看醫生前，先準備好行政和資料Prepare the administration and information before seeing a doctor

1. 登記 GP 完整流程1. Complete GP registration process

GP（General Practitioner，家庭醫生）是 NHS 的主要入口。日常病、慢性病管理、病假紙、專科轉介，通常都需要先經 GP 處理。

A GP (General Practitioner) is the main entry point to the NHS. Everyday illness, long-term condition management, Fit Notes and specialist referrals usually need to go through the GP first.

對新移民來說，盡快登記 GP 很重要。未登記前，你仍然可以使用 NHS 111、UTC（Urgent Treatment Centre，緊急治療中心）、A&E 和部分社區藥房服務；但長期來說，GP 是你使用 NHS 的基礎。

For new immigrants, registering with a GP as soon as possible is important. Before you are registered, you can still use NHS 111, UTC (Urgent Treatment Centre), A&E and some community pharmacy services; but in the long term, the GP is the foundation for using the NHS.

1.1 你有權免費登記 GP1.1 You have the right to register with a GP for free

研究報告指出，任何人不論簽證身份，都可以免費登記 GP。登記 GP 時，官方列明不需要身份證明文件、地址證明、移民身份或簽證文件。GP 診所職員也沒有法律義務評估你的移民身份或 NHS 資格。

The research report states that anyone can register with a GP for free, regardless of visa status. When registering with a GP, official guidance states that proof of identity, proof of address, immigration status or visa documents are not required. GP practice staff also have no legal duty to assess your immigration status or NHS eligibility.

這一點對新移民很重要。即使你剛到英國、還未熟悉制度，仍然有權申請登記 GP。如果職員不清楚規定，你可以禮貌地說明：

This is very important for new immigrants. Even if you have just arrived in the UK and are not yet familiar with the system, you still have the right to apply to register with a GP. If staff are not clear about the rule, you can politely explain:

資料來源 / Sources：nhs.uk、bma.org.uk、Doctors of the World UK

1.2 登記 GP 的三種方法1.2 Three ways to register with a GP

網上登記通常約需 15 分鐘。提交後，通常在 GP 收到資料後 5 個工作天內獲確認。

Online registration usually takes about 15 minutes. After submission, confirmation is usually received within 5 working days after the GP receives the information.

資料來源 / Sources：nhs.uk

1.3 登記 GP 需要什麼資料？1.3 What information do you need to register with a GP?

資料來源 / Sources：nhs.uk、Doctors of the World UK

1.4 沒有固定地址怎麼辦？1.4 What if you do not have a fixed address?

如果你剛到英國，還未有固定住址，仍然可以登記 GP。研究報告列明，你可以使用臨時地址，例如朋友地址或短租地址。若沒有任何地址，也可以使用 GP 診所地址作為登記地址。

If you have just arrived in the UK and do not yet have a fixed address, you can still register with a GP. The research report states that you can use a temporary address, such as a friend’s address or short-term rental address. If you do not have any address, you can also use the GP practice address as the registration address.

Doctors of the World UK 亦提供 GP Access Card（GP 登記權益卡）。如果遇到接待員不清楚規定，可出示此卡，幫助解釋你有權登記 GP。報告指出，這類卡可從地區慈善機構、食物銀行、本地 Healthwatch 或 Doctors of the World 免費索取。

Doctors of the World UK also provides a GP Access Card. If you meet a receptionist who is not clear about the rule, you can show this card to help explain that you have the right to register with a GP. The report states that these cards can be obtained free from local charities, food banks, local Healthwatch or Doctors of the World.

資料來源 / Sources：nhs.uk、bma.org.uk、Doctors of the World UK

1.5 如果 GP 拒絕登記怎麼辦？1.5 What if the GP refuses to register you?

