Plain-English guides to using NHS and other health services in England. Each guide is checked against the NHS website.
Help in other languages: Arabic, Bengali, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish and Urdu.
Understanding the NHS
NHS words explainedPlain-English meanings of NHS terms, from A&E and ICB to RTT and PALS.
What’s free on the NHSWhat you do and do not pay for, and how to get help with costs.
How the NHS works in LondonLondon’s 4 integrated care boards, NHS trusts and their hospitals.
Your rights in the NHSChoice, waiting times, consent, records and how to complain.
Urgent and emergency care
Where to goA&E, urgent treatment centre, NHS 111, pharmacy or GP: which one is right for you.
Going to A&EWhat to bring, what happens when you arrive, and why you may wait.
Urgent dental careToothache, a knocked-out tooth or swelling: how to get seen quickly.
GPs, pharmacies and prescriptions
Register with a GPHow to register, and why you do not need proof of address or ID.
The NHS AppWho can use it, and how to order prescriptions and manage appointments.
NHS Pharmacy FirstThe 7 conditions a pharmacist can treat without a GP appointment.
Prescription chargesWhat you pay, who gets free prescriptions, and how a PPC saves money.
Dentists and opticians
Find an NHS dentistHow to find a dentist taking new NHS patients, and urgent dental care.
Free NHS eye testsWho gets a free sight test or a voucher towards glasses.