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Health services

Accessing health services and finding your way around the system can feel complicated. See our information and advice to get the help you need.

Prioritising your health during strike action

There are strikes taking place in some parts of the health service. However, it’s really important that if you’re unwell or need urgent or emergency medical care that you still contact the NHS for help.

  • For urgent medical care visit NHS 111 online or call 111.
  • For emergency care or in life-threatening situations call 999.

Visit the NHS website to find out more about the strike action and how it might affect you

Your hospital stay

  • Going into hospital

    The experience of going into hospital can be less stressful if you know what to expect and what your rights are.

  • Help when leaving hospital

    Find out more about what you need to think about when you're discharged from hospital.

Accessing health services

  • GP services

    How to register with a GP and what services you can access through your GP.

  • Do you need to see the doctor?

    It can be tricky to get an appointment with your GP. But there are other health professionals who can help.

  • Dental care

    Information and advice about dental charges and where to find the right dentist for you.

  • Managing your medicines

    If you're worried that you're not getting the most from your medicines make sure you ask your GP for their advice.

Help with health costs

  • Health benefits

    Did you know everyone aged over 60 gets free prescriptions and eye tests?

  • NHS continuing healthcare

    NHS continuing healthcare is a free package of care for people who have significant ongoing healthcare needs.

Chrissy explains what NHS continuing care is

Having been through the care process when her dad was ill, Chrissy explains exactly what NHS continuing care is and if you might be eligible.

Know your rights

  • Your healthcare rights

    Read about the rights you have as a patient of NHS services and the standards you should expect.

  • NHS complaints

    Find out what to do if you’re unhappy with the service or care you receive or feel you've been treated unfairly.
Find out what services and support your local Age UK offers near you

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Blood pressure checking

Professor Graham MacGregor from Blood Pressure UK explains why getting your blood pressure checked regularly is so important.

Sir Naim Dangoor

We are grateful for the generous support of the late Sir Naim Dangoor, CBE, and the Exilarch's Foundation.

Phone icon We're here to help

We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.

About the Age UK Advice Line Find your local Age UK

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