如果 GP 拒絕你的登記，研究報告指出，GP 必須在 14 天內以書面解釋原因。合法拒絕原因只限於例如：診所不接受新病人、你不在服務範圍內，或你曾被移除名單。缺乏身份文件或地址證明，不應成為拒絕登記的理由。如果你被拒後需要緊急治療，仍可獲最多 14 天緊急治療。

If a GP refuses your registration, the research report states that the GP must explain the reason in writing within 14 days. Valid reasons for refusal are limited to, for example: the practice is not accepting new patients, you are outside the practice area, or you have previously been removed from the list. Lack of identity documents or proof of address should not be a reason for refusing registration. If you need urgent treatment after being refused, you can still receive urgent treatment for up to 14 days.

資料來源 / Sources：nhs.uk、bma.org.uk

1.6 Fit Note（病假紙）是什麼？怎樣取得？1.6 What is a Fit Note and how do you get one?

Fit Note（正式名稱 Statement of Fitness for Work，俗稱 sick note）是醫護人員發出的證明，說明你因健康狀況不適合工作，或在某些調整下可以工作。僱主通常會用它來處理法定病假薪酬（Statutory Sick Pay）等安排。

A Fit Note (officially called a Statement of Fitness for Work, commonly called a sick note) is a certificate issued by a healthcare professional. It explains that you are not fit for work because of a health condition, or that you may be fit for work with certain adjustments. Employers usually use it for arrangements such as Statutory Sick Pay.

什麼情況需要？

• 病假 連續 7 天或以內：通常不需要 Fit Note，你只需向僱主自我聲明（self-certification）。計算天數時，連同週末和銀行假期一併計算。Sick leave for 7 consecutive days or less: usually a Fit Note is not needed. You only need to self-certify to your employer. When counting days, weekends and bank holidays are included.
• 病假 超過連續 7 天：僱主一般會要求你提供 Fit Note。Sick leave for more than 7 consecutive days: employers will generally ask you to provide a Fit Note.

誰可以開？自 2022 年 7 月起，不再只限 GP。註冊的醫生、護士、藥劑師、物理治療師、職業治療師都可以在評估後開立 Fit Note。

Who can issue one? Since July 2022, it is no longer limited to GPs. Registered doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists can issue a Fit Note after assessment.

資料來源 / Sources：NHS England Digital、gov.uk、nhs.uk

2. NHS number 是什麼、怎樣取得？2. What is an NHS number and how do you get one?

NHS number（NHS 編號）是你在 NHS 系統中的個人識別號碼。它是一組唯一的 10 位數字，用來幫助 NHS 確認你的身份，並連接不同 NHS 服務中的紀錄。

An NHS number is your personal identification number in the NHS system. It is a unique 10-digit number used to help the NHS confirm your identity and link records across different NHS services.

對新移民來說，常見情況是：

For new immigrants, common situations include:

• 有些人可能在簽證和 IHS（Immigration Health Surcharge，移民醫療附加費）資料中已被分配 NHS number。Some people may already have been assigned an NHS number through visa and IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) information.
• 如果你首次登記 GP 而從未有 NHS 紀錄，NHS number 會在 GP 登記過程中分配。If you are registering with a GP for the first time and have never had an NHS record, an NHS number will be assigned during the GP registration process.
• 完成 GP 登記後，你可透過 NHS App、NHS 信件、GP 診所或官方查詢服務找到 NHS number。After completing GP registration, you can find your NHS number through the NHS App, NHS letters, the GP practice or the official lookup service.

你不需要因為未知道 NHS number 而不敢登記 GP。報告列明，NHS number 不是登記 GP 的必需資料。

You do not need to avoid registering with a GP because you do not yet know your NHS number. The report states that an NHS number is not required for GP registration.

資料來源 / Sources：nhs.uk、england.nhs.uk

3. NHS App 可以做什麼？3. What can the NHS App do?

NHS App 是 NHS 的官方數碼工具。要使用完整功能，你通常需要：年滿 13 歲或以上、已在英格蘭 GP 診所登記、完成 NHS login 身份驗證。

The NHS App is the official digital tool of the NHS. To use the full functions, you usually need to: be aged 13 or above, be registered with a GP practice in England, and complete NHS login identity verification.

