How to get the best from the NHS

Which? - Hospital Companion

Which? has produced a new Hospital Companion, containing essential information and questions to ask to help patients get the information they need to feel more confident in hospital. The guide has been produced as part of Which?’s Impatient for Change campaign, which calls for urgent improvement in hospital care. Download a copy or visit the website

NHS Choices

www.nhs.uk puts you in control of your healthcare. This website has been developed to help you make choices about your health, from lifestyle decisions about things like smoking, drinking and exercise, through to the practical aspects of finding and using NHS services when you need them.

BMA's Patient Liaison Group Glossary

The BMA Glossary has been developed to help patients and carers understand the roles of healthcare professionals - doctors, nurses and allied healthcare professionals - who work in the NHS. A brief description of over 100 different healthcare professionals is given with an outline of the training needed. Information on regulatory and professional bodies is also given.

“Questions to Ask”: Getting the most out of your medical appointment

Questions to Ask has been developed by the Department of Health to help everyone get the best out of their appointment with their doctor or health professional. Questions to Ask is designed to provide patients and carers with suggested questions to ask a health professional during their consultation through a series of prompts and tips. Open word document about the leaflet              Open pdf file of the leaflet

Important changes to Choice Policy and Choose and Book

From April 2008, the full roll out of Choice policy means that the majority of patients being referred to hospital will be able to choose where they wish to be treated. The Choose and Book application will change to support this changing policy. Open pdf file of the leaflet

Hospital Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS)

A new scheme to provide accessible financial help with travel costs, to and from hospitals and other NHS centres, for people on low incomes. Referrals can be made by consultants and from 2008 by other health professionals. Ask your health professional or your hospital's PALS service for more information. For further information