We offer a full travel advice and immunisation service. If you are travelling abroad please complete and submit the travel form in plenty of time (we recommend 6-8 weeks) before your journey.  On receipt of this a nurse will contact you to discuss what immunisations you may need.

Prescribing Policy for Patients Travelling Abroad

This policy outlines the procedure for patients travelling abroad for short and long periods of time.

NHS Policy

By law, the NHS ceases to have responsibility for the medical care of patients when they leave the UK. 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.

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 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.  1 month's supply only will be issued for drugs normally available over the counter, such as paracetamol.

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 (up to 3 month's supply where safe to do so).

Prescriptions for medicines in case of illness while abroad.

GPs can only prescribe NHS prescriptions in this case for exacerbations of pre-existing illnesses, E.g., antibiotics for patients who have frequent infections secondary to an underlying lung condition.

Patients should be aware that some drugs commonly prescribed in the UK may be illegal in certain countries and you should check with that countries embassy before you travel.

 See NHS facts for travel abroad

• NHS Facts for travel
• Government Guidelines for Travel and Medication