3.1 驗證身份前可以做什麼？3.1 What can you do before identity verification?

3.2 驗證身份後可以做什麼？3.2 What can you do after identity verification?

部分功能會視乎 GP 診所或醫院是否啟用，例如發訊息給 GP、查看詳細醫療紀錄、管理醫院預約或代理查閱。

Some functions depend on whether the GP practice or hospital has enabled them, such as messaging a GP, viewing detailed medical records, managing hospital appointments or proxy access.

資料來源 / Sources：nhs.uk

3.2a 指定／選擇你的配藥藥房3.2a Choosing your prescription pharmacy

你可以指定一間藥房，之後 GP 開的處方（特別是重複處方）就會以電子方式自動送到那裡，你直接去取藥即可，不用每次拿紙本處方。這在 NHS 官方現稱「chosen pharmacy（選擇藥房）」，舊稱「nominated pharmacy（指定藥房）」，是同一回事。

You can choose a pharmacy. After that, prescriptions issued by your GP (especially repeat prescriptions) will be sent there electronically, and you can go directly to collect the medicine without taking a paper prescription each time. The NHS currently calls this a “chosen pharmacy”; the older term is “nominated pharmacy”. They mean the same thing.

方法一：自己用 NHS App 或 NHS 網站設定——登入後去主頁或「Your health」→ 選「View and manage prescriptions」→ 選「Nominate a pharmacy」→ 想更改就選「Change your nominated pharmacy」→ 用 postcode 搜尋，選一間，按指示確認。

Method 1: set it yourself using the NHS App or NHS website — log in and go to the home page or “Your health” → select “View and manage prescriptions” → select “Nominate a pharmacy” → to change it, select “Change your nominated pharmacy” → search using postcode, choose one, and follow the instructions to confirm.

方法二：請 GP 診所（或藥房）幫你設定——直接告訴 GP 診所，或任何提供電子處方服務（EPS）的藥房，請他們在系統內幫你設定或更改。

Method 2: ask the GP practice (or pharmacy) to set it for you — tell the GP practice directly, or any pharmacy that provides the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS), and ask them to set or change it in the system for you.

資料來源 / Sources：nhs.uk「Nominating a pharmacy」、NHS App 支援中心、NHS England Digital

3.3 NHS App 有中文介面嗎？3.3 Does the NHS App have a Chinese interface?

資料來源 / Sources：nhs.uk

4. 為青少年安排：家長要知道的年齡界線4. Arrangements for teenagers: age boundaries parents should know

對不少東亞家庭來說，「子女的健康由父母全權處理」是很自然的想法。但在英格蘭，NHS 由子女進入青少年階段開始，會逐步保護子女自己的醫療私隱和決定權。這常令未有準備的家長感到意外，例如某天突然發現看不到子女的 NHS App 紀錄，以為是系統出錯。提早了解這些年齡界線，可以讓家長心裡有數，也方便及早和子女溝通。

For many East Asian families, it feels natural that “children’s health is fully handled by parents”. But in England, as children enter their teenage years, the NHS gradually protects the child’s own medical privacy and decision-making rights. This often surprises parents who have not prepared for it, for example suddenly discovering one day that they can no longer see their child’s NHS App record and thinking it is a system error. Understanding these age boundaries in advance can help parents know what to expect and make it easier to communicate with their children early.

要分清兩件不同的事：（一）家長能否查看子女的紀錄、代為預約；（二）子女本人能否自己同意看醫生。兩者規矩不同。

You need to distinguish two different things: (1) whether parents can view the child’s records and manage appointments on their behalf; (2) whether the child can personally consent to seeing a doctor. The rules are different.

