Today I learned how to breathe fire! If I would have known I am part dragon, I would have been using my fire power to warm things up in my hotel room since there is no microwave. I felt like Elizabeth, the dragon off of Shrek. All I did was eat the spicy lamb and spinach curry from the Indian restaurant. I would definitely recommend that food, it was very tasty and flavorful. I love eating Indian food at home so I was sure it was going to be even better here and it did not disappoint because I turned straight dragon mode on them. Experiencing food from different cultures is my favorite thing to do on this trip, right next to catching some Z’s when I can.

Today we had our presentations, but before we presented we had a lecture by general practice nurses. I learned about the BSOL training hub which assists in the future deliverance and transformation of the NHS primary care workforce. This organization ensures quality care of patients through health care professionals who are trained appropriately and competent. The goal of this organization is to promote primary care as an admirable job.

What exactly is primary care to the United Kingdom? People who seek a medical practitioner or clinic for medical advice or treatment and is provided health care within the community is considered primary care. This is considered the “front door” of NHS because it is the first point of contact a patient has within the healthcare system. General practice, community pharmacy, dental and optometry services are included in primary care.

What is NHS and how is it funded? NHS is national health service organization and is mainly funded by general taxation. If you are considered a working person in England, a small amount of what you pay to the national insurance assists in the funding of the National health service.

What is a PCN? PCN stands for primary care network, which is a network of practices that works with various providers in order to improve patient wellbeing’s and health and is shares funding with community services. Some examples of these services are respiratory services, wound care services, urology services and dermatology services. PCNs aim to improve patient outcomes, enhance access to services, and support the delivery of comprehensive primary care. What is ICS/ICB? ICS and ICB stands for integrated care system/board, initially known as CCGs. These organizations has partnerships that ensure to meet the needs of health and care across an area. What is QOF? QOF stands for quality of framework, which relates to medical conditions and long term endurance from clinical domains. The Quality and Outcomes Framework was introduced as part of the General Medical Services (GMS) contract. The aim of the Quality and Outcomes Framework is to improve the quality of care provided by GP practices, enhance patient outcomes, and incentivize continuous quality improvement within the primary care setting. It provides a structured framework for monitoring and rewarding performance while also promoting consistency and accountability in healthcare delivery.

Most individuals that are considered the working people of England have to pay for their prescriptions, while there are certain groups who are able to access free medication through national health services. Each prescription is nine pounds and sixty-five cents through the National Health Service. Individuals over the age of 65 receive free prescription, and individuals under the age of 16 or students attending college does not have to pay for medication. If you have long term medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, thyroid, colostomy, etc., then you are exempt from paying prescription charges.

When it comes to general practice appointments, it is not first come first serve, it is booked on a priority basis. The waiting time has significantly increased due to the pandemic, which makes the waiting time 2 weeks max to be seen by a general practice health professional. If you need urgent care, you should seek urgent treatment center or call before going. If an patient has minor ailments such as urinary tract infection, sore throat, or earaches, they should visit something called pharmacy first, which is a local pharmacy that can provide medication before they get worse and will not waste time visiting a general practitioner.

I wish I was donkey from Shrek before I became the dragon, because my breath was hot! I will not wish that spice on anyone, but myself because I will get it again and again. I love spicy food, so I can handle it, but that spice threw me off guard, I did not expect it to be so hot. It still was not hotter than me though, I am too cute.