How do I register with the NHS?

I recently arrived in Glasgow, Scotland on a spouse visa. I know that I am entitled to NHS care, but I don't know how to sign up. Since my husband is new to this area as well, he needs also needs to register with a local GP.

Where can I find the local GP's office? Do I just need to walk in and fill out paperwork?

The whole system is just a little confusing to me, so any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

http://www.nhs24.com/content/default.asp?page=s11

You can put in your postcode and find your local GP surgery there   Once you know where it is, you just turn up (with your passport & any proof of address you have) and register.

http://www.nhs.uk/Pages/HomePage.aspx

This is the NHS website -- click on "Find Services" and it will take you to a page where you can enter your postcode and the results will list all the doctor's offices in your area, starting with the physically closest and radiating outward.

From here you can find out more about each and call their numbers to talk with their front desk staff about going in and registering.

EDIT oops cross posted with springhaze. 

If you're in Scotland try here: http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/organisations/results_js.aspx just type in your post code and select Doctor and it should list the nearest 10. Give them a ring and see if they're accepting new patients. They should be able to tell you what to do next.

Thanks!

I just visited the website and noticed it had an option to search for dentists. Is dental cared covered through the NHS as well??

sort of- if you can manage to register with an dentist as an NHS patient (in many areas there is a really long waiting list to register) then you can get dental treatment at a reduced cost.  It's not free at the point of delivery the way medical care is, but it is substantially cheaper than paying for private dental treatment.

Just FYI, my GP's office also made me show them (and made a copy of) my marriage certificate.  When I made this  face at them at the idea that my visa (you know, the one given to me by the UK government) wasn't enough, the woman registering me told me that they have "extra" requirements at this practice because "of the population" (I live in a immigrant/student heavy area). Whatever, and the NHS has been super easy to use--but maybe bring the certificate along just in case!

Also, ask which types of "proof of address" they require. Different GP front desk people may ask for different things -- just yesterday one I called in my new area I moved to said that they will only accept my lease agreement or my water rates bill, but not a bank statement showing my address, nor any other bill!

You'd think all kinds of "proof of address" were equal, but I guess not at this particular surgery. So, just posting another detail that might help smooth the way.

[quote if you can manage to register with an dentist as an NHS patient (in many areas there is a really long waiting list to register) then you can get dental treatment at a reduced cost.
[/quote]

I was talking to my neighbor about dental care and she told me that there is an abundance of NHS dentists in Scotland. According to her, NHS dental care is much better in Scotland than in other parts of the UK. She didn't think I'd have to wait more than a couple weeks to get set up with one. Any one know if this is true??

I was talking to my neighbor about dental care and she told me that there is an abundance of NHS dentists in Scotland. According to her, NHS dental care is much better in Scotland than in other parts of the UK. She didn't think I'd have to wait more than a couple weeks to get set up with one. Any one know if this is true??

Not always the case.  When my parents moved from Edinburgh to the North East a few years ago they couldn't get registered up there at all.  It's only been in the last year that my dad has managed to stop travelling to Edinburgh for a check-up!

DH and I moved to Glasgow in the last 18 months and had no problems registering.

I guess it just depends on the area?