(一) 查看紀錄與代為管理（Proxy access）(1) Viewing records and managing on behalf of a child (Proxy access)

資料來源 / Sources：nhs.uk「Parent and guardian proxy access for children under 16」、「Information for under-16s」（2024-12-05 檢視）

(二) 子女本人同意看醫生（Consent to treatment）(2) A child’s own consent to see a doctor (Consent to treatment)

• 未滿 16 歲：如果醫護人員判斷子女有足夠理解能力，能完全明白治療的內容和影響（這在英格蘭稱為 Gillick competence），子女可以自己同意接受治療。在某些情況下，青少年也享有保密權。Under 16: If healthcare staff judge that the child has enough understanding to fully understand the treatment and its effects (this is called Gillick competence in England), the child can consent to treatment themselves. In some situations, teenagers also have the right to confidentiality.
• 16 至 17 歲：法律上一般推定具有同意接受治療的能力，與成人相若。Aged 16 to 17: The law generally presumes that they have capacity to consent to treatment, similar to adults.

換句話說，在英格蘭，子女年紀漸長時，會逐步取得自己的醫療決定權和私隱保障。這不代表家長被排除在外——大部分青少年仍希望家長參與和協助——而是制度上會尊重子女本人的理解和意願。

In other words, in England, as children grow older, they gradually gain their own medical decision-making rights and privacy protection. This does not mean parents are excluded — most teenagers still want parental involvement and help — but the system respects the child’s own understanding and wishes.

資料來源 / Sources：nhs.uk「Consent to treatment — Children and young people」

5. 看醫生前準備清單5. Preparation checklist before seeing a doctor

見 GP、去 UTC 或與 NHS 111 溝通前，先準備好資料，會更容易講清楚情況。這不是要你自己診斷，而是幫醫護人員更快理解你的需要。

Before seeing a GP, going to a UTC or communicating with NHS 111, prepare your information first. This makes it easier to explain the situation clearly. This is not asking you to diagnose yourself, but helping healthcare staff understand your needs more quickly.

5.1 你要講什麼？5.1 What should you say?

• 症狀是什麼What the symptoms are
• 什麼時候開始、持續了多久When they started and how long they have lasted
• 有沒有變嚴重Whether they have become worse
• 有沒有影響睡眠／進食／上學／工作Whether they affect sleep / eating / school / work
• 有沒有正在服用藥物Whether you are taking any medicines
• 有沒有藥物敏感Whether you have any medicine allergies
• 以前有沒有類似情況Whether you have had similar situations before

你不需要用很專業的醫學字。清楚、按時間順序講出來，已經很有幫助。

You do not need to use very professional medical words. Explaining clearly in time order is already very helpful.

5.2 你要帶什麼？5.2 What should you bring?

• 正在服用的藥物清單A list of medicines you are currently taking
• 如有，藥物包裝或藥盒照片Medicine packaging or photos of medicine boxes, if available
• 過往病歷或重要醫療文件Past medical records or important medical documents
• NHS number（如已知道）NHS number, if you already know it
• 預約信或相關短訊Appointment letter or relevant text message
• 想問醫生的問題清單A list of questions you want to ask the doctor

如果英文不太熟悉，可以事先寫好中英文關鍵字，或請職員安排口譯支援。

If your English is not very familiar, you can write key terms in Chinese and English in advance, or ask staff to arrange interpreting support.

5.3 你可以做什麼？5.3 What can you do?

• 記下問題——見醫生時間有限，先寫下最想問的 2–3 件事。Write down questions — time with the doctor is limited, so first write down the 2–3 things you most want to ask.
• 按時間順序講症狀——例如：「三日前開始喉嚨痛，昨日開始發燒，今日吞嚥更痛。」Explain symptoms in time order — for example: “The sore throat started three days ago, fever started yesterday, and swallowing is more painful today.”
• 需要時要求口譯——如果你擔心聽不明或講不清楚，可以主動提出需要 interpreter（口譯員）。Request an interpreter when needed — if you are worried you may not understand or cannot explain clearly, you can actively say that you need an interpreter.

