I am now registered with the Blue Practice here and yes... I will be taking that FTR as well. But before we get more specific, let me just start off with:
Scotland: you're confusing as frak.
And this practice...practices...centre... proves this. Thankfully, if you make it past the two different websites for two different practices that have the same desk and waiting room, you've pretty much conquered the battle. Congratulate yourself. Unfortunately, for this little expat - that battle was a big one to begin with.
As a Canadian, I high five the NHS. Like our health care back home, it's a huge relief to know that the majority of my ailments are covered. Plus... you have dental. So you've beat Canada. Good job UK. But the method of registering with a GP as an expat can be highly confusing. There are armfuls of paperwork to bring, you walk into a building that looks nothing like the three seat waiting room of your GP's practice back home and there's different types of appointments to be had... I had the option to book for three weeks away... or an urgent same day appointment and i'm still not sure what the difference is.
What I will say for both major practices here is that they are super patient with a confused little expat, especially since they are obviously understaffed at the desk and up to their eyeballs. Both ladies who helped me out on the phone and the the nurse who helped me in person, were efficient but kind in showing me the ropes.
There were a lot of ropes.
But once I was talked through them, things went pretty smoothly and I was able to navigate registration and then down the line, an appointment. Go team expat! If you live in Stockbridge, you're likely registered here. If you aren't and you need a practice with a quick turnaround on appointments (but only if you ask for the right one...), it's a good option to take a look at.
If you're UK born and bred, you can likely skip this whole review. If you just moved here from across the pond - message me and we'll bond over epically confusing website forms. read more