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What health care can I get on the NHS?
This information applies to England, Wales and Scotland and Northern Ireland
Abortion
The law in England, Wales and Scotland says that you can have an abortion in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy as long as certain rules are met. You will be able to get an abortion on the NHS if you get the agreement of two doctors. They must be certain that the abortion meets the rules. Usually the first doctor is your GP and the second is a doctor working at the hospital or clinic where the abortion takes place. Legal abortions are available to women in Northern Ireland only in very limited circumstances.
You can get general advice and information about getting an abortion from your GP or family planning clinics.
Help is also available from voluntary organisations, for example, the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), which runs its own clinics in England, Wales and Scotland (www.bpas.org.uk). Some abortions at a BPAS clinic are paid for by the NHS. This depends on where you live. You can get more information on the BPAS website at: www.bpas.org.uk. The website has information in a range of community languages, including Spanish, Polish and Punjabi.
If you cannot get the abortion on the NHS, you'll have to pay privately. The price depends on how many weeks pregnant you are and which method is used to carry out the abortion.
For more information about abortions on the NHS, visit the NHS Direct website in England at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk. In Wales, visit the NHS Direct website at www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk. In Scotland, go to www.nhsinform.co.uk. Information is available on these websites in a range of community languages and different formats, for example, in audio format.
Alternative medicine
Some forms of alternative medicine (also known as complementary medicine) are available through the NHS from certain GPs and hospitals. Therapies which may be available through the NHS are acupuncture, osteopathy, homeopathy and chiropractic.
Ambulances
Ambulances provide both emergency and routine transport for NHS patients. Emergency ambulances can be contacted through the emergency telephone service (999). Ambulances for routine journeys can be arranged through GPs or hospitals or, in Northern Ireland, through the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
Breast cancer screening
Breast cancer screening is available on the NHS at three-yearly intervals if you are a woman aged between 50 and 64. If you are a woman aged over 64, you can be screened on request. Contact your GP for more information. For more information about NHS breast cancer screening, visit the NHS Direct website in England www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or in Wales www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk. In Scotland, go to the NHS e-library at: www.elib.scot.nhs.uk and search for breast cancer.
Information is available on these websites in a range of community languages and different formats, for example, in audio format.
Cervical screening
Cervical screening is available on the NHS every three to five years if you are a woman aged between 20 and 64. If you are a woman over 64, you can be screened on request. Contact your GP for more information. For more information about NHS cervical screening, visit the NHS Direct website in England (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk) or in Wales (www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk). In Scotland, go to the NHS e-library at: www.elib.scot.nhs.uk and search for cervical screening.
Information is available on these websites in a range of community languages and different formats, for example, in audio format.
Contraception
Contraceptive advice and supplies are available free on the NHS through GPs and family planning clinics.
You can get emergency contraception, for example, the morning-after pill, from your GP, family planning clinics, most NHS walk-in centres and some pharmacies.
Free advice and supplies are also available from some voluntary organisations, for example, the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (www.bpas.org.uk). In Wales, free emergency contraception is also available from some pharmacies.
For more information about contraception, visit the NHS Direct website in England (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk) or in Wales (www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk). In Scotland, go to www.nhs24.com.
Information is available on these websites in a range of community languages and different formats, for example, in audio format.
Chiropodists
Chiropody may be available on the NHS free of charge, although this depends on your Primary Care Trust (PCT), or local NHS Board in Scotland. Each case is assessed on an individual basis and whether you get free treatment depends on how serious your condition is and your risk factor. If your health or mobility is not affected, you are considered to be ‘low-risk’ and you may not get NHS chiropody. If you have diabetes, you are treated as a high priority case. You must normally be referred to a chiropodist by a GP or clinic. If you do not qualify for NHS treatment, you will need to arrange private treatment.
For more information about NHS chiropody, visit the NHS Direct website in England at: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or in Wales at: www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk. In Scotland, go to the NHS e-library in Scotland at: www.elib.scot.nhs.uk.
Information is available on these websites in a range of community languages and different formats, for example, in audio format.
For more information, in England and Wales, about finding private health care, see Private health treatment, in Health fact sheets.
Community care
If you are elderly, disabled, or mentally ill, you may need help to continue living at home. For example, you may need someone to come in and help with personal things like washing and dressing. Or you might need help with cooking or shopping. The NHS does not provide these services. In England and Wales, they are provided by social services. In Scotland, they are provided by the social work department. In Northern Ireland, they are provided by the Health and Social Services Trusts.
