Quote Originally Posted by fred View Post
As a long term non resident,I become a resident the second the plane lands at Heathrow..Then I`m entitled to NHS care.. End of!!
(as long as my intention is to become a permanent resident..No proof required as far as I can tell)
Good to note your confidence, Fred
Here's the reality. Entitlement is one thing. Finding the nearest General Practice for registration, then getting past the receptionist to see a practice nurse or doctor is another. Expect to be interrogated, and made to wait in a queue. The Practice is NOT obliged to add you to their list, although they have to explain why. You might be told " Our list is full " or " You live too far away, end of !! ". It could take time to find a Practice able to accept you. Far better to do so than wait until you are obviously ill.
Finding a dental practice offering NHS treatment is much more difficult. Be resigned to pay for private treatment ( or suffer toothache ).
A recent alternative ( in England ) is NHS Walk-in Centres. They provide access to a wide range of treatment, essentially for minor illnesses and injuries. Very useful for out of hours assessment, treatment, and providing prescribed drugs without a long wait. Even if you're registered with a GP you may still use them.
Attending Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital, for whatever reason, is the last resort ! Expect a wait of several hours - unless it's an obvious emergency. Our NHS is good but imperfect, and undergoing big changes right now, with more power going to GP surgeries. Most of us who live here still have reason to be grateful for it .