Health and social services in Helsinki – tips for newcomers
Health and social services in Helsinki – tips for newcomersThe City of Helsinki helps nurture your health and wellbeing.
Helsinki’s health stations are the backbone of its health care
There are around twenty health stations around the City. The local health stations provide both basic health care and urgent treatment. The medical professionals at health stations make the referrals to specialist care or social services according to client needs.
Health care and social services
A health station visit step by step
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Contact your local health station
Health services in Helsinki are provided by local health stations. Use the Maisa app to contact your local health station. If you cannot use Maisa, call or visit your local health station instead.
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Be on time and bring your Kela card
Punctuality is highly valued in Finland. Arrive at your health station at least five minutes before a scheduled appointment. Upon arrival at the dental clinic, check in at the register at an e-terminal using your ID or your Kela card.
Learn about Kela cards on Kela's website(Link leads to external service)
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Wait for your name to be called
If you made your appointment online or by phone, you can walk past the reception desk directly to the waiting area. You will be called into the examination room by name. Some locations use a queuing system that issues a number to walk-ins.
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Explain your situation in Finnish, Swedish or English
If you don’t speak any of these languages well enough, you have a right to an interpreter.
Learn more about your right to receive services in your own language
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Be prepared to travel to another location, if necessary
If you need blood work or specific treatment, you may need to visit another location after your appointment. If your doctor, nurse or dentist prescribes medicine for you, you will need to go to a pharmacy to pick it up.
Learn more about picking up your medication (InfoFinland)(Link leads to external service)