However, if you need nursing care, this should be provided by the NHS. For example, your GP can arrange for a district nurse to visit you (see under heading District nurses).
If you have been in hospital, you should not be discharged until you have had an assessment of your continuing health care needs and, where necessary, of your community care needs. A doctor may decide, for example, that you need a package of health and social care to be able to return home.
If you are discharged from hospital needing a high level of continuing health care, this should be provided and funded by the NHS. This could be provided in a hospital, a care home, a hospice or in your own home.
For more information about community care, see Community care.
Counselling services
Some GP practices provide free counselling services on the NHS. Contact your GP for more information.
For more information about counselling, visit the NHS Direct website in England (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk) or in Wales (www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk).
Information is available on these websites in a range of community languages and different formats, for example, in audio format.
Dentists
You can get a list of dentists who provide NHS treatment from health authorities in England, health boards and local health councils in Scotland and Health and Social Services Boards in Northern Ireland. You can also get contact details of a local NHS dentist in England and Wales from NHS Direct or the Health Information Service for Northern Ireland.
You have to pay for NHS dental treatment, although some groups of people may get free treatment.
For more information about free dental treatment, in England, Wales and Scotland see Help with health costs, in Northern Ireland see Help with health costs. For more information, in England and Wales, about NHS dental treatment, see NHS dental treatment in Health fact sheets.
District nurses
District nurses are nurses employed by the NHS to provide nursing care for patients who are living at home. For example, they can change dressings or give injections. They are based at GP surgeries and health centres and can also be contacted through local community nursing offices.
For more information about district nurses in England and Wales, visit the NHS Direct website in England (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk) or in Wales (www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk).
Information is available on these websites in a range of community languages and different formats, for example, in audio format.
General Practitioners (GPs)
Everyone is entitled to be registered with a GP. For help in finding a GP, contact your local health authority. In England and Wales you can also get help from NHS Direct. In Northern Ireland, contact the Health Information Service for Northern Ireland.
As well as providing health advice and treatment, GPs provide check-ups, take cervical smears, give vaccinations against infectious diseases (immunisations) and sign certificates for people unable to work because of illness. Many GPs also provide health promotion clinics, contraceptive services, minor surgery, counselling, maternity services and medical examinations for insurance and other purposes (for which they may make a charge).
You can find more information about GPs on Adviceguide.
Health services in prison
Prisoners should have access to the same range and quality of health services, including mental health services, as the general public receives from the NHS.
Health visitors
Health visitors provide support through the NHS for families with children under five and for older patients. They are normally based at GP surgeries.
Hospices
See under heading Terminal care.
Hospitals
Most NHS hospital admissions and appointments take place through referrals by GPs. You can go to the Accident and Emergency department without a referral. You can also go to a special clinic for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases without a referral.
You can find more information about hospitals and your rights as a patient on Adviceguide. [in England and Northern Ireland link to NHS patients' rights ENI extent, in Scotland link to NHS patients' rights Scottish extent, in Wales link to Using NHS hospital services in Wales].
Immunisation
See under heading Vaccinations.
Infertility treatment
If you need infertility treatment, and your GP refers you to a specialist for further tests, the NHS will pay for this. You have the right to be referred to a NHS clinic for a first investigation. However, infertility treatment is not widely available on the NHS and there can be long waiting lists. The treatment available also depends where you live and what the problem is. Your GP will tell if you are eligible for NHS treatment.
For more information about infertility treatment, visit the NHS Direct website in England (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk) or in Wales (www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk).
Information is available on these websites in a range of community languages and different formats, for example, in audio format.
Maternity services
If you are pregnant, there are a number of different services available to you. These include:
- midwives. Your midwife might be based either in a hospital or in a local health centre or clinic. Midwives are responsible for the care of all normal pregnancies and labours. You do not need to be referred to a midwife by your GP. You can find out more information about care from a midwife on the NHS Choices website at: www.nhs.uk.
- a GP. Not all GPs provide ante-natal care and arrange for delivery. If your GP does not provide this service, you might want to register with another GP for your maternity care. In England, you can get more information about local GP services on the NHS Choices website at: www.nhs.uk. In Northern Ireland, you can get more information about local GP services from your Health and Social Services Board information helpline. In Scotland, you can get more information about your local GP services on the NHS24 website at: www.nhs24.com. In Wales, your regional Business Services Centre can give you details of GPs who offer maternity care.
