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Plain English guides to every NHS letter.

Written for patients, not clinicians. Every guide is sourced from NHS.uk and GOV.UK.

HospitalWhat is a discharge summary?
What the hospital sends after your stay — and what every section means.
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GPGP referral letter explained
What the urgency categories mean and what your rights are once referred.
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WaitingNHS waiting list letter explained
What RTT pathway means, your clock start date, and what to do if your wait is too long.
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RightsRTT rights — what you're entitled to
The 18-week standard, your right to choose a provider, and what to do if it's breached.
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WaitingHow long should I wait for a referral?
Why waits vary and what to do if yours is too long.
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GPWhat happens after a GP referral?
Step by step — from referral letter to first specialist consultation.
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ActionHow to chase your NHS referral
Who to call, what to say, and how to escalate if you've heard nothing.
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HospitalNHS appointment letter explained
What every section means, what to bring, and what to do if the date doesn't work.
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CareNHS care plan letter explained
What a care plan covers and your rights to be involved in it.
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PrescriptionsPrescription charge exemption explained
Who qualifies for free prescriptions and how to claim a refund if overcharged.
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HospitalOutpatient clinic letter explained
What the specialist wrote after your appointment — and what to do if something is wrong.
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RightsHow to complain to the NHS
Who to contact, what to expect, and how to escalate to the Ombudsman.
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BenefitsPIP medical assessment letter explained
What the assessment involves, how to prepare, and what to do if refused.
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Mental HealthSection 136 — what it means
What Section 136 detention involves, your rights, and what happens next.
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MobilityBlue Badge renewal letter explained
What the reassessment involves and what to do if your application is refused.
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WaitingWhat is my RTT clock start date?
When your 18-week clock started, when it can be paused, and how to challenge it.
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GPNHS e-Referral Service explained
How Choose and Book works, how to book, and what to do if there are no slots.
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HospitalHospital infection letter explained
What a hospital infection notification means and what action to take.
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CareNHS Continuing Healthcare letter explained
Who qualifies for fully funded NHS care and how to challenge a refusal.
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UrgentUrgent cancer referral letter explained
What a two-week wait referral means — and what to do if your appointment is delayed.
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✓ NHS.uk sourced · No medical advice given · Free to start

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