Today started earlier than usual. I woke up feeling rested and decided to spend some quiet time in the lobby, relaxing before the day’s activities began. It was a peaceful start to the morning. Taking that extra time made a difference—I felt refreshed and ready to engage in another insightful day at Birmingham City University’s (BCU) City South Campus.

We spent the day attending lectures, starting with a discussion on primary care and its role as the first point of contact in healthcare services. The four main elements of primary care include general practice, community pharmacy, dental services, and optometry. This foundational aspect of healthcare ensures that people receive essential medical support before needing specialized treatments. Understanding how primary care functions in different systems is crucial, and today’s lecture provided a thorough comparison between the UK and the US. One of the biggest differences I learned about was how healthcare is funded in the UK.

The UK’s healthcare system is managed by the National Health Service (NHS), which operates through general taxation. This means that UK taxpayers contribute toward free healthcare services. General practices receive funding through the General Medical Service Contract (GMSC), ensuring that medical professionals are compensated for their work while still providing universal care. One of the most striking differences between the UK and the US is how prescription costs are handled. In the UK, there are set prescription charges: £9.90 per item, with alternative subscription options of £32.05 for three months and £114.50 for twelve months. Certain individuals are exempt from paying prescription charges, such as those with chronic conditions like diabetes or cancer, pregnant individuals, and people receiving state benefits.

While the NHS provides healthcare to all citizens regardless of financial status, there are significant drawbacks. One of the most commonly cited issues is long wait times. Though the care is free, it is often delayed, sometimes with severe consequences. One example we heard about was a patient who had fallen and was left waiting for hours, unable to move, while lying next to a radiator. By the time she was assisted, the prolonged exposure had caused burns to her skin. This story highlighted the challenges within the NHS—while accessibility is prioritized, timely medical attention can be compromised.

Overall, today’s lectures deepened my understanding of healthcare systems and the ways they impact both providers and patients. These insights will be valuable as I continue my journey in nursing.