National Health Service

 

If you claim Pension Credit (Guarantee) then you are entitled to the following free of charge: NHS dental treatment and check ups; free sight tests and vouchers towards glasses or lenses; repayment of necessary travel costs to hospital for NHS treatment. Even if you are not eligible for Pension Credit (Guarantee), if you are over 60 and have savings under £16,000 (2007-8) you can apply for help with these costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme.

Telephone 0845 850 1166 for a claim form.

To search for the nearest health services to your home, click on the link below. To find local dentists, doctors, pharmacies, opticians and hospitals, just enter the name of your nearest town and select which service you want to find:

Alternatively, you can ring PALS on 0845 6024726.

 

If you need medical help when your doctor's surgery is closed, ring your usual surgery telephone number and you will be directed to the GP out of hours service. They may refer you to your local hospital or treatment centre, offer you a home visit from a docotr or nurse, give advice over the telephone, or advise you to visit your GP during normal hours.

 

You should still dial 999 if the condition may be life-threatening to get help as quickly as possible.

For a factsheet on dentisits click here.

For a factsheet on problems and complaints with the NHS click here.

For a factsheet on help with health costs click here.