想記下症狀、藥物和預約資料，可以參考網站的就診工具包頁面。

If you want to record symptoms, medicines and appointment information, see the Toolkit page.

6. 如果不是看 GP——去 UTC / A&E、打 999 或 111，可以怎樣準備？6. If you are not seeing a GP — how to prepare for UTC / A&E, calling 999 or 111?

準備不只是為了看 GP。如果你要去 UTC、A&E，或需要打 999 / NHS 111，事先知道流程和會被問什麼，可以在最緊張的一刻少一點慌張。

Preparation is not only for seeing a GP. If you need to go to a UTC or A&E, or need to call 999 / NHS 111, knowing the process and what you may be asked in advance can reduce panic at the most stressful moment.

打 999（叫救護車 / 危及生命）Calling 999 (ambulance / life-threatening)

撥 999，接通後說你需要 ambulance（救護車），會轉接到救護控制中心。他們一般會問：你所在的地址連 postcode（郵政編號）及來電電話號碼、發生了什麼事、病人的年齡性別、是否清醒有沒有呼吸、有沒有嚴重出血或胸痛、傷勢或症狀怎樣發生。

Dial 999. When connected, say you need an ambulance. You will be transferred to the ambulance control centre. They generally ask: your address including postcode and the phone number you are calling from, what happened, the patient’s age and sex, whether they are conscious and breathing, whether there is serious bleeding or chest pain, and the injury or symptoms and how it happened.

• 回答這些問題不會延誤救護——他們一邊問，一邊已經在安排，問題是為了派最合適的幫助。Answering these questions will not delay the ambulance — they are asking while already arranging help. The questions are to send the most suitable help.
• 打 999 不一定會派救護車。經評估後，他們可能告訴你自己去 A&E 更快，或建議其他服務。Calling 999 does not always mean an ambulance will be sent. After assessment, they may tell you that going to A&E yourself is faster, or suggest another service.
• 救護車到場不一定比自己去快，最危急的個案會優先。如果是危及生命的情況，控制員通常會留在電話上指導你，直到救護車到。請保持電話暢通。An ambulance arriving may not always be faster than going yourself, because the most urgent cases are prioritised. If the situation is life-threatening, the call handler will usually stay on the phone and guide you until the ambulance arrives. Please keep the phone line open.
• 等待時：留在病人身邊、若情況變化再打 999、可以的話開門或安排有人引路、收拾好病人正服用的藥物。While waiting: stay with the patient, call 999 again if the situation changes, open the door or arrange someone to guide the ambulance if possible, and gather the medicines the patient is currently taking.

打 NHS 111（緊急但非危及生命 / 不確定去哪裡）Calling NHS 111 (urgent but not life-threatening / not sure where to go)

打 111，先和一位 call handler（接線員）對話。他們會問你一些簡短問題，記下基本資料（姓名、地址、出生日期、症狀），按需要把你轉給護士、藥劑師、救護員或醫生作進一步評估，評估後指示你下一步：可能是 GP、藥房、UTC，或安排 A&E 的到達時段（timed slot），嚴重時直接安排救護車。

When you call 111, you first speak to a call handler. They will ask you some short questions and record basic details (name, address, date of birth, symptoms), transfer you to a nurse, pharmacist, paramedic or doctor for further assessment if needed, and after assessment tell you the next step: it may be GP, pharmacy, UTC, or arranging an A&E timed slot; in serious situations they may arrange an ambulance directly.

打 111 前，最好先準備講：症狀是什麼、什麼時候開始、有沒有變嚴重、正服用什麼藥、有沒有藥物敏感、病人年齡。和 GP 不同，這是即時電話評估，講重點、講清楚最有幫助。

Before calling 111, it is best to prepare to explain: what the symptoms are, when they started, whether they have become worse, what medicines are being taken, whether there are allergies, and the patient’s age. Unlike a GP appointment, this is an immediate telephone assessment. Speaking to the point and clearly is most helpful.

