Going into hospital
If you need minor tests at a hospital, you will probably attend the Outpatients department.
If your treatment takes several hours, you will go into hospital as a day patient. If you
need to stay overnight, you will go into hospital as an in-patient.
You should take personal belongings with you, such as a towel, night clothes, things for
washing, and a dressing gown. You will receive all your meals while you are an inpatient.
If you need advice about going into hospital, contact Customer Services or the
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital where you will receive
treatment.
Dentists
You can get the name of a dentist by asking at the local library, at the Citizens Advice
Bureau and through NHS Direct. Most people have to pay for dental treatment. Some
dentists work for the NHS and some are private. NHS dentists charge less than private
dentists, but some dentists have two sets of charges, both NHS and private. A dentist
should explain your treatment and the charges before the treatment begins.
Free dental treatment is available to
People under 18 (in Wales people under 25 and over 60)
Pregnant women and women with babies under 12 months old
People on income support, Jobseekers’ Allowance or Pension Credit Guarantee
Opticians
Most people have to pay for sight tests and glasses, except children, people over 60,
people with certain eye conditions and people receiving certain benefits. In Scotland, eye
tests are free.
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