registering with a GP

Registering to a local GP and using the NHS app

Hi UKRNs, OFWs and fellow readers,

Its another wonderful spring day. 👌🇬🇧🌷

REGISTERING with a GP

One of the most important things when coming to the UK is to register yourselves with your local GP (doctor).

As you all know, getting treatment and prescriptions in the UK is different from what we were used to back in our countries. In the Philippines, those of us who have worked in medical institutions found it easy to have apppointments since we can just tap or message our doctor colleagues to gain treatment advises and prescriptions. Phone calls and reservations are also options if you want advises from specialists/ consultants which are done in their clinics.

Since I lived in a province which is situated in the far southwest of the Philippines (Maguindanao), we have limited medical resources including specialists doctors and consultants unlike that of Metro Manila. Though we have Davao City which is a 4-6hr drive, there are only a number of residents who could afford travel and lodging.

In contrast, here in the UK, they have strict rules wherein people should register with their local GP. Local for the reason that there are only certain areas in your cities which GPs can cover. Fret not though because most of them are very accessible in terms of parking and commute.

Click the links below to get to the gov.uk website or read the leaflet for further instructions or questions.

👉🏼How to Register with a GP 👈🏼 (gov.uk site)

👉🏼How to Register with a GP leaflet👈🏼

Leaflet on how to register with a GP

Using the NHS app

You can download the NHS app by simply searching it in your engine or mobile app/ playstore. It is available in apple and adroid.
This is the first and login page of the app. You can also register using this app.

To register with the app, you must have your NHS number and IDs ready. If you have no NHS number, there is an option in the app which you just have to click.

In my case, I already registered with my local GP before registering with the app. I provided proper identification and after finishing up the application, my NHS number flashed on the main page.

The main page contain your details including the name you registered, date of birth and NHS number.

The app contains various functions such as:

  • Seeking advice from GP – can be thru e-mails and phone calls
  • GP surgery appointments, services such as getting sick notes, letters, inquiring about recent tests and hospital and referral appointments
  • Ordering repeat prescriptions and nominating a pharmacy – usually the GP will call you regarding the medicine they prescribed, ask you some questions regarding assessment and medicine effects
  • Accessing your health record (the best feature for me)
The health record shows the list of medicines which was prescribed.

Going digital in these times really is convenient. Imagine the time and money you can save just by going through your phone.

KUDOS to first world perks!

KUDOS to the NHS! 👍👍👍