Register with a doctor and get medication: Homes for Ukraine
How to register with an NHS doctor and patient questionnaires in Ukrainian and Russian.
If you were getting treatment for a condition that you need more treatment for, it is important that you register with a doctor as soon as you can, to make sure your condition is managed safely.
A doctor (also known as a GP or General Practitioner), is the type of doctor you will see for general health problems.
We recommend that you register with a GP as soon as possible after you arrive.
An appointment with an NHS (National Health Service) GP is free.
GP surgeries are the first place you can contact if you have a health problem. They can treat many illnesses, give health advice, and prescribe medicine. They can also refer you to other NHS services.
Everyone can register with a GP and you do not need:
- proof of address
- immigration status
- ID
- an NHS number (you may be asked for ID but you don’t need to show it. If you do have ID it can be used to make sure your name is spelled correctly).
You will normally register with a GP close to where you live.
If you expect to be in an area for more than 24 hours but less than 3 months, you can register with a GP temporarily.
To register with a GP:
1. Find a GP
2. Find out how to register:
a. check the GP surgery website to see if you can register online
b. call or email the GP surgery and ask to be registered as a patient
3. If they ask you to fill out a GMS 1 form, you can download it (this page and the document to print and fill in is available in Ukrainian and Russian)
You can also complete a patient questionnaire (available in Ukrainian and Russian). This will help doctors understand any existing conditions, or other concerns you have about your health.
Register in Scotland
Find out how to register with a GP surgery in Scotland.
Register in Northern Ireland
Find out how to register with a GP in Northern Ireland.
Register in Wales
Find out how to register with a GP in Wales.
Get medication
In the UK some medication is prescribed by a doctor, but other medication can be bought at a pharmacy, chemist or supermarket. This is known as ‘over the counter’ (OTC) medication. This is usually medication like painkillers, cough medicines and other treatments.
You can also ask a pharmacist for advice if you have a medical problem that is not urgent. They often have a private room where you can discuss any medical issues without being overheard.
Paying for prescriptions
If you live in England, and don’t get free prescriptions you will need to pay when you collect it from the pharmacy. The charge per item is £9.35.
If you need medication every month you can buy a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC).
- a 3-month PPC costs £30.25
- a 12-month PPC is £108.10
A PPC can save you money if you need, or expect you will need, more than one item prescribed by a doctor for 3 months or more.
You can buy a PPC online. It will start from the day you submit your application, unless you request a different start date, but the start date must be within 1 month before or after the date of your application.
You can also call the PPC order line on 0300 330 1341 to buy it. Your certificate will be valid from the day you make the phone call, unless you request a different date.
Make sure you have your bank details or credit or debit card details ready.
You can receive your certificate details by email if you provide an email address, print them at the end of your online application, or receive the details by post.
If you pay any prescription charges while you’re waiting for the details to arrive, you can get a refund, if you get an NHS refund form (FP57) when you pay for your prescription. Ask at the pharmacy for the form.
Some pharmacies may be able to sell you a PPC. You can’t pay by direct debit if you buy a PPC at a pharmacy.
To find out where you can buy a PPC you can either contact your local pharmacy or read the list of registered pharmacies on the NHS Business Services Authority (BSA) website.