Health

National Health Service (NHS)

The National Health Service is often referred to as the NHS.  It comprises Government-funded medical and health care services.

If you have been granted humanitarian protection or refugee status, you are entitled to access the health services. The GP, hospitals and maternity services can be accessed for free.

If you are seeking asylum you can access the NHS services.
However, if refused asylum in England, you need to check your own individual circumstances as this will tell you which NHS services you are entitled to free of charge.

GP (General Practitioner)

A GP (general practitioner) is a family doctor.

They treat all common medical conditions and refer patients to hospitals and other medical services for urgent and specialist treatment.

You need to register with a GP that is nearest to where you live, as long as they have space for new patients.  If possible provide them with proof of identification and address.

When you have an appointment with a GP you must arrive on time, otherwise they may refuse to see you.  If you need an interpreter, let the receptionist know when you are booking an appointment.

For further information about registering with a GP and a leaflet for asylum seekers and refugees, visit the NHS website.

GP Walk-In Service

Hastings has an emergency GP walk-in service at:

Hastings Medical Practice and Walk in Centre
Station Plaza Health Centre
Station Approach
Hastings
East Sussex. TN34 1BA
Phone Number: 01424 884410.

Urgent Medical Problem

If your medical emergency is life-threatening then call 999.

If you have an urgent medical problem and are not quite sure what to do, you can contact NHS 111.
You can ask for an interpreter if you need one.

There are two ways of contacting them:

• Go to 111.nhs.uk (for people aged 5 and over only).
• Call 111.

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.