NHS Direct is for anyone needing health advice or information. When you phone NHS Direct, a nurse will give you confidential advice and information. You can also visit the NHS Direct Online for health advice and information.

 

You can phone NHS Direct on 0845 606 4647. If English is not your first language, you can use a confidential translation service. Calls are charged at the local rate and, for patients' safety, all calls are recorded. (A textphone service is also available for people who have difficulties with their hearing or speech on 0845 606 4647.)

 

 

GPs look after the health of people in their local community and deal with a whole range of health problems. They also give health education and advice on things like smoking and diet, run clinics, give vaccinations and carry out simple surgical operations.

 

GPs usually work with a team including nurses, health visitors and midwives, as well as a range of other health professionals such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists. If a GP cannot deal with your problem themselves, they'll usually refer you to a hospital for tests, treatment or to see a consultant with specialised knowledge.

 

Every UK citizen has a right to be registered with a local GP and visits to the surgery are free.

 

 

Dentists treat your teeth and gums. They provide check-ups and carry out treatment such as fillings, extractions, fitting bridges and dentures, and scaling and polishing. Part of their work involves teaching people to look after their teeth and gums in order to prevent problems.

 

Dental practices can take private and NHS patients, and most practices take a mixture of both.

 

Some dentists work with the Community Dental Service which cares for children in school and people in the community with special needs.

 

Dentists can refer you to see a hospital dentist they do very specialised work, which can include surgery, orthodontics (straightening teeth) and more complicated bridge and root canal work.

 

 

Hospitals are managed by NHS Trusts, which make sure that hospitals provide high quality health care, and that they spend their money efficiently. They also decide on a strategy for how the hospital will develop, so that services improve.

 

Some trusts are regional or national centres for more specialised care. Others are attached to universities and help to train health professionals. Trusts can also provide services in the community, for example through health centres, clinics or in people's homes.

 

Except in the case of emergencies, hospital treatment is arranged through your GP. This is called a referral. Appointments and treatment at NHS hospitals are free.

 

 

Chemists or Pharmacists are experts in medicines and how they work. They play a key role in providing quality healthcare to patients. Working in the community, primary care and hospitals, pharmacists use their clinical expertise together with their practical knowledge to ensure the safe supply and use of medicines by patients and members of the public.

 

 

There are two kinds of optician:

Optometrists - also called ophthalmic opticians - who carry out eye tests to check the quality of your sight, look for signs of eye disease which may need treatment from a doctor or eye surgeon and prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses

 

Dispensing Opticians - who fit and sell glasses, but do not test eyes. They can give you advice on types of lens, such as single vision or bifocal, and help you to choose frames.