True/False
What would you do?
Countries and systems
Healthcare Vocabulary
Specialists and care
100

Primary care is usually the first place a patient goes when they have a health problem.  

True 

100

You feel a bit under the weather and have a mild cold. What would you do?  

Stay at home / rest / fight it off 

100

In Britain, healthcare is mainly paid for by taxes and national insurance. What is the name of the public health service? 

NHS (National Health Service)

100

What does “under the weather” mean? 

Feeling a bit ill / not very well 

100

Which specialist treats the heart? 

Cardiologist 

200

A locum is a doctor who permanently replaces your regular GP. 

False (a locum temporarily covers for a doctor who is ill or on holiday)

200

Someone has a nosebleed. What should they do?  

Sit up, lean forward, and pinch the nose

200

What do people in Britain mean when they say they want to “go private”?  

Choose private healthcare / pay for private treatment

200

Complete: “I’m __ a cold at the moment.” (trying to get rid of it)  

Fighting off

200

Which specialist treats children?  

Pediatrician 

300

 “Chronic” means a condition that is severe and sudden.  

False (chronic = long-term; acute = sudden and severe)

300

You burn your hand. What is the first thing you should do?  

Hold it under cold running water

300

Who is a GP? 

General Practitioner / family doctor

300

What’s the difference between “hurt” and “ache”?  

Hurt = pain from an injury; Ache = persistent low-level pain

300

Which specialist uses needles at special points on the skin?  

Acupuncturist 

400

In Britain, visits to a GP and hospital treatment are free, but there is often a prescription charge. 

True

400

Your friend suddenly collapses and is not breathing. What would you do?  

Call an ambulance and start CPR / chest compressions

400

In the UK system, do patients usually need a referral from their GP to see a specialist?  

Yes, true

400

Rewrite with the correct expression: “I’ve gone down with a cold.” 

I’ve come down with a cold

400

What is the difference between a gynaecologist and an obstetrician?  

Gynaecologist = women’s reproductive system; Obstetrician = pregnancy and childbirth

500

The fixed expression is “pains and aches”. 

False (it is “aches and pains”)

500

You have a twisted ankle after turning it suddenly. What would you do first?

Rest it / apply ice / elevate it / seek medical help if serious

500

Name one difference between primary care and secondary care.  

Primary care = first contact

 Secondary care = specialists in hospitals/clinics

500

What does “bunged up” mean (informal)?  

Blocked (usually nose)

500

Name two types of alternative / complementary medicine practitioners.  

acupuncturist, chiropractor, homeopathic doctor, aromatherapist (any two of suggested)