Good info on these forums for us fisrt timers. To the first poster here, I have the same exact symptoms. Just arrived in the UK about a week ago. Called to see what is needed to register as a student. Got some mixed answers here from the different gp offices I called, but I am sure I can sort it out when I register with my university. Seemed like I needed two proofs of address and a photo ID. One of the proofs of address has to be a council tax bill, which might be difficult because I think as a student, I do not pay council tax . . . need to read up on that.
I ended up going to the NHS walk-in centre in Homerton Hospital. The receptionist took my name, address, and d.o.b. and then I waited. My wife was there with me, and we had crosswords and su doku, so I did not mind waiting, as it was obvious that there were people in far more pain than me. First a nurse took my temp and blood pressure. Then I waited again. Finally another nurse or gp came to get me and looked at my throat. Tonsilitis. He says it was probably caused by the stress of moving, not enough sleep, and not washing my hands enough. The last one was hard to believe because as soon as I land in the UK, I am a phobe when it comes to germs and washing my hands. Either way, my throat is in pain, so I believe the doc. He gave me a perscription for Penicilin, which I took to my local chemist and paid 6.50GBP.
In America, I paid about $400/mo to insure my wife and myself. When we had to go to the emergency room it was $100 a trip, plus the cost of medication. I understand that there are some very real costs to the NHS, but I was really amazed by the quality of care at this facility.
Heres hoping the penicilin does the trick! And I definitely see the benefits of registering right away!
