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Health

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There are lots of health services available throughout the UK – some are provided by the NHS, some provided by local organisations and others provided by private providers. Whether these services are free usually depends on who the Provider is and how you have accessed them (for example, whether your GP referred you or whether you contacted the service yourself).

NHS Services:

If you are settling in the UK under the BN(O) visa you will be entitled to access most
NHS services free of charge, once you have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge
and your visa has been granted. A General Practitioner (GP) is the first doctor you will usually visit when accessing healthcare in the UK, so it is important to register as soon as possible. It is free to register with a GP. You may have to pay for some services such as prescriptions and dental care.

Call 999 in a medical emergency. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

Call the NHS 111 number if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do.

Other health support services:

Healthwatch is an independent statutory body that ensures the NHS leaders and other decision makers listen to patients’ feedback. They use patient feedback to better understand the challenges facing the NHS and other care providers nationally, to make sure your experiences improve health and care services for everyone. They can also help you to get information and advice to make the right decisions for you and to get the support you deserve. You can learn more about Healthwatch by heading to their website.

Hub of Hope Mental Health Resource Database is provided by a national mental health charity, Chasing the Stigma, and brings local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services together in one place. You can access the Hub of Hope Mental Health Resource Database online.