis or numbness in the Arms or legs on one side of the body.
  • Slurred Speech or problems understanding people.
  • Brain damage or death and need to be treated quickly and with enough Time.
• In these situations remember to wait for an ambulance and stay with the person.
• Find your nearest A&E here.

NHS Direct 111

• 24-hour health helpline.
• Call if you need urgent care but it is not a life threatening emergency.
• Trained advisors can help you with your symptoms and advise you.
• They may advise you to visit A&E or call an ambulance for you.

Pharmacy

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

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.

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.

Emergency dentist

• Emergencies might mean you have:
  • Severe toothache or have had a tooth knocked out.
• Call your dental surgery for urgent treatment.
  • They may be able to give you a quick appointment.
• If you are not registered with a dentist, call NHS 111 for advice.
  • They can direct you to an emergency dentist.

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 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.