Fathom Languages

For partners: how to help

Your partner is new to the UK and reading the Nhà guide in Vietnamese. Here is what each page says, and how you can help, in English. Send her the Vietnamese link; read the English here.

Đăng ký với bác sĩ gia đình (GP)

Registering with a GP is free in England, and she doesn't need ID, proof of address or proof of immigration status. Help her find a nearby surgery on the NHS website and do the online form together (about 15 minutes), or go in with her to fill in the paper form. In Wales the form is called GMS1. If she wants an interpreter at appointments, ask the surgery to record that she needs a Vietnamese interpreter; it's the surgery's job to arrange it, not yours.

Her page, in Vietnamese: Đăng ký với bác sĩ gia đình (GP)

Phiên dịch miễn phí khi đi khám bệnh

She has the right to a professional interpreter in NHS care, free of charge, and it's the surgery or hospital's job to arrange it. You can come with her, but you shouldn't be the interpreter, even if your Vietnamese is good: gaps and mistakes happen, and a professional lets you be there just to support her. Never use a child to interpret. Ask the surgery to record "Vietnamese interpreter needed" on her notes so it's booked every time.

Her page, in Vietnamese: Phiên dịch miễn phí khi đi khám bệnh

Số khẩn cấp: 999, 111 và 101

Make sure she knows the three numbers and the difference: 999 (or 112) for danger, injury or a life at risk; 111 for an urgent health problem when she isn't sure what to do, or when the GP is closed; 101 for non-urgent police matters. On 111 she can ask for an interpreter. Practise the first sentence with her ("Ambulance, please", "Police, please") and make sure she can say your home address in English.

Her page, in Vietnamese: Số khẩn cấp: 999, 111 và 101

These pages explain what a service is and link to the official source. They are not legal, medical or immigration advice. Fathom Languages gives no immigration advice: for visa or English test questions, see GOV.UK.