Unit 9: BRITISH HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Most of the time we feel well. We can play sports, go to work and enjoy our lives. But sometimes we just don't feel well. What happens then?
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.
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 you 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.
Doctors and medical staff can cure lots of illnesses now using surgery and treatment with drugs

Hopefully these treatments won't be necessary. The best way to avoid getting ill is to have a healthy diet, get lots of exercise end take good care of yourself. You should't then need to use the healthcare system at all!