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11 March

What is PACS? Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) is a digital system by which doctors can look at xrays on a computer. It works all over the UK. This system has four fundamental uses: Radiology workflow management – radiologists (xray doctors) use it to organise their daily workload, reviewing and reporting xrays Electronic image storage; […]

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11 March

What is Social Prescribing? It is a local community-based service that helps you how to use health (including mental health) and social care. It tells you about local services and activities and how to join them. So why would you need it? At times we feel ‘unwell’ and a medical prescription may not be the answer. What we are […]

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08 March

Who pays for the NHS – and how much does it cost? You do .. and alot .. via general taxation, National Insurance and user charges. General taxation accounts for most of the funding (81%) whilst National Insurance provides 18%, and patient charges (prescription and dental) 1%. The amount of funds allocated to the NHS each […]

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29 February

5 common medical errors Memory Applying rules Communication (communication, communication) Knowledge/skills Bias. Or ..  as we say at MyHSN .. “MACK-B” errors occur .. so focus on preventing them Oh yes. Frustratingly, most doctors peak at aged 50-55 years – yes, quite old. Irritating, isn’t it? You may be decades off that. Be patient and […]

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27 February

What questions should I ask my doctor? We will describe what questions should I ask my doctor. 1. What’s the exact name – of my health problem (doctors call this the diagnosis) 2. Can you explain – it to me in simple words please? 3. What can I do – to help myself get better? […]

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27 February

What 5 questions should I ask my psychiatrist? In this article, we will describe what 5 questions to ask your psychiatrist 1. What’s the exact name – of my mental health problem (doctors call this the diagnosis) – and what is your name? Write both down 2. Can you explain – it to me in […]

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25 February

What is an antenatal clinic? In this article, we will describe what is an antenatal clinic. Antenatal clinics are specialist clinics for women who are receiving doctor-led care in their pregnancy.  Clinics help you meet doctors and specialist midwives to discuss any possible problems or concerns and make plans about your care. You may receive doctor-led care (also called ‘consultant-led’ or ‘obstetric team’ care) in pregnancy […]

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25 February

What can I do to prevent hospital readmission? No one enjoys being in hospital, and they definitely don’t enjoy going back in after being discharged. There isn’t a widely accepted definition of readmission, but usually it’s taken to mean going back into hospital with the same issue within 28 days of discharge. So. What can I do […]

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25 February

What does consent for an operation mean? The principle of informed consent ensures the freedom of individuals to make choices about their medical care. It is the patient, not the doctor, who ultimately must decide if treatment is to be administered. It normally takes the form of written consent, i.e. you stating you are happy to […]

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25 February

Do hospitals and GP tell each other if they change a tablet? They should. But they often do not. Why not? They forget (you can remind them!) or its not easy to communicate as hospital, GP and pharmacy computers are not usually linked. Depending on where you live in the UK, there may be partial […]

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