去 UTC（緊急治療中心）Going to a UTC (Urgent Treatment Centre)

• 大多數 UTC 可以直接 walk-in，毋需預約，也毋需 GP 登記、毋需固定地址、毋需知道 NHS number。Most UTCs allow direct walk-in, without an appointment, and do not require GP registration, a fixed address, or knowing an NHS number.
• 但建議先用 NHS 111（電話或 111.nhs.uk）：他們可以安排到達時段，UTC 會預先收到你的資料、知道你來，減少現場等候。But it is recommended to use NHS 111 first (phone or 111.nhs.uk): they can arrange an arrival time slot, and the UTC will receive your information in advance, reducing waiting on site.
• 到場後，護士會做基本檢查（例如脈搏、血壓）。最不適的、或已有預約時段的病人可能先看，繁忙時要等。After arrival, a nurse will do basic checks (such as pulse and blood pressure). The most unwell patients, or those with an appointment slot, may be seen first; you may need to wait when busy.
• 帶什麼：帶你正服用的藥物或處方。需要時可要求口譯。等待時若覺得情況變差，立即告訴職員。What to bring: bring the medicines or prescriptions you are currently taking. Request an interpreter if needed. If you feel worse while waiting, tell staff immediately.

→ 在制度導航頁了解 UTC 是什麼

→ Learn what a UTC is on the System Navigator page

去 A&E（急症室）Going to A&E (Accident & Emergency)

• 到達後先到接待處報到（register）：提供姓名、出生日期、地址，讓他們找到你的病歷，並簡單說明為什麼來。After arrival, first go to reception to register: provide your name, date of birth and address so they can find your medical record, and briefly explain why you are there.
• 接着是分流評估（triage）：由護士或醫生評估你的嚴重程度。Next is triage: a nurse or doctor assesses how serious your situation is.
• A&E 按嚴重程度排序，不是先到先得——比你遲到的人有可能先被叫到，因為他們情況更危急。這不代表你被忽略。A&E is ordered by seriousness, not first-come-first-served — people who arrive later may be called first because their condition is more urgent. This does not mean you are being ignored.
• 有些 A&E 在到達時提供 self-assessment（自我評估）工具。如果你先用了 NHS 111、醫院已知道你會來，通常就不用再做。Some A&E departments provide a self-assessment tool on arrival. If you used NHS 111 first and the hospital already knows you are coming, you usually do not need to do it again.
• 評估後：嚴重的會見 A&E 醫生、轉介專科或安排住院；不嚴重的可能被轉去附近的 UTC 或院內 GP。After assessment: serious cases will see an A&E doctor, be referred to a specialist or be admitted; less serious cases may be redirected to a nearby UTC or in-hospital GP.
• 帶什麼：正服用的藥物清單（連劑量）和過敏資料、NHS number（如有）、111／GP／UTC 的信件。What to bring: a list of medicines you are taking (including dosage) and allergy information, NHS number (if you have it), letters from 111 / GP / UTC.

→ 在制度導航頁了解 A&E 是什麼

→ Learn what A&E is on the System Navigator page

資料來源 / Sources：nhs.uk（When to go to A&E／When to go to UTC／When to use 111）、各地區 NHS 救護服務（999）、NHS England

想把藥物清單、症狀和重要電話整理好隨身帶，可以參考網站的就診工具包頁面。

If you want to organise your medicine list, symptoms and important phone numbers to carry with you, see the Toolkit page.

7. NHS 常見字：驗血 / 轉介 / 預約信7. Common NHS terms: blood test / referral / appointment letter

NHS 會用到一些你可能不熟悉的字。先明白這些概念，收到訊息或信件時會少一點慌亂。

The NHS uses some words you may not be familiar with. Understanding these concepts first can reduce panic when you receive messages or letters.

