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Health care for asylum seekers and refugees in Scotland

What do I need to do?

  • You need to find a family doctor as soon as possible after you arrive in Scotland, and ask them to register you as an NHS patient. You will not have to pay for this.

In Scotland, family doctors are often called General Practitioners or GPs. They work in GP surgeries, medical practices or health centres.

The GP will help you look after all your health needs. They will decide if you need to see another health professional – for example a hospital doctor, or someone in mental health or maternity services. If you do, the GP will make the appointment for you.

  • If you are getting support from the UK Border Agency, they may ask you to register with a particular GP surgery.
  • If you are not getting support from the UK Border Agency, Scottish Refugee Council can help you find a GP surgery and help make an appointment for you to register. Phone Scottish Refugee Council on 0800 085 6087 or look on the internet.
  • You can also phone the NHS inform Helpline on 0800 22 44 88 or look on the internet to find a GP surgery. The helpline can provide an interpreting service. 
  • When you have found a GP surgery, contact them and make an appointment to register as an NHS patient.
  • If you need an interpreter, ask the GP surgery to arrange this for you. When you make an appointment, tell them what language you prefer to use. 

Page last edited: 17 August 2010

Can I get health care from the NHS?What happens when I register as an NHS patient?