Text 1. NHS GPs

Your local general practitioners’ (GP) surgery provides a wide range of family health services[7]:

■ advice on health problems,

■ vaccinations,

■ examinations and treatment,

■ prescriptions for medicines, and

■ referrals[8] to other health services and social services.

If your condition is not urgent, you can expect to see a doctor within two working days or a health professional, such as a nurse, within one working day.

If you don’t need an appointment within two working days, you can also book in advance if this is more convenient to you.

You are free to choose a GP in the area you live in and be registered on his list. The average GP has a little over 2,000 people on his list. Out of his earnings he must provide a waiting room, a consulting room, a car, and a secretary. It is usual for three or four GPs to work in group practice.

Text 2. A&E Service

Accident and Emergency departments assess[9] and treat patients with serious injuries or illnesses. Generally you should visit A&E or call 999 for emergences, such as:

■ loss of consciousness,

■ pain that is not relieved by simple analgesia,

■ acute confused state

■ persistent, severe chest pain, or

■ breathing difficulties.

If an ambulance is needed, call 999, the emergency phone number in England. You can also dial 112, which is equivalent for the European Union.

Major A&E departments offer access [10]365 days a year and 24 hours a day. Not all hospitals have an A&E department. At A&E a doctor or nurse will assess your condition and decide on further action. These departments try to see, diagnose and treat 98% of people within four hours of arrival.

In addition to A&E departments, other services such as walk-in centres and minor injury units are available. They can treat patients without any appointment. They deal with minor injuries and illnesses.