Blood test（驗血）Blood test

• 記得帶 blood test form（驗血表格）。這是 GP 或醫院發給你的紙本或電子表格，列明要驗什麼。很多驗血站沒有這張表格就不能替你抽血，你可能要改期。出門前先確認帶了。Remember to bring the blood test form. This is the paper or electronic form given to you by the GP or hospital, listing what needs to be tested. Many blood test centres cannot take your blood without this form, and you may need to reschedule. Confirm that you have brought it before leaving home.
• 要不要預約，各區差別很大。有些地區必須先預約，有些容許 walk-in，有些是兩者混合。請按你那張表格或診所的指示處理，不要假設一定可以即到即抽。Whether you need an appointment differs greatly by area. Some areas require booking first, some allow walk-in, and some are a mixture. Follow the instructions on your form or from the practice, and do not assume you can simply arrive and have it done.
• 其他要留意：去哪一個地點驗血、是否需要特別準備（例如某些檢查要空腹）、結果會怎樣通知你（通常送回你的 GP）。不明白指示應聯絡 GP 診所查詢。Other points: where to have the blood test, whether special preparation is needed (for example fasting for some tests), and how the results will be sent to you (usually back to your GP). If you do not understand the instructions, contact the GP practice to ask.

資料來源 / Sources：nhs.uk 及各地區 NHS 驗血服務

Referral（轉介）Referral

當 GP 認為你需要專科或其他 NHS 服務時，會為你作出轉介。

When a GP thinks you need a specialist or another NHS service, they will make a referral for you.

• 轉介不等於即日見專科。你通常會在轉介後一段時間（一般約兩星期內，緊急的會快些）收到通知，方式可能是信件、短訊或電郵。A referral does not mean seeing a specialist on the same day. You will usually receive a notification some time after referral (generally around two weeks, faster if urgent), possibly by letter, text message or email.
• 收到通知後，很多時要你自己行動預約。常見情況有幾種：(1) 給你一個參考編號（reference number）和密碼，要你自己上網（例如 NHS App / e-Referral 服務）或致電預約；(2) 醫院寄信叫你自己打電話去醫院預約；(3) 醫院直接寄來預約通知，要你回覆確認能否出席。請看清楚通知，按指示行動，不要以為收到信就會自動有人安排好。After receiving the notification, you often need to take action yourself to book. Common situations: (1) you are given a reference number and password, and need to book online yourself (for example through the NHS App / e-Referral service) or call to book; (2) the hospital sends a letter asking you to call the hospital yourself to book; (3) the hospital directly sends an appointment notification and asks you to reply to confirm. Read the notification carefully and follow the instructions; do not assume someone will automatically arrange everything.
• 去看時記得帶齊。帶上你的轉介信／參考編號，以及 NHS number。GP 一般不會替你催促或改期，如要查詢進度，要直接聯絡信上那個服務或醫院。Remember to bring everything when you attend. Bring your referral letter / reference number and NHS number. A GP generally will not chase or rearrange it for you; to ask about progress, contact the service or hospital named in the letter directly.

資料來源 / Sources：nhs.uk「Referrals for specialist care」、NHS England 轉介說明

Appointment letter（預約信）Appointment letter

NHS 發出的預約信或通知，可能以信件、短訊或電子方式出現。收到後檢查：日期、時間、地點、科別、需要帶什麼文件、不能出席如何更改或取消。看不懂應盡快請可信任的人協助，或致電信上電話查詢，不要等到當日才處理。

An appointment letter or notification issued by the NHS may arrive by letter, text message or electronically. After receiving it, check: date, time, location, specialty, what documents to bring, and how to change or cancel if you cannot attend. If you do not understand it, ask someone you trust to help as soon as possible, or call the number on the letter. Do not wait until the day of the appointment to deal with it.

8. 小結：先登記，先記錄，先問清楚8. Summary: register first, record first, ask clearly first

在英格蘭使用 NHS，行政步驟可能比你原本熟悉的制度多。這不代表你不能求助，而是要先學會路線。

When using the NHS in England, there may be more administrative steps than in the system you were used to before. This does not mean you cannot seek help. It means you need to learn the pathway first.