NHS — Healthcare & Medical Services Guide
The National Health Service (NHS) provides free healthcare at the point of delivery for all UK residents. This guide covers accessing NHS services, prescription charges, and key contacts.
NHS Services Overview
- GP Surgeries: Your first point of contact. Register with a local GP practice.
- NHS 111: Free 24/7 phone and online service for urgent but non-emergency medical help.
- Hospitals & A&E: For emergencies and specialist treatment. Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies.
- Pharmacies: Advice on minor illnesses, prescription dispensing, and some treatments without seeing a GP.
- Dentists: NHS dental treatment with subsidised charges.
- Mental Health Services: Talking therapies (IAPT), crisis lines, and specialist care.
NHS Prescription Charges (England, 2026)
| Single prescription charge | £9.90 per item |
| 3-month PPC | £32.05 |
| 12-month PPC | £114.50 |
Prescriptions are FREE in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Many people in England qualify for free prescriptions — check using the eligibility checker at nhs.uk.
📞 Key Contacts
| NHS 111 | Dial 111 (free, 24/7) |
| Emergency | Dial 999 |
| NHS App Support | Email: nhsapp.support@nhs.net |
| Website | nhs.uk |
| Find a GP | nhs.uk/find-a-gp |
| Find a Dentist | nhs.uk/find-a-dentist |
NHS App Features
The NHS App now includes: GP appointment booking (including evening/weekend slots), repeat prescriptions, view your GP health record, NHS COVID Pass, organ donation registration, and manage hospital referrals.
Last updated: June 2026.