Posted by You can view what choices are currently available to NHS patients in the NHS Choice Framework. Here you’ll also find information about when you cannot choose.
support GPs to manage their patients’ treatment; reduce the numbers of referrals in the system. make more effective use of resources and manage demand.
How to Get the Best Care from the NHS
The NHS (National Health Service) is one of the UK’s greatest assets, providing free healthcare to millions of people. However, with increasing demand and limited resources, navigating the NHS effectively is crucial to receiving the best care possible. Whether you need a routine check-up, specialist treatment, or emergency care, understanding how to access and use NHS services efficiently can make a significant difference.
In this guide, we’ll explore how you can get the best care from the NHS, from booking GP appointments to making the most of hospital services.
1. Registering with a GP Practice
Your GP (General Practitioner) is your first point of contact for most NHS services. To ensure you receive the best care, it’s essential to:
- Register with a local GP practice as soon as possible. You can find a GP through the NHS website by searching with your postcode.
- Choose the right GP practice by checking reviews, availability of online appointments, and any additional services they offer.
- Keep your details updated so you receive important reminders about check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings.
If your local GP practice is full, you have the right to request an alternative practice or look for one with availability nearby.
2. Booking GP Appointments Effectively
Getting a GP appointment can sometimes be challenging due to high demand. Here’s how to improve your chances:
- Book early – Phone lines open early in the morning, and online booking systems update at midnight.
- Use online services – Many GP surgeries now allow patients to book appointments, request repeat prescriptions, and view medical records online.
- Be clear about your symptoms – When speaking to a receptionist or using an online triage system, describe your symptoms accurately so they can prioritise urgent cases.
- Consider alternatives – If your issue isn’t urgent, pharmacists, NHS 111, and walk-in clinics may provide quicker support.
If you struggle to get an appointment, ask about e-consultations, which allow you to send queries and receive advice without a face-to-face visit.
3. Understanding NHS 111 and Urgent Care Services
NHS 111 is a valuable resource for non-emergency medical issues. You can call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk to:
- Receive medical advice from trained professionals.
- Be directed to the right NHS service, such as a GP, pharmacist, or urgent care centre.
- Get a referral to an out-of-hours doctor if needed.
If you are unsure whether your condition is serious enough for A&E, NHS 111 can guide you and save you time by directing you to the appropriate service.
4. Making the Most of Pharmacy Services
Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who can provide advice and treatment for minor ailments, such as:
- Colds, coughs, and flu
- Skin conditions (e.g., eczema, rashes)
- Stomach problems (e.g., indigestion, diarrhoea)
- Allergies
Under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, some pharmacists can also prescribe medication for certain conditions. Visiting your pharmacist can often be quicker than seeing a GP.
5. Navigating Hospital Appointments and Referrals
For specialist treatment, you’ll usually need a referral from your GP. To get the best care:
- Ask for a referral to the best specialist – If your GP refers you, you can request a specific hospital or consultant.
- Use the NHS e-Referral Service (Choose and Book) – This system allows you to choose where and when to have your appointment.
- Attend your appointments – If you need to reschedule, do so as early as possible to avoid delays in your treatment.
- Prepare for appointments – Write down symptoms, bring a list of medications, and prepare any questions in advance.
If you face long waiting times, you may be eligible for treatment at a different NHS facility or a private provider funded by the NHS.
6. Understanding Your Rights as an NHS Patient
Patients have specific rights under the NHS Constitution, including:
- Access to free healthcare at the point of use.
- The right to choose your GP and hospital for treatment.
- The right to be treated with dignity and respect.
- The right to request a second opinion if you are unsure about a diagnosis or treatment.
If you feel your rights are not being met, you can contact Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS) at your local hospital for support.
7. Managing Long NHS Waiting Times
NHS waiting times have increased in recent years. To manage this:
- Check waiting time estimates – The NHS website provides information on expected waiting times for different services.
- Ask about cancellations – If you can attend at short notice, you may get an earlier appointment.
- Consider private healthcare for quicker treatment – Some people choose to pay for private consultations while remaining in the NHS system for follow-up care.
- Speak to your GP about urgent referrals – If your condition worsens, your GP can request an expedited appointment.
For some procedures, you may be eligible for treatment abroad through the NHS, if local waiting times are excessive.
8. Accessing Mental Health Services
Mental health services are available on the NHS, but waiting times can be long. To get support:
- Speak to your GP – They can refer you to counselling, therapy, or psychiatric services.
- Use NHS Talking Therapies – You can self-refer for services such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
- Call mental health helplines – Samaritans (116 123) and Shout (text “SHOUT” to 85258) provide free support.
If you need urgent mental health care, visit A&E or call your local crisis team for immediate help.
9. Using Maternity and Child Health Services
Pregnant women and parents can access NHS support through:
- Midwife-led services – Contact your GP or maternity unit as soon as you know you’re pregnant.
- Health visitors – They provide guidance on child development, vaccinations, and parenting support.
- NHS screening and immunisation programmes – Ensure your child receives all recommended vaccinations to protect against diseases.
For non-urgent paediatric issues, a pharmacist or NHS 111 can provide advice.
10. Challenging Decisions and Making Complaints
If you feel you have received poor care, you can:
- Raise concerns with PALS – They help resolve issues quickly and informally.
- Submit a formal complaint – Every NHS service has a complaints procedure.
- Seek legal advice – If negligence is involved, you may have grounds for compensation.
It’s always best to try resolving issues directly with the service provider before taking legal action.
Final Thoughts
The NHS offers incredible healthcare services, but getting the best care requires knowledge and proactive steps. By understanding how to access services, communicate effectively with healthcare professionals, and make informed choices, you can ensure you receive high-quality treatment when you need it.
With these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the NHS efficiently and make the most of the care available.
What is the biggest problem facing the NHS today?
Staff shortages are widespread across the NHS and social care. Going into the pandemic, the NHS had fewer doctors and nurses per person than most comparable countries. Staff numbers have grown over recent years and there are more people working in the NHS now than in 2019.
How to help the NHS?
Support the NHS
- Join the NHS team.
- Volunteer at your local NHS organisation.
- Give blood.
- Join the NHS Organ Donor Register.
- Support NHS charities.
- Join the NHS1000 miles challenge.
- Get involved in research projects.
How can NHS be saved?
“What is needed to save the NHS is a total abolition of the market and market mechanisms like payment by results, foundation trusts, and commissioning within healthcare, and the abolition of all contracts with private providers, including the compulsory repurchase of PFI hospitals,” says Professor Pollock.
How does the NHS support patient care?
NHS continuing healthcare
It covers the full cost of your care (in your own home or a care home), including: healthcare. personal care, such as help getting washed and dressed. care home fees, including accommodation costs.
What is the NHS strategy?
‘Advise, Resolve and Learn: Our strategy to 2025’ is NHS Resolution’s blueprint from April 2022 for the next three years. The new strategy builds on the work undertaken since 2017 to focus on early intervention, and avoid unnecessary court action and other formal processes.
What are the NHS key priorities?
NHSE’s overall aim in 2024/25 is around recovery of core services and productivity and asks systems to focus on the following priorities: Maintain collective focus on the overall quality and safety of services, particularly maternity and neonatal services, and reduce inequalities in line with the Core20PLUS5 approach.
What is the biggest problem facing the NHS today?
Staff shortages are widespread across the NHS and social care. Going into the pandemic, the NHS had fewer doctors and nurses per person than most comparable countries. Staff numbers have grown over recent years and there are more people working in the NHS now than in 2019.