Health

Anyone who is deemed to be ordinarily resident in the UK is entitled to free NHS hospital treatment in England. “Ordinarily resident” is a common law concept interpreted by the House of Lords in 1982 as someone who is living lawfully in the United Kingdom voluntarily and for settled purposes as part of the regular order of their life for the time being, with an identifiable purpose for their residence here which has a sufficient degree of continuity to be properly described as settled. Go to the Department of Health for more information on NHS charges.

Family doctors provide the first level of health care for local communities. Appointments with a family doctor are free for refugees and asylum seekers. Family doctors are known as General Practitioners (GP's). The GP is the first person to contact, if you or your family become ill or have a minor injury. However, you must register with the GP before you become ill.

Staff working for the family doctor have no right to demand to see your passport or any other identity documents. They can get your address from letters like bills addressed to you. You can register at the doctors office (known as a surgery) nearest to where you live.

If you fall ill whilst away from home or if you are not registered with a doctor but you need to see one, you can still contact your nearest surgery to ask for treatment.

Out of Hours (when your doctor's surgery is closed)

If you or your children feel sick when your GP is closed, telephone the doctor. A recorded message will advise you what to do next. Also you can ring NHS Direct: 0845 4647 for advice and information at any time. NHS Direct has access to interpreters. If you need an interpreter, just state the language you need to be connected.

Hospitals

If the treatment your GP gives you does not make you better or special tests are needed, your GP can send you to hospital. You cannot decide to go to hospital by yourself, only your GP can refer (send) you. Interpreting services are generally available in hospitals.

You can search on-line for hospitals in your area by going to the NHS website.

Emergencies

If you have an accident or a sudden serious illness dial 999 and ask for an ambulance. They will take you to your nearest hospital Accident and Emergency Department. This is free and available for everybody. If you are in urgent need you will be seen immediately. For more minor accidents which still need hospital treatment, you can make your own way there, if it is safe to do so.

You can also call NHS Direct if you are unsure about what to do on 0845 4647.

For more information on emergency treatment please visit the NHS website