Post
by MWazir » Mon Dec 12, 2005 4:47 pm
My wife first entered through Heathrow and she was refered to the medical examination facilities for an X-Ray. This happened right at the immigration counter, when the immigration official saw her passport, determined she was a first time enterent, and ask her to proceed there before going to to collect her luggage. Once you go to the medical examination room, you will have to report to a small reception, possibily fill out a form I think. The actual medical does not take up much time. If you are a lady and expecting a baby, then the X-Ray requirement is waived off. The forwarding address that is noted down from you is passed on to the NHS, and you would in 2-3 weeks to expect a letter from the nearest hospital giving you details about getting registered. I ignored my letter and registered 2 years later when I fell sick. You would do well not to repeat my mistake.
Apart from that, if there is any delay in what should have taken only 10 minutes, it is because there are people waiting ahead of you in the queue. I remember there was a big group of fresh students ahead of my wife. It took about 2.5 hours from the time the plane landed to the time we got out in the fresh air.
Moral of the story - Bring in an X-Ray if possible. Might save you time. There will probably be a restriction to where you can get it done. Check with the local BHS, a list of doctors that they recognise. Advisably, dont get an XRay done anywhere else.