Website of the Department of Health

The range of services

GP services
General practitioners (GPs) provide general medical care themselves and can refer you on to other NHS professionals or services if necessary.As well as medicines, your GP can prescribe items such as elastic stockings, trusses and some wound dressings (see 'Equipment' under 'Help with everyday needs'). Most GPs work in partnership with other doctors and are supported by healthcare teams. Staff may include practice nurses, community nurses, therapists and health visitors. Many practices offer a range of services such as health promotion clinics as well as routine consultations.

Community nurses and health visitors
Community nurses visit people at home to give nursing care such as changing dressings or help with personal needs.They also arrange for aids and equipment for home nursing to be provided, such as continence pads and special beds and mattresses. Community mental health nurses work with people with mental health problems.There are also nurses based in the community who work with people who have learning disabilities. Health visitors support families with disabled children.

Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists have specialist skills in the physical treatment and rehabilitation of people from the newborn to the very elderly.They help people with a wide range of joint problems, chest conditions, incontinence, pain or difficulties in moving, balance or control of their limbs. Physiotherapists work widely in hospitals and in the community, often as part of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team, offering a range of therapies including exercise, electrotherapy and manipulation to enable sick or disabled people to function as well as possible at work and leisure.

Occupational therapists
Occupational therapists work with people of any age with physical or mental health problems to promote their independence in caring for themselves, in employment and in leisure activities. In hospitals they are part of the multidisciplinary rehabilitation team enabling patients to return home. In the community, the emphasis is on working with disabled people, and with their families or carers where necessary, to resolve any practical problems or restrictions on lifestyle that might be experienced.They have particular expertise and advice to offer about aids, equipment and housing adaptations.

Speech and language therapists
Speech and language therapists treat children and adults with communication difficulties from a wide range of different causes. After assessment and diagnosis, the therapist can advise on a treatment programme to maximise communication skills.When it is not possible or desirable to achieve spoken language, methods such as signing or the use of technological aids may be tried. Speech and language therapists can also help with swallowing and feeding problems.

Social workers See 'Social workers' under 'Social services' in this chapter.

NHS chiropody services
NHS chiropody/podiatry services may be provided free of charge in a wide variety of settings, including local health centres, day centres and GP surgeries, although this may be limited to medical foot problems rather than routine care. Local NHS trusts will advise you of referral procedures and the type of services provided. In many trusts you may access the service directly.

Pharmacy services
If you cannot get out of the house, it may be possible to have your prescriptions collected and delivered to your home.
Action point: Contact your local pharmacist for more details.

Dental services
The community dental service brings dental treatment to disabled people who are unable to visit a dentist. General dental practitioners will also treat you at your home or temporary residence, provided your condition requires this and you are no more than five miles away from their practice premises.
Action point: Ask your local dental practice or health authority (see local phone book for number).

NHS sight tests
If you are unable to get out of your house, you can arrange to have a home visit from an optometrist.
Action point: Contact your local optician for more details.

Help with health costs

If you are in one of the groups below, you may be entitled to the following:

Group 1

You may be entitled to some or all of the above because of your age (young or old), a medical condition, pregnancy, or because you get a War or Ministry of Defence Disablement Pension.

Group 2

You are entitled to all of the above, if you and/or your partner get:

Group 3

If you are on a low income and do not fit into Groups 1 or 2, you may be able to get help with your health costs by making a claim under the NHS Low Income Scheme.

Action point: To get help if you are in Groups 1 or 2, fill in the back of your prescription form, or tell your dentist or optician when you go for dental or optical treatment. If you are claiming help with hospital travel costs or for wigs and fabric supports, tell the hospital.You may be asked for proof of entitlement.

Action point: If you are in Group 3 and want to claim on low income grounds, or before your benefit claim is settled, get form HC1 (formerly AG1) from a Social Security office or hospital. Fill in the form and send it in the envelope provided to: Health Benefits Division, Sandyford House, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1DB.

Reference point: Leaflet HC11,Are You Entitled to Help with Health Costs?, gives you more information. It is available from main post offices, Social Security offices or hospitals. Doctors, dentists, pharmacists and opticians might also have them. Information is also available in Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and Welsh.Ask your health authority for HC11 in the language required. If you have difficulty in getting any of these leaflets or HC1 claim forms, or you require a number of copies, write to Department of Health Publications, PO Box 777, London SE1 6XH. Health literature line: 0800 555777 (Mon-Fri 8.00-18.00); Adviceline: 0800 9177711.

Specialist services

The NHS provides a range of other specialist services for disabled people (see 'Help with particular needs').

Reference point:
A Guide to the National Health Service.
Your Guide to the NHS.
Both available from Department of Health, PO Box 777, London SE1 6XH. Health literature line: 0800 555777 (Mon-Fri 8.00-18.00); Bulk orders fax: (01623) 724524. Available in English, Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese,Greek, Gujarati, French, Hindi, Polish, Punjabi, Somali, Turkish, Urdu and Vietnamese, on audio cassette and in Braille. Please specify when ordering.

Action point: For information about health services in your area, call your local primary care trust (health board in Scotland). NHS Direct can also give you information about health services and health-related subjects.All calls are charged at local rate and are confidential. Tel: 0845 4647;Website: nhsdirect.nhs.uk.

• NHS costs and exemptions
• NHS Direct (opens new window)