Health (NHS)

On 1 April 2008, free choice was introduced and became a legal right on 1 April 2009. This means that if you and your GP decide you need to be referred to hospital, you have the right to choose which hospital. You also have the right to informatio...

Help is available under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) for those patients who do not have a medical need for ambulance transport and who cannot meet the cost of travel to hospital. For more information about the Healthcare Travel Costs...

Local Involvement Networks (LINks) have been set up to help people influence the way that health services and social care are delivered. LINks are made up of both individuals and community groups who work together to bring about an improvement i...

Yes. You can normally see any doctor within your surgery. This is quite normal, especially if you need an appointment quickly.

You can use the 'Comment on a hospital' option on NHS Choices, which gives you the opportunity to comment on your local hospital and read what other people have to say about it.  

If you disagree with the way your GP wants to treat your health problem, or you're unhappy about the service provided by your GP surgery, tell them openly. However, if you feel unable to do so or you're unhappy with the response you receive, you m...

To find a dentist use the search facility on any NHS Choices page and choose the 'dentists' option. Alternatively, you can call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or contact your local primary care trust (PCT), which will be able to help you find a dentist. ...

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has introduced guidelines on how often patients need to go to the dentist. Your dentist will recommend a date for your next visit based on your individual oral health needs. This mea...

If you pay for NHS dental treatment, there are three standard charges. The amount you pay depends on the treatment you might need to keep your teeth and gums healthy. All charges apply to an overall course of treatment, and not the individual it...

As set out in the NHS Constitution, from the January 1 2009 no one should wait more than 18 weeks from the time they are referred by their GP to start of their treatment unless it is clinically appropriate to do so or they choose to wait longer. ...