At a time when NHS services are under huge strain, and following the Covid pandemic, many of us have delayed getting medical care, and may have lost touch with a regular doctor or dentist. Use this page to find and use the right NHS help to stay in control of your and your family's health.
GP care is essential for you and your family, to manage your health and wellbeing. As well as dealing with routine medical care and preventative measures, your GP is your point of referral for more specialist services. Read local information about how GP practices work and the services they offer. This page also gives information to help you to find a GP practice locally.
If you're not on the books of a GP practice, the NHS offers instruction on how to register with a GP, or change your GP.
Local GP surgeries now offer an NHS Health check to patients between 40 and 74 years old. These five-yearly checks assess your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and stroke. Keep an eye out for your invitation letter if you are within this age bracket.
The number of people who aren't registered with a dentist has grown in recent years. Use the Dental Choices Find a Dentist service to check if any local surgeries are taking on new patients.
If you have a dental emergency and don't have a regular dentist, you may be able to use Bath's Dental Access Centre.
Most NHS treatments and medicines are free, with a few exceptions:
- Prescriptions
- Dental care
- Eye care
- Wigs and fabric supports
However, these services are also free if you're aged up to 19 or over 60. You may be eligible for an exemption from NHS charges, whatever your age, if you receive certain benefits, or have a long-term medical condition. Check if you can get free NHS treatments and medicines and find out how you can get help with dental costs
You can now log in, get advice, and access many routine medical services through the NHS website. Below are some of the most popular services.
If you're registered with a GP, and have problems getting to a pharmacy, you can ask to have your prescription medicines delivered to you. Contact your local surgery, or find your local pharmacy online, to request this free service.
The following services may be able to help you to get the care you need, without leaving your home:
View the local Which NHS service should I use? guidance, to help you to choose the best place to go to get help with your medical issue. It will save you time and trouble, and avoid wasting NHS resources, if you go to the right service for the urgency and type of medical problem you have.