NHS

What are the main parts of the NHS structure?

Primary care, secondary care, tertiary care, and public health.

What is primary care?

The first point of contact for patients (GPs, dentists, pharmacists, opticians)

What is secondary care?

Specialist care usually provided in hospitals after referral from a GP.

What is tertiary care?

Highly specialised services such as neurosurgery or organ transplants.

What is public health?

Services aimed at preventing disease and promoting health (managed by local authorities and national public health agencies).

How is the NHS funded?

Mainly through general taxation.

Who manages the NHS?

Each UK nation (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) manages its own NHS system.

What does “free at the point of delivery” mean?

Patients receive care without paying directly at the time of use.

What are the main challenges facing the NHS?

Increasing demand, ageing population, staff shortages, waiting lists, limited funding, and growing mental health needs.

Why is an ageing population a challenge?

Older people often have multiple chronic conditions, increasing pressure on services.

How has COVID-19 affected the NHS?

Created backlogs, worsened waiting times, and increased staff stress and burnout.

What are some ethical challenges caused by limited NHS resources?

Decisions about who gets treatment first and balancing cost-effectiveness with individual needs.

What is an example of an ethical issue in the NHS?

Allocating scarce resources (e.g. ICU beds) or balancing patient confidentiality with public safety.

What is the “postcode lottery”?

Variations in access to treatments or services depending on where patients live.

Why is consent important in the NHS?

It ensures patients make informed, voluntary decisions about their care.

If pigeons had wifi, what would they use it for?

To download better aim to shit on cars.

What are the founding principles of the NHS?

Universal access, free at the point of use, based on clinical need not ability to pay.

What are some key NHS Constitution values?

Putting patients first, working across boundaries, providing value for taxpayers, and accountability to the public.

Why is equality important in the NHS?

It ensures fair access and treatment for all patients regardless of background or income.

Why is what there why how?

How why there what is why!