Healthcare in Manchester is provided by the UK's National Health Service (NHS) and is generally of a high standard. If you fit the criteria of being 'ordinarily resident' in the UK – living there permanently – you will have access to this system. Public healthcare services are provided at little to no cost, although waiting times can be long.
After arriving in Manchester, you should make it a priority to register with your local General Practitioner (GP). The GP is your first port of call for non-emergency healthcare, and specialist treatment generally requires a referral from a GP.
If you prefer to skip the queue, you can opt to use private hospitals. Although it's expensive, you'll receive much faster care. If you plan to use this option, you should ensure you're comprehensively insured to cover the high costs.
Pharmacies, or chemists, are readily available in Manchester and can be found on major streets and in shopping malls. Big supermarkets also often have small pharmacies inside.
Below is a list of some of the main public and private hospitals in Manchester.
Hospitals in Manchester
The Christie
Website: www.christie.nhs.uk
Address: Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4BX
Pall Mall Medical
Website: www.pallmallmedical.co.uk
Address: 61 King Street, Manchester M2 4PD
Royal Manchester Children's Hospital
Website: www.mft.nhs.uk
Address: Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9WL
Salford Royal
Website: www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk
Address: Stott Lane, Salford M6 8HD
Spire Manchester Hospital
Website: www.spirehealthcare.com
Address: 170 Barlow Moor Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2AF
Trafford General Hospital
Website: www.mft.nhs.uk
Address: Moorside Road, Davyhulme, Manchester M41 5SL