How to use the NHS better (10 top tips)
As we all know the NHS is under huge pressure at then moment. And yes the NHS is here to help you. But there are things you can do to help yourself too – i.e. ways you can use the NHS better.
So. Let’s go through how to use the NHS better (10 top tips).
1. Don’t assume that ‘no news is good news’
This is rule number 1, 2 and 3
Take responsibility for all your health issues and medical care. Full stop. For example:
- Chase the result of investigations of all types = all blood tests, x-rays, CTs, biopsies etc
- Check that if you think you have been listed for a procedures or operation, if you have been waiting a long time – then keep checking you are still on it.
2. Keep a copy of your repeat medication list and allergies
Use chemists and supermarkets to buy simple over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, and keep a small supply in your home.
Note. Your prescriptions are free if you are 16 years or under, 16-18 in full time education, over 60 or unemployed/have a low income or have certain medical conditions. Everyone else pays for the item/s prescribed. An NHS prescription pre-payment certificate (PPC) is a good idea – and cheaper – if you have a couple of prescriptions each month.
3. Keep a summary of your medical record
This should including all previous operations, major illnesses and allergies.
Do not assume all NHS computers link up. They do not
Keep a record of this information with you (or a copy on your phone), or via the NHS App or your practice App.
4. Remember to order your medication in time
Most surgery/pharmacy pairings require 48-72 hours notice. The prescription will then be sent to your regular pharmacy and they shall get it ready. This may take another day or so. Only order what you need each month.
5. It is important to attend your appointments reliably, whether at the GP surgery or hospital
Failure to attend costs the NHS a minimum of £150 per appointment wasted – and the slot could be used for someone else. Try and give 24 hours notice if you can’t attend so that your appointment can be offered to someone else. Failure to attend without notice may mean you are discharged from the hospital team, or miss safety checks for medication etc at your GP surgery.
6. Use self-referral options where available
This means that you don’t need a referral from your GP surgery for services such as:
- Physiotherapy (‘first contact’, musculoskeletal, MSK) – e.g. for hip, knee and shoulder pain
- Talking therapy (NHS counselling, IAPT) – e.g. for anxiety, mild depression
- Midwife – confirmation of pregnancy is not needed by a doctor prior to booking
- Health visitor – with problems after the birth of your baby.
See your GP surgery’s website for whether these are available locally.
7. If you are waiting for results, a procedure or operation, or appointments from the hospital, contact the relevant team – especially if nothing is happening
Check, check, check (see point 1)
Your GP surgery does not have access to the appointment system and does automatically receive results of tests. It is the responsibility of the hospital doctor ordering tests to review (and inform you of) your results.
Top Tip. To be able to check things, get to know your hospital consultant’s secretary and specialist nurses. They are usually easier to contact than the consultant.
8. Use services appropriately
A&E is for serious accidents and emergencies only.
If it’s not an emergency, please try your local Pharmacy, Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC), Minor Injury/Illness Unit (MIU), Surgery, or call NHS111 for advice.
9. Some NHS services are available outside normal opening hours – use them
Good places to use are UTCs, MIUs, Walk-in centres, Labour Ward (if pregnant) and NHS111. Please do not use A&E for emergency prescriptions; as they are not able to give them, and you will be turned away. Some GPs have evening clinics and Saturday am services.
10. If you have a dental or eye problem, first visit or contact your usual Dentist or Optician
If that does not work, and if you have an urgent need (e.g. out of hours), ring NHS111 who can direct you. GP surgeries do not provide dental care, or are not necessarily good at eye disease.
Summary
We have described how to use the NHS better (10 top tips). We hope it has helped you.
Rule 1, 2 and 3. Check, check, check
Take care of yourself and your NHS will take care of you
Last Reviewed on 7 March 2024