Unit 9

Health care

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 a Self-Help Guide.
You may need to go to the chemist to buy cough mixture or pills for a headache. There are lots of medicines you can buy in the chemist but for more powerful ones you need to have a prescription.
You can get a prescription from a doctor.
Doctors work in surgeries or health centers.
NHS direct 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.
But many people prefer alternative medicine.