Foreign Travel

TRAVEL VACCINATIONS

When traveling overseas it is advisable to book an appointment with the nurse at least 7 weeks before date of travel to discuss what vaccinations are needed. There will be charges for vaccinations given to patients.

You are advised to complete this travel form (rtf file) and then hand it in at the surgery to make an appointment with the nurse a minimum of 3 weeks before departure.  This will help us to provide you with the best advice to suit your requirements.

If you do not comply with the above you may be referred to a travel clinic.

Please call reception at 01923 845 945 for more details regarding travel vaccinations.

In the event of last minute/urgent travel vaccinations you may want to contact Pinner Travel Clinic at 0208 861 1221.

Taking medication with you

If you are taking medication with you on a trip or holiday:

• make sure that you have enough for your whole stay - and an extra supply in case of delays or emergencies
• get a letter from your doctor to say that you need the medication and keep a list in case you lose it or need to get more during your stay
• list the proper names of the medication - not just the trade names. Keep it in its original packaging
• keep a written record with you of any medical condition affecting you such as diabetes and haemophilia

If you are flying

An airline is entitled to demand that a passenger with a medical condition travels with a companion and that they administer their own medicines and are responsible for their own medical procedures.
Also, pack your medication in your hand luggage where possible in case your main luggage goes missing.
 

Medication and other countries

You may need to check with the Embassy or High Commission of the country you are visiting in case they have any restrictions on taking your medication into the country.

The Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO) is responsible for foreign affairs. The travel section of this website contains information for anyone planning a trip overseas and has information by-country.

Travel Health

Travel across the world is now so common that it is easy to forget to protect yourself against health risks in the country you are travelling to.

You may find it difficult and expensive to get health treatment in some countries. But there are things you can do before you go abroad to protect you and your family's health.

Protecting your Health

• buy adequate and appropriate travel insurance
• check with the Department of Health (DoH) for the latest medical advice for travellers to the country you are going to
• find out what vaccinations you need at least seven weeks before you travel. You will need to make an appointment with the Practice Nurse to discuss your travel plans and she will then confirm when you need to book an appointment to receive any treatment.
• take enough supplies of any medication that you have been prescribed and carry a copy of the prescription with you. Also carry any medical letters about your health condition to help doctors and nurses abroad if you are taken ill
• if you are travelling within the EU, apply online, by phone, or at a post office for a European Health Insurance Card

E111 and the European Health Insurance Card

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) has replaced the old E111. From 1 January 2006, E111s are no longer valid (updated E111s issued prior to 1 September 2005 are valid until 31 December 2005).

The EEA consists of the European Union (EU) plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Switzerland also operates the same arrangements as the EU countries.

The EHIC is normally valid for three to five years and covers any medical treatment that becomes necessary during your trip, because the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) for Hillingdon Primary Care Trust is there to help you with any difficulties you may be experiencing with local health services, particularly those provided by:

• Hillingdon community services (for example, local clinics, health visitors, district nurses, podiatry).
• Hillingdon primary care practitioners (NHS care provided by GPs, dentists, opticians and pharmacists).
• The primary care trust itself.