With summer in full swing and schools about to break up, many of us are looking forward to a well-earned break.
Over recent months, we have seen an increasing number of patients contacting the Surgery through our online consultation system, or by telephone, while they are overseas. These requests often ask for medical advice, treatment recommendations, or even appointments with a GP….not too sure how that works. That is one mammoth home visit!
Whilst we completely understand that becoming unwell while on holiday can be worrying, there is an important reason why we are unable to provide medical advice to patients who are outside the UK.
Why can’t the Surgery provide advice while I’m abroad?
School Lane Surgery provides NHS services within the United Kingdom. NHS clinical indemnity (sometimes referred to as ‘Crown Indemnity’) only applies to healthcare delivered within the UK.
This means that if we knowingly provide medical advice to a patient who is overseas, that advice may not be covered under the NHS indemnity arrangements. As a result, our clinicians are unable to assess or advise patients who are outside the UK.
This policy exists to protect both our patients and our clinical staff, ensuring that any medical care you receive is delivered safely and within the appropriate legal and professional framework.
What should I do if I become ill abroad?
If you need medical advice or treatment while you are overseas, you should seek help from a local healthcare provider or emergency medical service in the country you are visiting.
Depending on where you are travelling, this may include:
- Visiting a local doctor or medical clinic.
- Attending a local hospital or emergency department if your condition is urgent.
- Contacting your travel insurance provider, who can often arrange appropriate medical care and advise you where to attend.
If your condition is life-threatening, always contact the local emergency services immediately.
Before you travel
Before travelling overseas, we strongly recommend that you:
- Take out comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical cover.
- Ensure you have enough of your regular medication for the duration of your trip.
- Check whether you require any travel vaccinations or health advice well in advance of travelling.
- Carry a list of your regular medications and any important medical conditions.
Once you return to the UK
If your medical problem continues after you return home, please contact us in the usual way. We will be happy to assess your symptoms and arrange appropriate care once you are back in the UK.
We want to be as helpful as possible to all our patients. However, to protect everyone I need to make sure that this is very clear…..
We will NOT provide any service to anyone outside of England, even if you are a registered patient of School Lane Surgery.
You MUST need to seek local medical advice and guidance if you are ill or have a problem.
We appreciate your understanding. These arrangements are in place to ensure that all patients receive safe, appropriate care while also protecting both patients and our clinical team.