Health Problems - Doctors
Finding a new Doctor (GP)
If you need a new doctor call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for a list of local doctors.
Doctors are also called GPs, which is short for General Practitioner, because they can help with general health problems.
When you go to the doctor as a patient you can ask for a doctor to meet your needs, such as a female doctor or one sympathetic to your religious needs.
Registering
Ring your chosen surgery, or pop in, and check that they will take you. GPs usually accept patients from their local area. You can call or visit and ask about how long it will take to get an appointment, what clinics they provide, and their opening hours.
You will have to fill in forms giving your name and address, and that of your last doctor (so your notes can be sent on), medical history (illnesses, current medication and how much you drink and smoke) and may have urine and blood pressure tests, and be weighed and measured.
You will be asked for some form of ID, and your NHS number (it's handy if you have your NHS card, but not essential). Complete the forms honestly - doctors can’t discriminate against you and this info is also useful to guide them in treating you until your medical notes arrive.
When you register, note down the opening hours and phone number of the surgery
Visits to the doctor
If you are fairly healthy you may not need to go to the doctor very often. Although there are some things which healthy people should see the doctor about so that they stay healthy. You can see your doctor when you are unwell and for the following:
Advice
On eating problems, weight, smoking, alcohol, drugs, anxiety and stress, and any other problems or issues that affect or might affect your health, for example, looking after/ caring for a relative, friend or neighbour who is ill or disabled.
Contraception
If you need contraception advice or supplies you can go to a Family Planning Clinic if you prefer. Many health centre and doctor’s surgeries offer clinics just for young people
Inoculations (vaccinations)
You can get travel inoculations at your doctors surgery. Some inoculations may be free under the NHS, though there may be a charge for others. Consult your doctor at least 2 months before you plan to travel for advice and to arrange any inoculations that you may need. This is because some inoculations take time to become effective. You can also get travel inoculations at specialist travel clinics.
For further health advice for travellers, use the Department of Health Travel Advice Guide.
Charges
Visits to the doctor are free. If you are given a prescription there will be a charge for this but if you are under 16 or 16-19 and in full-time education you don’t have to pay. People who are on a low income or receiving benefits may not have to pay.
Some medicines are cheaper bought over the counter at the chemist than on a prescription. Ask your chemist whether you can save any money.
How healthy are you really?
Teen life check lets you assess your lifestyle and set some realistic goals to improve your health. All you have to do is answer some simple questions about your drinking, diet, and exercise routine and the check will help you put together your own personalised health plan.
Real Life Stories
Watch
videos of teenagers talking about their experiences of Type I
diabetes
From: www.youthhealthtalk.org based on research carried out at the University of Oxford.
Watch
videos of teenagers talking about their experiences of cancer.
From: www.youthhealthtalk.org based on research carried out at the University of Oxford.
Coping with Cancer- services for young people
If you're aged 4 to 18 years old and have a family member with cancer Coping with Cancer can provide support, guidance, friendship,information and emotional support. They run a youth group every fortnight for young people who have a sibling with cancer.
Download more information on the Coping with Cancer youth group
Get involved with the NHS
The University Hospitals
of Leicester (UHL) is always looking for young people aged 16 and
over to become members. As a member you can choose how involved you want to be. Whatever you do you will really make a difference
to how our hospitals are run. You will also get the chance to come along to
'Medicine for Members' talks, where a health expert will talk on a variety of health topics.
Membership is free.
As a member you will be entitled to the same discounts as NHS staff including discounted driving lessons with BMS, discounts on music at HMV, money off when visiting Alton Towers, and discounts on top clothing brands such as Dorothy Perkins. To find out more or join on-line visit the University Hospitals of Leicester website.
Last Updated:
01-Sep-2009