Welcome to Southwark information for guests from Ukraine
Medical, health and wellbeing support
People who live in England can get free healthcare from the National Health Service (NHS). You can register with a doctor through a local General Practice (GP).
If you need urgent medical help
If you need urgent care or have a life-threatening condition go straight to an Accident and Emergency department at a nearby hospital.
Less severe injuries can be treated in urgent treatment centres (walk-in centres or minor injury units).
There's a NHS helpline if you're not sure whether you need to see a doctor. NHS 111 can help tell you where to get help for symptoms, general health information, and emergency and repeat prescriptions.
If someone has a life-threatening medical or mental health emergency, call 999. For example, if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
How to register with a General Practitioner (GP)
Anyone can register and get free medical care from a doctor (GP) at a GP practice that is part of the NHS. You don't need proof of address or immigration status, ID or an NHS number to register. We recommend you register as soon as possible with a local GP so you can get full healthcare services.
If you have a medical problem or need any medication then tell the staff when registering. The NHS will not charge you for health services or ask for your bank details. If you have an urgent medical problem call 111 or 999.
How to find and register with a GP surgery local to you.
A lot of Southwark GP surgeries have signed up to the Safe Surgeries initiative by Doctors of the World. These surgeries have pledged to make sure you get good healthcare. You can also call NHS England Customer Contact Centre on 0300 311 22 33 if you're struggling to register.
You're always entitled to and can ask for an interpreter when accessing healthcare.
You and your children will be offered a health check and any vaccinations which you may need. You will be offered blood tests to check for infections you may not know you have, and which the GP can treat.
Booking appointments with a GP
GPs use different ways to book appointments, such as by phone or online. Check how to book when you register.
Services that GPs provide
GPs in the UK can refer you to other specialist services such as physiotherapy or cancer treatment. To get medical help you should contact your GP first. They will refer you to specialist care and treatment. GPs can prescribe medication.
Some people can get free prescriptions for medication through the NHS.
Get medical information and advice online from the NHS
GPs and ambulance services can be busy and sometimes it may be difficult to get appointments. You may want to get some initial advice online.
The NHS website provides a wide range of healthcare advice for all ages.
Translated health advice
The Doctors of the World have produced translated materials about health services in the UK.
Doctors of the World have also produced downloadable leaflets on how the NHS works in Ukrainian and Russian.
COVID-19 advice – getting vaccinated and other ways to protect yourself from the virus
The COVID-19 vaccine is free to everyone in the UK. This includes all migrants. Millions of people have had their COVID-19 vaccination in the UK. It's safe and is the best way to prevent death or serious illness from COVID-19.
You do not need to have a GP or an NHS number to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
You can read more about the COVID-19 vaccine in English and other languages below:
- COVID-19 guide for older adults
- COVID-19 vaccination for women of childbearing age, pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding
- COVID-19 easy read resources
- Doctors of the World UK COVID-19 vaccination information
- translated information on COVID-19 in different languages from University of Southampton
Taking care of your mind: mental health support
Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. Find out about online and in-person mental health support for children and adults in Southwark.
Mental health problems range from the worries we all experience as part of everyday life to serious long-term conditions. We know you've been through a very traumatic time and been exposed to a huge mental stress.
There are mental health and psychological support services available that can help you if you're struggling. If you, or someone you love, need help this is best arranged through making an appointment with a General Practitioner (GP). See the previous information on how to register with a GP.
A GP can offer medical advice, provide a diagnosis and prescribe medicines. They might be your first point of contact for many physical and mental health concerns.
Support to cope with trauma
If you're struggling but do not want to talk to a GP, the charity Barnados has set up the Ukrainian Support Helpline for anyone fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. You can call 0800 148 8586 Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm, or Saturday 10am to 3pm or email ukrainiansupport@barnardos.org.uk.
The free digital service, Good Thinking, has produced several resources designed to help you cope, including a ‘coping with trauma’ workbook and a short film series.
Download illustrated information designed for children and young people, and wider family that explains how trauma can affect you.
In a mental health crisis contact the South London and Maudsley (SLAM)
If you, or someone you know, is in a mental health crisis, contact SLAM's 24-hour mental health telephone support line on 0800 731 2864 (option 1). Or get more advice online from the NHS South London and Maudsley.
Get help during pregnancy and sexual health services
Your GP can help you before and after you have a baby.
Find out how to get help from the NHS during your pregnancy.
Get advice about the early days after giving birth to your baby.
Find out about eating well in pregnancy, free vitamin D for pregnant women and children and possible ways to get help to buy food and milk and free fruit and vegetables in Southwark.
Where to get free contraception and sexually transmitted infection testing
Anyone in Southwark can get contraception (including emergency contraception), and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing from:
NHS information on different types of contraception.
Get help to stop smoking
Your health will improve the moment that you stop smoking, even if you already have health problems related to smoking. Find out about free online, telephone and face-to-face stop smoking support services.
Find a local NHS dentist
You can register with a dentist as either an NHS patient or a private patient. If you get Universal Credit, let the practice know and register as an NHS patient.
Find out how to find an NHS dentist.
Get translated dental health guidance from Doctors of the World.
Page last updated: 01 June 2022
