• Advice and
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• Business
   
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  and living
• Council and
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  and learning
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• Health and
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• Leisure
  and culture
• Tourism
   
• Transport
  and streets

• Agencies and advice
• NHS medical card
• Blood donors
• Cancer services for men
• Cancer services for women

Agencies and advice

The National Health Service was established in 1948 to provide free healthcare to all UK citizens. If you live in Belfast or anywhere in NI, you are entitled to register with an NHS doctor (General Practitioner), attend an Accident and Emergency department or day clinic, or stay in hospital for surgery or other treatment.

Most dental practices and opticians are now private although some register a small amount of NHS patients.

EU citizens who visit NI on holiday are entitled to free NHS treatment provided they carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) issued in their native country. European and migrant workers from outside Europe, working legally within NI, are also entitled to NHS treatment. To check your entitlement for NHS treatment, contact the Citizens’ Advice Bureau or Business Services Organisation.