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HEALTH SERVICES
In the UK, if you have a problem with your health, you can access health services through 3 main channels.
A Doctor’s Surgery
For all health problems including chest and virus infections
Minor Injuries Unit
For minor injuries only
Accident & Emergency Department
For major accidents and emergencies
All of the above are run by the National Health Service (NHS). As an EU citizen you are entitled to free services from the NHS.
If you are not sure which Health Care outlet to use you can telephone NHS Direct on 0845 4647 for advice. If you need to speak in Polish, say the word ‘Polish’, and wait. Someone will then speak to you in that language.
It is very important, when you first arrive to live here, to go to your nearest Doctor’s Surgery and register.
Doctor’s Surgery
The Doctor’s Surgery is sometimes just called ‘the Surgery’, or ‘the Doctor’s’, and sometimes the Doctor is referred to as a GP (General Practitioner of Medicine).
Doctor’s Surgeries offer consultations and treatment by appointment as well as other health related services. Depending on the nature of your health care need, you may have to wait (maximum 2 weeks) for an appointment, though urgent cases are seen as soon as possible.
If the surgery cannot deal with your health problem they may refer you to another more appropriate service or specialist for treatment and advice. If you are referred to see a specialist you may have to wait some time (maximum 18 weeks) unless your doctor considers the matter urgent.
Registration
It is very important to register yourself and your family with a local Doctor’s Surgery as soon as you arrive. Do not wait until something goes wrong with your health. Each person in your family needs to fill out a separate registration form.
You may also be asked for some form of identification, such as a passport or Workers Registration Scheme (WRS) document.
Finding a Doctor’s Surgery
You can find lists of local surgeries at:
PALS – Southgate House, Devizes
On the website www.nhs.uk/england/doctors
Telephone NHS Direct on 0845 4647
If you need to speak in Polish, say the word ‘Polish’, and wait. Someone will then speak to you in that language. NHS Direct website has information in Polish.
If you have any problems in registering with a Doctor’s Surgery, you can contact PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Services Section) or visit the local Citizens Advice Bureau office (See Useful Contacts & Advice section).
Language
If you need the help of a translator when you go to visit a doctor, let the surgery know when you make an appointment, and they will arrange this. Or you can take a friend with you to translate.
Minor Injuries Unit
Patients with minor injuries should visit a Minor Injury Unit (MIU). If you take proof with you that you are on the WRS (Workers Registration Scheme) or have worked in the UK for more than one year on the WRS, treatment is free.
Minor Injury Units are situated in some community hospitals. These units are staffed by nurses with special training in treating minor injuries such as:
Cuts and lacerations
Bruises
Sprains
Fractures
Burns
Objects that have gone into eyes or ears
Emergency contraception – within 72 hours
If you have a cold or chest infection, or an upset stomach, you need to go your Doctor’s Surgery, not the Minor Injury Unit. This Unit is for injuries only.
Minor Injury Units in Wiltshire
ADDRESS OPENING TIMES
Chippenham
Chippenham
Community Hospital
Rowden Hill
SN15 2AJ Everyday
7.00 am – 1.00 am
Tel: 01249 456403/4
Salisbury
Salisbury District
Hospital
Accident & Emergency
Department
Odstock Road
SP2 8BJ
Everyday
24 hours
Tel: 01722 336262
Trowbridge
Trowbridge Community Hospital
Adcroft Street
BA14 8PH Everyday
24 hours
Tel: 01225 711329
Accident and Emergency Department
There are Accident and Emergency (A & E) departments at Salisbury District Hospital (SP2 8BJ), the Royal United Hospital in Bath (BA1 3QE) and the Great Western Hospital in Swindon (SN3 6BB).
If you take proof with you that you are on the WRS (Workers Registration Scheme) or have worked in the UK for more than one year on the WRS, treatment is free.
Please do not go to an Accident and Emergency department for non emergency treatment.
Emergency medical assistance
In a medical emergency telephone the number 999 for an ambulance (see Community Services section).
Examples of situations when you should call for an ambulance include if a person:
Is unconscious
Is bleeding heavily
Has a serious injury, particularly head or broken bones
Has a deep wound – such as a stab wound
Has a suspected heart attack/severe chest pains
Has difficulty in breathing
Has serious burns
Advice on Health and Health Care Services
Telephone
If you need advice out of normal Doctor’s Surgery hours, telephone 01249 456530 (English only).
You can also phone NHS Direct 0845 4647 If you need to speak in Polish, say the word ‘Polish’, and wait. Someone will then speak to you in that language.
PALS for any kind of advice on health or health care services 0800 3897671
Internet
For information and advice in Polish
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk and click on WITAJ link under Health information in other languages.
HOSPITALS
Unless there is an emergency (see above) do not go to a Hospital. Go to your Doctor’s Surgery (GP) and you will be sent to a hospital if it is necessary. Information on Hospitals is available in Polish www.archive.npsa.nhs.uk/pleaseask
EYE CARE SERVICES
If you have already registered at a Doctor’s Surgery and are working in the UK, you can have an eye test and some services at National Health Service prices, which are cheaper than normal prices. You will need to show that you are on the WRS (Workers Registration Scheme) or have worked in the UK for more than one year on the WRS.
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