- an obstetrician based in a hospital. An obstetrician is a doctor specialising in caring for women and children during pregnancy, birth and post-natal. Usually, an obstetrician will only get involved if there are complications. But you can ask to see an obstetrician even if your midwife or GP is providing all your care.
What kind of antenatal care do you want?
You might have choices on the type of ante-natal care you want and where you give birth. How much choice you have will depend on where you live. Your choices could include:
- full hospital care. This would only happen, in practice, if you require a high degree of medical intervention
- shared care between your GP and the hospital. Normally, you would return home shortly after the birth
- a home birth, with care provided by a midwife and possibly a GP. You have the right to have your baby at home. If you choose this, you might need to contact the supervisor of midwives to arrange for this. You must be prepared to transfer from home into hospital if complications arise during labour or delivery.
You can get information on local maternity services from your Primary Care Trust or Local Health Board, a health visitor or GP. This information will include:
- the type of care offered
- where the birth can take place
- what pain relief is available
- what tests are available and what they are for.
In some areas, there are maternity charters which set out the rights of pregnant women and new mothers, and the standards of service you can expect.
If you are having problems getting the type of care you want, or you need more information on maternity services in your area, you should contact the supervisor of midwives at your local maternity hospital or at the Primary Care Trust or Local Health Board.
Other help you can get when you're pregnant
If you are pregnant, you get free prescriptions and dental treatment from the time when the pregnancy is confirmed until one year after the birth.
In England, Wales and Scotland, for more information about free prescriptions and dental treatment, see Help with health costs.
If you are on a low income, you might also get other help if you are pregnant, for example, vouchers to help with the cost of milk, fruit or vegetables. If you are under 18 and pregnant, you can get this help whatever your income.
In England, Wales and Scotland, for more information about help if you are on a low income, see Help with health, education and legal costs.
NHS Minor Ailment Service in Scotland
The NHS Minor Ailment Service allows pharmacists to provide treatment for a range of minor illnesses and complaints, free of charge, to anyone who is exempt from prescription charges (including children).
To use the Minor Ailment Service you must be registered with a GP surgery in Scotland, exempt from paying prescription charges and not living in a nursing or residential care home. Before using the service, you need to register at a community pharmacy and provide details of your name, date of birth, gender, postcode and evidence of your exemption from prescription charges.
More information on the Minor Ailment Service is available from the NHS Helpline on 0800 22 44 88.
Older people’s services
You can get a number of NHS services if you are an older person. For example, GPs should offer annual health checks to patients aged 75 and over. Help is available from health visitors and district nurses - see under heading Community care.
Optical services
Optometrists carry out eye tests to check the quality of your sight. They look for signs of eye disease which may need treatment from a doctor or eye surgeon and they prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses. Opticians fit and sell glasses but they 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. If you go to a high-street opticians, you'll have your eyes tested by an optometrist but you do not have to buy your glasses there. You could take an optometrist's prescription to an optician who will sell you the glasses you need.
You have to pay for eye tests, glasses and contact lenses. But some people can get free eye tests and vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses. This includes:-
- all children under 16
- some young people under 19
- people aged 60 or over
- people in Scotland (free sight tests only)
- people with certain eye conditions
- people entitled to certain benefits
- anyone else on a low income.
For more information about who can get free optical treatment, in England, Wales and Scotland see Help with health costs, in Northern Ireland see Help with health costs.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists (also known as chemists) are responsible for dispensing medicines. They can also provide free information and advice about many common medical problems.
For information about whether you have to pay for prescriptions you get at the chemists, in England, Wales and Scotland see Help with health costs, in Northern Ireland see Help with health costs.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is physical treatment that helps you regain use of your body after an injury or disease. It is also used to slow the progression of long-term conditions. It is available through the NHS to patients referred for treatment by GPs or hospitals.
For more about physiotherapy, visit the NHS Direct website in England (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk) or in Wales (www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk).
Information is available on these websites in a range of community languages and different formats, for example, in audio format.
Prescriptions
Doctors, dentists and some nurses can prescribe a range of drugs and appliances on the NHS. They can normally only prescribe a limited quantity of a drug at any time (usually one month’s supply).
