healthcare settings

• what are the four main settings healthcare workers work in?

  GP surgeries and local health centres

  hospitals

  clinics

  home
• 1. GP surgeries and local health centre

  • patients go here first when they need medical advice.
  • doctors diagnose the patient's illness. they may issue a prescription for medication or refer patients to other services.
  • nurses might carry out treatment or health screening, or take blood tests.
• 2. Hospitals

  • patients go here for treatment that a GP cannot give. it is where operations are carried out, and accident and emergency departments and some walk-in centres are located.
  • patients are referred by their GPs to specialist medical teams.
  • specialist doctors (consultants) may issue a prescription for specialists medication or refer patients to surgeons for operations.
• 3. clinics

  • patients go here to be treated for specific medical conditions.
  • patients are referred by their GPs to specialist clinics based in hospitals and in community.
  • trained personnel, including doctors and nurses, work in clinics.
• 4. home

  • this is where care is provided for housebound people or those who are recovering from medical treatment such as an operation.
  • most people prefer to recover at home and some who are dying prefer to be nursed at home.
  • care may be provided at home for births.
  • patients are treated at home by community-based nursing and midwifery staff.
  • doctors carry out home visits when necessary.