Your Doctor or GP
If you are ill and worried about the symptoms, contact your GP.
You can phone NHS Direct 0845 4647 anytime for help deciding if you need to see a doctor.
The NHS web site has a tool to help you diagnose what's wrong and an online encyclopaedia of complaints ranging from acne to yellow fever.
If you are homeless, go to the Luther Street Medical Centre or call a
surgery and ask to be seen as a temporary resident.
If you feel that your condition is serious, go to your nearest casualty department straightaway.
Related: In an emergency
Seeing your Doctor
Until you are 16, your parents are responsible for making sure you are registered with a GP (Doctor). When you are 16, you can register with a doctor yourself.
You can make an appointment to see a doctor without your parents' knowledge or consent no matter how old you are. This could be a doctor at your local surgery or family planning clinic.
Doctors will keep your visits confidential as long as they feel sure that you understand what is going on and you are not in serious danger.
Take action: Make a note of your Doctor's contact details so you can contact them easily if you need to.
Finding a GP (Doctor)
If you need to find a doctor (if you have moved home to study, for example) NHS Direct can provide details of your nearest surgery.
How to register:
- Contact the surgery to make an appointment
- Tell the receptionist you haven't yet registered for a GP and ask about the procedure. You will usually be asked some questions, and you will need to fill in a form.
- You can usually take care of this on your first visit.
If you don't like the GP you can ask to see another one in the same practice without giving a reason.
Prescriptions are free if you are:
- Under 16, or under 19 and in full-time education
- On a low income or benefits
- Pregnant or the mother of a baby under 1 year
You may get a discount if you are 19 or older and on a low income. Your surgery or chemists will have details.
Clinics and drop-ins
There are also other health services where you can drop in for treatment or to discuss health issues.
- Bodyzone health drop-ins for young people in rural areas
- SHADE health advice line and drop-ins in Oxford and Banbury
- Locations offering Safety Card (c-card, condom card) training
- Pharmacists offering free EHC to young people under 18
Related: Sexual health, Contraception
Share your stories
We're looking for your stories. What are your tips for staying fit and healthy? How did you get along when you accessed different kinds of health service? Have you helped deliver health services, raise awareness or educate your peers?
Whatever health stories you have, we'd love to hear them, so email and let us know
Links
These websites will help you find health advice and services:
- NHS Direct
Health advice and information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - Teenage Health Freak
Teen health worries answered by the teenage health freak, plus Dr Ann's virtual surgery - Teen Life Check
How healthy are you? Check with the NHS online lifecheck tool
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