For information about who can get free prescriptions, in England, Wales and Scotland see Help with health costs, in Northern Ireland see Help with health costs.
School health
Health checks on school children are carried out by the school nurse. These tests include tests on hearing, sight and growth. Parents have the right to be present at these checks. School nurses also provide health education and general advice on managing health problems in school.
Sexual and reproductive health clinics
There are a number of clinics that provide specialist sexual health and reproductive health services. At these clinics you can get services like:
- family planning
- termination
- well woman advice and information
- services for young people.
If you want to use these services, you can go directly to the clinic. You do not have to go to your GP to access sexual or reproductive health clinics. The clinics are usually based in hospitals.
You can find your nearest sexual health clinic online.
In England, look on NHS Choices at: www.nhs.uk.
In Wales, look on NHS Direct Wales at: www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk.
In Scotland, look on NHS 24 at: www.nhs24.com.
In Northern Ireland, contact the Health Information Service: telephone 0800 665544.
Information is available on these websites in a range of community languages and different formats, for example, in audio format.
Substance misuse
Some people can use substances such as alcohol or drugs on a regular basis without any problems. Other people experience damaging psychological and physical effects as their habit turns into an addiction. There are many different organisations that provide treatment, support and advice for people with addictions. You could choose to consult your GP first, but help is also available from community addiction centres where you can drop in without an appointment. Treatment and support is provided from a range of different people, including specialist nurses, counsellors and psychiatrists.
For more information about alcohol misuse, go to www.nhs.uk. A Government agency called Alcohol Concern has a website which contains a lot of useful information and links, go to www.alcoholconcern.org.uk.
For more information about drug misuse, go to www.nhs.uk.
Terminal care
Terminal care (sometimes called palliative care) is the treatment of symptoms where cure is no longer considered an option, in other words, when someone is dying. Terminal care concentrates on:-
- controlling pain and other symptoms
- improving the quality of life for the patient and their family
- meeting the patient's social, emotional and spiritual needs.
NHS terminal care may be given in hospital or at home. There are also a number of NHS hospices providing care for patients as well as hospices run by voluntary organisations.
For information about how to find a hospice, visit the website of Hospice Information (www.hospiceinformation.info).
For more information about the help and support available when you or someone you know is dying, you can also visit the website of Marie Curie Cancer Care at www.mariecurie.org.uk.
Travel to hospital for treatment
You may be able to get essential travel costs paid to and from hospital for NHS treatment, for example, if you are on a low income or getting benefits like Income Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, the guarantee part of Pension Credit or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.
For more information about help with health costs, in England, Wales and Scotland see Help with health costs, in Northern Ireland see Help with health costs.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations (also called immunisation) protect you against different infectious diseases. The NHS provides vaccinations for children and some adults. A charge may be made for vaccinations needed for overseas travel.
For more information about vaccinations, contact your GP or visit the NHS Direct website in England (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk) or in Wales (www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk).
Information is available on these websites in a range of community languages and different formats, for example, in audio format.
Walk-in centres
Walk-in centres are NHS centres in England and Wales, staffed by nurses. You can go there without an appointment. They will treat minor illnesses, for example, coughs, colds, and infections, as well as minor injuries like strains, sprains and cuts. They provide information about all other local health services, including pharmacies, dental services and out-of-hours GP services.
For the address of your nearest walk-in centre, contact NHS Direct in England (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk) or in Wales (www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk).
Information is available on these websites in a range of community languages and different formats, for example, in audio format.
Further information
In England, NHS Direct and NHS Choices have joined forces to provide a single online source of health information and services. NHS Direct provides health advice and information and NHS Choices promotes well-being and informed decision-making about health-care providers. NHS continues to provide a telephone service for the public on: 0845 4647. The website for both services is: www.nhs.uk.
In Wales, the website for NHS Direct is www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk. The phone number is 0845 4647.
In Scotland, health advice and support is available from NHS 24 at www.nhs24.com or by phone on 0845 424 24 24. Further information about NHS services is available from the NHS Scotland freefone line 0800 224488 and from the e-libray at www.elib.scot.nhs.uk. Go to the sections about patient information and guidelines on treatment.
Information is available on these websites in a range of community languages and different formats, for example, in audio format.
In Northern Ireland, further information about NHS Services is available from the Health Information Service on 0800 665544.
