United Kingdom (GB)

Every NHS patient is registered with a GP (General Practitioner / Family Doctor) practice. The GP is the central gatekeeper — all NHS specialist referrals go through the GP. Find and register at nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp. Some practices have closed lists (full). If you cannot find a GP who will accept you, contact your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) who must find you a practice. NHS App is the primary digital tool for booking GP appointments, ordering repeat prescriptions, and accessing records.

Your GP refers you to an NHS specialist (consultant). You have the right to choose your hospital under the "Choose and Book" (e-Referrals Service) system. NHS Constitution: right to be seen within 18 weeks of GP referral. If waiting time exceeds 18 weeks, you have the right to request an alternative provider. Private referral: your GP can write a private letter of referral, or you can self-refer to some private specialists.

999 for life-threatening emergencies (ambulance, fire, police). A&E (Accident and Emergency — also called Emergency Department): for serious and urgent conditions. NHS 111: call for advice on urgent but non-life-threatening conditions — directs to appropriate care. Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs): for urgent but not emergency conditions (injuries, infections) — faster than A&E. Minor injuries units: for minor injuries.

NHS 111 is available 24/7 for medical advice. Out-of-hours GP (OOH): when your GP practice is closed, NHS 111 can arrange a consultation with an OOH doctor or direct you to an urgent treatment centre. GP extended access: many practices now offer evening and weekend appointments. Walk-in centres and pharmacies can treat minor conditions.

GP or hospital doctor writes a prescription — electronic prescriptions (EPS) are sent directly to your chosen pharmacy. Standard NHS prescription charge: £9.90 per item. Prepayment Certificate (PPC): £111.60/year — unlimited prescriptions. Free for exempt groups (see copayment info). Most pharmacies in the UK are high-street (Boots, Lloyds, Superdrug) or supermarket pharmacies. Online pharmacy dispensing services are available (Pharmacy2U, Echo).

NHS dental treatment is subsidised but not free. Finding an NHS dentist accepting new patients is a significant challenge in many UK areas — many dentists are "full" for NHS patients. Register at nhs.uk/find-a-dentist. If you cannot find an NHS dentist, contact your ICB. Emergency NHS dental treatment: call NHS 111. Private dental care is widely available but more expensive. NHS Band charges: Band 1 £27.90, Band 2 £76.60, Band 3 £332.10.

NHS mental health services: GP referral to IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) — now called NHS Talking Therapies — for anxiety and depression (free, typically CBT, 6–12 sessions, waiting time 3–12 weeks). More complex mental health: referral to Community Mental Health Team (CMHT). Crisis care: NHS 111 option 2 for mental health crisis. Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7 free). Private therapy: £50–150/session. Online therapy platforms (see mentalHealthResources). Many UK employers offer EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) with free therapy sessions.

NHS maternity care is free and comprehensive. Community midwife visits throughout pregnancy. Birth in NHS hospital, midwife-led unit, or home. Antenatal classes available. Postnatal support including health visitor home visits. Obstetric care for high-risk pregnancies. Private maternity: available at private hospitals (Portland Hospital, Lindo Wing at St Mary's) at £5,000–20,000+ for a private birth. Maternity leave: up to 52 weeks (39 weeks statutory pay).