Medical visit

03 july 2009

It was raining since morning. At around 9.30, i went out with cousin to go to the NHS (medical center) in Chinatown to register a GP. We were in a bit rush as he had to get to work in 11.30. I could not make an immediate appointment with my GP. The earliest was 6.05 pm. It was very inconvenient to go there again as it was quite far.

On the way back, we realized that there is also one NHS near my hostel. My cousin asked me to try register one gp here as it is nearest. I heard from my senior that GP is like a 'family doctor'. each person can only have one GP. we can only change our gp when we moved to another location.

I had a struggling mind in the afternoon whether or not to try my luck to go to that nearest NHS in rain and alone. It is really inconvenient without a car. Finally, i went there together with one of my housemate and her sister before they went to shopping in city center.

It was a bad news that students staying for less than 6 months are not allowed to register a GP. If we are to see doctor, we will be charged 33 pounds for consultation. This branch of NHS is so strict and consequently i was not able to register any GP. Chinatown one is more lenient. my friend's sister then recommended me to go to a walk-in NHS in city center. She adviced me that the reception there will surely ask me to register for a GP. If they ask, i will just have to say 'I will do it later'.

From her, i knew that all medical centers in UK are governed by government. She was true that all patients will have to wait no matter how wealthy you are. Patients are prioritized based on urgency. Now i understand that why the people here rarely turn to doctor but pharmacist unless necessary.

I waited for more than two hours there. There is no doctor in this walk in NHS, but only experienced and practised nurses. My blister was broken by the nurse and then bandaged. I was diagnosed to have dry skin decease called eczema, which caused my rashes. I was recommended to buy a special cream to apply on my body. The medical centers in UK do not provide medicine. They only prescribe. We ourself have to go for pharmarcist to get the medicine.