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Doctors

Your local doctor or GP (general practitioner) provides a wide range of services including:

  • advice on health problems

  • examinations and treatment

  • prescriptions for medicine

  • referrals to social services and other health services.

GPs look after the general health of people in their local community. They do this by offering:

  • Health education

  • Advice on smoking

  • Advice on diet

  • Running clinics

  • Giving vaccinations

  • Carry out simple surgical operations

GPs usually work as part of a team. Which includes, nurses, healthcare assistants, practice managers, receptionists and other staff.

The practices also work closing with other healthcare professionals. Which includes, health visitors, midwives and social services.

You would normally see GPs other healthcare professionals at their premises (surgery).  Some operate from more than one building. 

GPs are also able to refer you to someone else if they cannot help. They usually refer to a hospital for tests, treatment or consultants with specialist knowledge.

Finding and registering with a doctor

Its best to register with a GP at a local practice. Ideally, a practice that you can easily get to. Click here to find your nearest GP practice.

Once you find a local GP. Get in touch and ask to register as soon as possible. If you cannot register for any reason, you will have to choose another GP.

GP practices should make information about their services easily available to their patients.  Most practices have a practice leaflet available, otherwise please ask for one.

Prescription Charges

The current prescription is £9.90 per item.

A prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) could save you money on NHS prescription costs:

  • a 3-month PPC costs £32.05

  • a 12-month PPC is £114.50

  • a 12-month PPC for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) only is £19.80

Prescription Delivery/Collection

You can collect prescription for a friend or relative, from the GP surgery. You can also take a prescription to the pharmacy to collect someone else's medicine. They will need to sign the prescription on their behalf.

Controlled medication, such as morphine and methadone requires proof of identity for collection.

Many pharmacies offer a prescription collection service. This means they will collect your prescription from your GP surgery for you. To which you can collect from the pharmacy at a better time. They can also help with ordering medication and make sure its ready for you.

Some pharmacies offer a home delivery servce, check with your local pharmacy for details.

More information

The NHS Choices website has a large'About NHS Services' section which answers frequently asked questions about GP surgeries and other health services.