Understanding NHS jargon

Having to go into hospital is stressful enough, but when you get there you can be confronted with a daunting array of technical terms.

But so you don't get stuck in the first place, here’s a handy overview of some of the major buzzwords.

NHS organisations and departments

Acute services

Medical and surgical treatment and care, mainly provided in hospitals.

Community Health Councils (CHCs) (Wales)

Responsible for monitoring the performance of the NHS and providing information and advice about services in Wales.

Department of Health (DH) (England)

Government department, which sets policy and legislation for health and social care services in England.

Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) (Northern Ireland)

Sets policy and legislation for hospitals, community health and social services in Northern Ireland.

Foundation Trusts (England)

Have control over their own budget and more freedom to decide which services to provide. Only hospitals meeting certain standards can apply to become a Foundation Trust.

Healthcare Commission (England and Wales)

Independent inspection body for the NHS in England and Wales.

Hospital Acquired Infection (HAI)

An infection that occurs as a result of contact with the healthcare system.

Health Board (Scotland)

Responsible for managing the performance of local NHS services in Scotland.

Health Inspection Wales

Monitors healthcare standards in Wales, along with the Healthcare Commission.

Health and Social Care Department (Wales)

Manages the NHS in Wales.

Health and Social Services Authority (Northern Ireland)

Will replace Health and Social Services Boards in Northern Ireland in April 2008.

Health and Social Services Councils (Northern Ireland)

Independent organisations set up to represent the interests of the public in health and social services in Northern Ireland.

Health Service Ombudsman (England)

Organisation that carries out independent investigations into complaints about the NHS in England.

Independent Complaints and Advocacy Services (ICAS) (England)

Provides support if you want to make a complaint about the NHS.

Local Health Boards (Wales)

NHS bodies responsible for planning and providing health services in local areas in Wales.

Local Involvement Networks (LINks) (England)

Will replace Patient and Public Involvement Forums in April 2008.

National Patient Safety Agency

Part of the NHS charged with identifying issues relating to patient safety and providing solutions.

NHS 24 (Scotland)

Service providing health information and self-care advice in Scotland. (Tel: 08454 242424)

NHS Direct (England and Wales)

A 24-hour nurse-led telephone helpline and website providing health information and advice in England and Wales. (Tel: 0845 4647)

NHS Trusts (England and Wales)

Responsible for running local NHS services in England and Wales. They include Acute Trusts, Foundation Trusts, Ambulance Trusts and Primary Care Trusts.

NHS Quality Improvement Scotland

Sets standards and monitors NHS performance.

Primary Care Trust (PCT) (England)

NHS body responsible for planning and providing health services in local areas in England.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) (England)

Provides advice and support to patients, friends and carers, as well as resolving problems and giving information about the NHS. Available in every NHS Trust and Primary Care Trust in England.

Scottish Executive Health Department

Responsible for managing the NHS in Scotland.

Scottish Health Council

Ensures that the views of patients and the public are taken into account.

Strategic Health Authority (SHA) (England)

Determines strategy and monitor the performance of Primary Care Trusts and Trusts in its area.

Medical terms

Clostridium difficile (C. difficile)

A bacterium found in the gut that can cause diarrhoea or severe illness when intestinal bacteria (which normally keep it in check) have been killed off by antibiotics. Usually develops after cross-infection from another carrier.

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that can cause skin and urinary infections and, more seriously, pneumonia and meningitis. MRSA is a particular strain that is resistant to antibiotics.

Can't find what you're looking for?

If there's a health term you'd like an explanation for that isn't in this list, email us and we'll get back to you.