NHS 24
Related section of pack: Health
Aim:
To make learners aware of what NHS 24 is and how to use it
Materials:
NHS 24 leaflet (available from any health centre or chemist)
ESOL level:
Access 3 - Intermediate 1
SCQF level:
3-4
Time:
90 mins
Preparation:
Obtain sufficient copies of NHS 24 leaflet so that each learner has a
leaflet; photocopy worksheets for group A and for group B
In class:
This lesson is related to, but does not use the NIACE health pack materials. It could
be classed as an Extension Activity. While the materials in the pack focus on childrelated health issues, learners without children may find these materials more
relevant.
1.) Pre teach vocabulary: confidential, unwell, late opening, out of hours, to
diagnose, life-threatening, anonymously and make sure learners understand
the difference between advice and information
2.) Ask learners to underline these words in the leaflet
3.) Explain abbreviations: GP, A&E, PCEC
4.) Discuss common illnesses and symptoms for which you could call NHS 24.
5.) Reading comprehension Divide class into 2 groups:
Group A
lower level learners to work on cover and pages 1, 2, 4
Group B
more able learners to work on pages 3, 5
Variation:
Use Health Centre Information Packs or Well Woman/Well Man
leaflets.
Use NHS 24 website; use pack pages 202 – 205 to discuss illnesses
which require medical advice; make up a grammar worksheet on
present perfect, based on ‘My grandmother has been sick all night’
and ‘I have been diagnosed with diabetes’.
Assessment:
the task helps prepare learners for the following summative
assessments:
Access 3 Personal and Social English Outcome 1 & 3 (DA9K09)
Intermediate 1 English for Work and Study Outcomes 1 & 3
(DA9H10)
NHS 24
Group A
READING
Read cover and pages 1, 2 and 4 of the NHS 24 leaflet and write answers
to these questions.
Cover
Describe the people you see in the pictures.
Page 1
Which other members of your family have been sick?
Add to the list below.
e.g. My mother has been sick all night.
My son has been sick all night.
What other illnesses can your family have?
Add to the list below.
e.g. My grandmother has a temperature.
My daughter has a very bad headache.
What might you buy from a late opening chemist?
Add to the list below.
paracetemol
calpol
Page 2
What other illnesses can you be diagnosed with?
Add to the list below.
e.g. cancer
heart disease
Page 4
1. What number can you phone to get health information?
2. When is this service available?
3. When should you NOT contact NHS 24?
NHS 24
Group B
READING
Read pages 4 and 6 of the NHS 24 leaflet and write answers to these
questions.
Page 4
1. When can you call NHS 24?
2. What is the telephone number?
3. Who is the first person you speak to?
4. After talking to a nurse there are several possibilities. Are the
following true or false?
 You may be advised to look after yourself at home
 A nurse will come to your house
 You may be referred to your local PCEC
 You may be referred to your community pharmacist
 You may be referred to A & E
 Your GP will always come to your home
Page 6
1. Who has a legal duty to keep information about you confidential?
2. Is information recorded during the call?
3. Can NHS 24 give information about you to other organisations?
4. Who is a Caldicott Guardian?
5. Is it possible to use NHS 24 anonymously?