Unit9: British healthcare system

Most of the time we feel well. We can play sports, ho to work and enjoy our lives. But sometimes we just don't feel well. Some people have medical insurance but most people can't afford it and rely on the National Health Service, the NHS. This is provided by the government in Britain. The NHS has sent everybody in Britain's a Self-Helf Guide. This will help you diagnose what is wrong and find the best treatment. There are lots of medicines you can buy in the chemist but for more powerful ones like antibiotics you need to have a prescription. You can get a prescription from a doctor. Doctors work in surgeries or health centres. The doctor examines you first to find out what's wrong. Then they can write you a prescription for medicine to cure you. If ykou can't get to a doctor, there are two other NHS services you could try. The first is NHS Direct. This is a phone service where a trained nurse will suggest the best way to treat you. For accidents or emergencies you should go to a hospital which has got a specific Accident and Emergencies department. Doctors and medical staff can cure lots of illnesses now using surgery and treatment with drugs. But many people prefer alternative medicine. This can include many kinds of treatment using both very old and very modern techniques. Hopefully these treatments won't be necessary. The best way to avoid getting ill is to have a healthy diet, get lots of exercise and take good care of yourself. You shouldn't then need to use the healthcare system at all!