Understand NHS and private care across the UK
Free guides to referrals, waiting times, Right to Choose, and your rights as a patient.
Browse by topic
Choose a category to explore guides on NHS pathways, waiting times, and your options.
ADHD & Right to Choose
Diagnosis pathways, Right to Choose, and private vs NHS options.
8 guidesMental Health
Therapy options, NHS talking therapies and crisis support.
12 guidesPrimary Care
GP registration, appointments, prescriptions and urgent care.
10 guidesAutism
Assessment pathways for adults and children, and Right to Choose.
11 guidesUnderstanding the NHS System
How the NHS is structured, funded and regulated.
15 guidesDental Care
NHS dental charges, finding a dentist, emergency treatment, and private options.
11 guidesWeight Loss Medications
NHS eligibility, private prescriptions, costs and safety for GLP-1 medications.
13 guidesMen's Health
Common men's health conditions, treatments, and what to expect.
2 guidesSEN & Learning Needs
Educational needs assessments, school support and EHCPs.
1 guideAbout these guides
Who we're for, what we cover, and how we write them.
Who these guides are for
Our NHS care guides are written for anyone trying to make sense of healthcare in England — patients, parents, carers, and anyone supporting a loved one through a referral or a long wait. The NHS is a remarkable system, but it isn't always easy to navigate: waiting times vary by region, referral routes can feel opaque, and your rights as a patient are rarely spelled out clearly. These guides aim to fix that, in plain English, without jargon and without taking sides.
What we cover
You'll find practical, step-by-step guidance on the topics that matter most: Right to Choose and how it can shorten your NHS wait; understanding waiting times and the 18-week rule; how GP referrals work; the pathways for ADHD assessments and Autism assessments in adults and children; and mental health support including self-referral to NHS Talking Therapies. We also explain your patient rights under the NHS Constitution.
How we approach this
We're independent and we don't push you towards the NHS or private care — we simply explain how each route works so you can choose what's right for you. Think of these guides as a calm, well-informed second opinion: the kind of thing a friend who happens to be a nurse might walk you through over a cup of tea. If you need something more specific, use the search below or browse by topic to find the guide that fits your situation.
Our tools
Free tools to help you navigate UK healthcare with confidence.
ADHD Right to Choose Eligibility Checker
Find out if you can choose your ADHD assessment provider.
Start eligibility checkAutism Assessment Right to Choose Eligibility Checker
Find out if you can choose your autism assessment provider.
Start eligibility checkADHD GP Referral Toolkit
Everything you need to ask your GP for an ADHD referral.
Open the toolkitNHS Dental Eligibility Checker
Find out if your NHS dental treatment could be free, or what you'd pay.
Start eligibility checkNeed help finding your way?
Talk to a care navigator
Stuck on a waiting list, unsure where to start, or confused about your options? Book a care navigation call. We'll give you a clear written plan within 48 hours.
Find out more →20-minute call · Written plan within 48 hours · Independent guidance
What you get
20-minute call
One-to-one with a UK care navigator.
Written plan in 48 hours
Clear next steps, tailored to your situation.
Independent and neutral
No referrals to specific providers - your choice stays yours.
Tailored to your situation
Not a script. A focused conversation about your specific case.