Blog

Health information and guides from Hotvet legesenter

Welcome to our blog. Here you will find practical guides, answers to common questions, and up-to-date health information for patients — or anyone considering becoming a patient — at Hotvet legesenter in Drammen.

Our goal is to make it easier to navigate the Norwegian general practitioner system: changing your GP, understanding your rights through Helfo and Helsenorge, preparing for your appointment, and knowing when to get in touch. We also cover preventive health, vaccinations, travel vaccines, and how we handle urgent care during opening hours.

The blog is updated regularly with new posts from our doctors and team. Is there a topic you would like us to write about? Please reach out via our contact page.

20 July 2026 · 5 min read · GP

How long does it take to change your GP in Drammen in 2026?

The switch itself takes three minutes – finding a doctor with an open list is the real wait. Only one in five GP lists is open in 2026. Here are the waiting times, and how to shorten yours in Drammen.

13 July 2026 · 6 min read · Seasonal health

Insect Stings and Allergy: When to See a Doctor

Most insect stings are harmless, but some need medical help. How to spot an allergic reaction – and when to call your GP, legevakt (116 117) or 113 in Drammen.

6 July 2026 · 6 min read · Family and children

Chickenpox, RSV and Scarlet Fever: A Parent's Guide

Rashes, fevers and coughs are part of childhood. How to recognise three common childhood illnesses, when to keep your child home, and when to contact a GP or the emergency service in Drammen.

29 June 2026 · 5 min read · Family and children

Child With a Fever at Night – GP, Legevakt or Wait?

Your child is hot and flushed at 3 a.m. When can it wait until morning, when do you call the legevakt on 116 117, and when is it 113? A calm, practical guide for parents in Norway.

22 June 2026 · 6 min read · Family and children

The Norwegian Childhood Vaccination Programme 2026 – A Parent's Guide

Which vaccines does your child receive in Norway, and when? A clear overview of the 2026 childhood vaccination programme – what protects against what, and where to find your child's vaccination record.

11 June 2026 · 2 min read · News

Hotvet legesenter Is Now Open – Take a Look Inside

We've opened our doors at Rosenkrantzgata 75, in the centre of Drammen. Step inside and see our new premises – facade, waiting room with a view, check-in, corridor and reception.

8 June 2026 · 5 min read · GP

Checklist: 7 Signs It's Time to Change Your GP

Was it just a bad day, or is it genuinely time to find a new fastlege? Seven clear signs to look for – plus how the Norwegian system works and how to switch via Helsenorge.

1 June 2026 · 6 min read · Prevention

Annual health check with your GP in Norway: what actually happens?

Wondering whether you need an annual physical in Norway? Here is what a fastlege actually checks, who should book a conversation, and what Norwegian guidelines recommend – with extra context for English-speaking residents in Drammen.

25 May 2026 · 6 min read

How to use Helsenorge.no – a beginner's guide

New to Helsenorge.no? Learn how to log in with BankID, change your GP, renew prescriptions, book appointments and check your exemption card. A practical step-by-step guide.

28 May 2026 · 3 min read · News

Drammens Tidende covers Hotvet legesenter: "Very good capacity"

On 27 May, Drammens Tidende covered the opening of Hotvet legesenter and its six new GPs. Here are the highlights — and how to register as a patient.

25 May 2026 · 6 min read · Summer and prevention

Tick bites in Drammen: how to remove a tick and spot Lyme disease

How to safely remove a tick, recognise Lyme disease symptoms, and decide on TBE vaccination. Practical summer guide for families and hikers in and around Drammen.

18 May 2026 · 5 min read · Summer and prevention

Sun protection in Norway: SPF, kids and UV index in Drammen

Which SPF do you need in Norway? How to protect kids from the sun, read the UV index, and check moles safely. Practical, evidence-based sun safety for adults and children.

11 May 2026 · 6 min read

Sleep and health: when should you talk to your GP?

One in three adults struggles with sleep on a weekly basis. Here's how to tell when poor sleep goes from a nuisance to a health problem — and when to talk to your GP in Drammen.

4 May 2026 · 5 min read

Video consultation with your GP – when it works and when you need an in-person visit

Video consultation saves time, but not every issue belongs on screen. Here's how to choose video, e-consultation or an in-person visit with your GP in Drammen.

1 May 2026 · 6 min read

Birch pollen season in Drammen 2026: When does it peak – and what you can do

Birch pollen causes the most allergy problems in Norway. When does the season peak in Drammen, what can you do yourself, and when should you see a GP?

28 April 2026 · 4 min read

Behind the scenes: Building Hotvet legesenter

Follow the construction of Hotvet legesenter at Rosenkrantzgaten 75. We open on 1 June 2026 – here's a behind-the-scenes look at how the premises are taking shape, with photos of the facade, corridor, doctors' offices and reception.

27 April 2026 · 5 min read

Why do patients change GP? Five reasons – and when it pays to wait

Research shows most people change GP for one of five reasons. But switching isn't always the right move – here's what to consider first, with sources from Helsenorge, FHI and the Directorate of Health.

24 April 2026 · 7 min read

113, 116 117 or Your GP? Who to Call in a Medical Situation

Should you call your GP, the out-of-hours service, or 113? A simple guide to which number to use in which situation – with a checklist for acute symptoms.

20 April 2026 · 5 min read

New to Drammen? How to find a GP

Moved to Drammen and need a GP? Step-by-step guide to finding an available GP, what to look for, and how to register via Helsenorge.no.

16 April 2026 · 4 min read

How to change GP in Drammen – step by step

Change your GP (fastlege) in Drammen in three minutes. Guide via Helsenorge, requirements, medical records transfer and FAQs.