Travel advice is a private service that we are currently unable to provide although we hope to be able to do so again in the future. There are many other organisations who do provide this private service.
We can however refer you to Villages Surgery in Southwater, one of the surgeries in our Primary Care Network who can assist you.
Other options are -
Superdrug travel clinics - https://healthclinics.superdrug.com/
Crawley Travel Clinic - https://www.crawleytravelclinic.com/
Masta travel - www.masta-travel-health.com/
Riverside Medical - https://www.riversidemedical.online/
There is further information about countries and vaccinations required on the links below
It is important to determine what vaccinations are required as early as possible - at least 10 weeks before you travel - as subsequent appointments may be required to complete a course. Some vaccines have to be ordered as they are not stock items. Your final appointment needs to be at least 4 weeks before you travel to allow the vaccines to take effect.
Travel vaccines may incur a charge. This is because not all travel vaccinations are included in the services provided by the NHS.
Medication requests for patients travelling abroad
NHS Policy
By law, the NHS ceases to have responsibility for the medical care of patients when they leave the UK. In addition GPs are not required by their terms of service to provide prescriptions for the treatment of a condition that is not present and may arise while the patient is abroad.
The NHS does accept responsibility for supplying ongoing medication for temporary periods abroad of up to 3 months. However, if a person is going to be abroad for more than 3 months, then they are only entitled (at NHS expense) to a sufficient supply of regular medication in order to get to their destination, where they should then find an alternative supply of that medication.
Patients residing abroad for a period of more than 3 months should be removed from the registered patient list.
Rudgwick Surgery Policy
Travelling out of the country for less than 3 months
For patients who inform us they will be out of the country for less than 3 months, we will provide sufficient medicines for an existing condition (e.g. asthma, diabetes…) for the period while the patient is away where it is safe to do so. Drugs that require frequent monitoring may not be prescribed where there are safety concerns. Supply of any medication is at the discretion of the GP.
Travelling out of the country for more than 3 months
Patients who inform us they will be leaving the country for more than 3 months will be prescribed sufficient medication to enable them to make alternative arrangements at their destination.
They will also be removed from our patient list. We will be pleased to re-register patients on their return to residence in the UK and can reassure patients that their electronic notes are kept on file for reference on your return.
Patients and relatives should not seek medication for themselves while they are abroad as this constitutes NHS fraud.
Prescriptions for medicines in case of illness while abroad
GP’s will only prescribe NHS prescriptions in this case for exacerbations of pre-existing illnesses. Eg antibiotics for patients who have frequent infections secondary to an underlying lung condition.
GPs may provide private prescriptions if it is clinically appropriate and they can be self-administered safely without medical assessment while abroad. These prescriptions are not free.
Patients should be aware that some drugs commonly prescribed in the UK may be illegal in certain countries and you should check with that country’s embassy before you travel.