Doctor

Use the 'Find a GP' service to look up the medical practices in Aberdeen, use your term time postcode to find the practice closest to you.

Click on the GP Practice website for their contact details and information on how to register with them.

You will need:

• Proof of identity (passport/ID card)
• Proof of term time address (to show that you live in the GP practice catchment area)
• UK phone number (please note your GP will only be able to call you back if you have a UK phone number. You can pick up a free SIM card from the Infohub )

If you cannot find a practice open to new patients you can contact the NHS for registration support.

Please note that not all Medical Practices notify you of successful registration. This includes Old Aberdeen Medical Practice where you may have registered but not received confirmation of successful registration. If in doubt, contact the GP Practice to confirm.

If you are a Student visa holder and you have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application you will be able to access National Health Service (NHS) treatment when you arrive in Scotland. You will need to pay for dental treatment.

Additional visa applications require a further payment for the period of the extension. If you are a student on a visitor visa you should obtain medical insurance before travelling to the UK.

European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss national students should obtain a European Health Insurance card (EHIC) from your country prior to coming to the UK.

More information on health care for overseas students is available for download here or on the NHS inform website.

A range of health information in different languages and formats - including BSL, Easy Read and translations is also available.

If you need urgent health advice when your GP practice is closed or before you have managed to register with a GP, you should call NHS 24 on 111. They can advise you on what to do or book an emergency doctor appointment at your primary care emergency centre if the nurse practitioner thinks it is necessary.

You can also visit your local pharmacist who can help and advise you on minor health concerns.

1. I am feeling unwell, what should I do?

You should call your registered GP Practice and make an appointment (Monday- Friday 0900-1700). Your Practice will arrange a telephone, video or face to face appointment depending on what your medical issue is. Please note: You must have an accurate, up to date UK mobile phone number which accepts calls with 'no caller ID' message.

2. What health professional will I see?

You will be seen by a General Practitioner (GP/Doctor) or other health professional who are highly trained to deal with general medical concerns and treatments as well as children's health and women's health issues. They can issue prescriptions for medications and refer on to other specialised clinicians if required.

3. How long will my appointment take?

The appointment is just for you. The Doctor or other health professional is only able to deal with one patient per appointment and must be booked in advance. The length of time your appointment takes will depend on your medical condition but will usually be around 10 minutes.

4. What happens if I am late for appointment?

You must attend your appointment on time or the Doctor or other health professional will not be able to see you.

5. What should I do if I can't make my appointment?

Please let your GP Practice know as soon as possible if you are not able to make your appointment as this could ensure another person manages to get your appointment instead.

6. How do I order medication?

You can get a prescription from your GP. Please give as much information - including name of medication, dose and frequency. Your GP will also require a medical summary from your previous GP or healthcare provider. Please do not wait until you have run out of medication, order well in advance to make sure you have enough.

7. If I am registered with a GP do I still need to register with a dentist?

YES, you will need to register for both a GP and a dentist separately to access treatment for both services. More information on dental care is here. 

8. My course duration & stay in Aberdeen is going to be less than 3 months, do I need to register with a GP Practice?

If you are staying in Aberdeen for under 3 months, you do not need to automatically register with a GP Practice. If you are feeling unwell and need to access healthcare, you can seek to temporarily register with the nearest Practice to where you live or seek advice from NHS24.

9. Can I have an interpreter?

Yes, if you require an interpreter to attend your appointment to assist the Doctor or other health professional, please let your GP Practice know in advance. This will either be in person, on the telephone or via a video call. The interpreter is there to assist the Doctor or other health professional in explaining what your medical concerns are and are bound by confidentiality.

A range of health information in different languages and formats - including BSL, Easy Read and translations is also available to read online.

10. What if I need blood taken or other tests?

You may require to have blood taken or arrange for further tests. If this is required, it will be fully explained to you where you need to attend. Blood tests are normally performed by nursing staff or health care support workers. Doctors do not routinely perform these types of tests.

11. What do I do if I need urgent medical care?

If you require urgent medical care that is life threatening, i.e. sudden, persistent chest pain, breathing issues etc. please call an ambulance by dialling 999 at any time of the day or night. Ambulances should not be called for anything but life threatening, urgent medical issues. Your GP will be able to deal with non-life threatening medical concerns Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm. Between 6pm and 8am, you can call the Out of Hours (NHS 24) medical team by dialling 111. They are also available Saturdays and Sundays.

12. What about vaccinations?

Its important or all students to ensure they're up-to-date with their vaccines. If you've come to Scotland from overseas, you may be eligible for free vaccines that aren't available where you lived previously. More information here.

13. How much does medical care cost in the UK?

In Scotland you will find most of your healthcare costs are provided on the NHS whilst you are studying full-time. Visiting a doctor, medical specialist or A&E is free, as are most treatments and medicines prescribed by a doctor. Some costs you may need to pay are for dental treatment, glasses and contact lenses and any healthcare that you choose to receive from a private provider. More information on healthcare is available here.

14. Who else can I go to for medical advice?

• Pharmacy- for advice and medication
• Grampian Sexual Health Service - for contraception and Blood Borne Virus testing
• Dental Advice - for check ups and treatment
• Eye Advice - for all eye problems please see an Optician
• Healthpoint - one stop health information point, offering free confidential information, advice and access to services