Health Services

General Practioners (GP)

It is strongly recommended that you register with a local GP when you move to Glasgow. They are your main doctor that will deal with any health concerns you may have (other than emergencies). You should go in to your local GP practice and ask how to register. You usually need to make an appointment to see your GP once you have registered. You can search for your local practice here.

Search for your local practice

Emergencies

If you or someone you are with is seriously ill or injured and cannot move you should call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Accident & Emergency (A&E)

A&E is where you should go if you have a serious or life threatening illness or injury that can’t wait to be treated. If you are picked up by an ambulance this is where you will be taken. Not all hospitals have A&E so a list of hospitals in Glasgow that do is below. The see patients by priority/risk so the waiting times can be long.

Other than for emergencies you will generally get a referral from your GP if you need to attend hospital for assessment or treatment. You will receive a letter that tells you which hospital you should attend and when.

If you need urgent care for a minor injury, burn or simple fracture you can attend a Minor Injury Unit. Waiting times are much lower than for A&E so it’s useful to know where your local MIU is.

If you are unsure of where to go contact NHS 24 by phoning 111, they will be able to guide you on where would be most appropriate for you. You can search for local services here.

Search for local services

Contact NHS 24

Glasgow Royal Infirmary (A&E)
84 Castle Street
Glasgow
G4 0SF

Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (A&E and Minor Injuries)
1345 Govan Road
Glasgow
G51 4TF

New Victoria Hospital (Minor Injuries Unit)
Grange Road
Glasgow
G42 9LF

New Stobhill Hospital (Minor Injuries Unit and Out of Hours GP)
133 Balornock Road
Glasgow
G21 3UW

The Royal Hospital for Children (A&E for under 16s)
1345 Govan Road
Glasgow
G51 4TF

Pharmacies

If you go to your GP and they think you need medication they will give you a prescription, you need to take this prescription to a pharmacy and they will give you the medication you need. Prescription medication is free of charge in Scotland. A pharmacist can also see over the counter medicine (that does not require a prescription) and advise you on minor illnesses and ailments.

Search for your local pharmacy

Dentists

You should register with a dentist to make sure that your teeth, gums and mouth remain healthy. There are a variety of dentists available, and we recommend that you register with a dentist that is most convenient for you to attend for appointments.

Not all dentists provide NHS treatment, and so you will need to ask whether you can register as an NHS patient. If not, they may allow you to register as a private patient, but please note that private dental treatment is usually significantly more expensive.

If a dentist agrees to accept you as an NHS patient, they will:

• Ask for some information about you, for example, your name and address
• Ask you to sign a form to register
• Arrange for you to have a dental check-up (which is usually free)
• Offer you information about their dental practice and the NHS dental services it provides
• Inform you of the dentist who will treat you and where you will be treated
• Give you a contact phone number

All students have to pay for dental treatment unless they are under 19 years of age. If you have a very low income, you may be able to receive help with these costs. You can find your nearest dental services here.

Search for your local dentist

Dental Emergencies

If you have an out-of-hours dental emergency, call your dentist to find out if they provide an out-of-hours service.

If you have an out-of-hours dental emergency but have not registered with a dentist, you can call the GP practice you are registered with. They can refer you to their out of hours service.

If you are unable to get in touch with your dentist or GP, you can contact NHS 24 for free on 111.