National Health System

DOCTOR

The National Healthcare System (NHS) offers low-cost or free healthcare.

Register with a GP in your area as soon as you have a permanent address in London. Private medical centres, such as Medicentre, are situated across London and are very efficient and convenient.

You have to pay for this service, but it's useful if you can't take time off work. NHS also has walk-in centres in London. You don't need to be registered and the service is free.

Call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visit www.nhs.uk for a 24-hour nurse-led information line.

DENTIST

NHS Dental care is available. Register with your local NHS dentist and pay 75% of the cost of your treatment.

Quality private care is available, but this can be expensive.

If you require emergency dental care, call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

OPTOMETRIST

Optometrists are on every high street, so shop around. Contact lenses can be expensive in the UK so bring a supply from home. Emergency optic care information is available from NHS Direct.

DISABLED ACCESS

All black cabs and buses have wheelchair access and most tourist attractions have facilities for a number of disabilities.

For more information, check out:

• Access in London : A great guide book that was written and researched by people with disabilities

• A variety of useful websites : disabilitynow.org.uk , visitlondon.com/access , artsline.org.uk.