This course explains how the NHS is organised, how primary, secondary and community care fit together, and who does what in the teams you will join. It is written for new starters and internationally educated professionals, uses worked examples of a patient's journey through the system, and describes the structure as it stands at the time of writing, with advice on checking for changes.
What you will learn
- Describe the overall structure of the NHS in England, including the role of the Department of Health and Social Care, integrated care boards and NHS trusts, and how it differs in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Explain the difference between primary, secondary, tertiary and community care, and how patients move between them through referral and discharge.
- Identify the national bodies that regulate, inspect and set standards for NHS care, including the professional regulators, the CQC and NICE.
- Describe the roles of the main professional groups in a multidisciplinary team and when to involve each one.
- Apply this knowledge to navigate referrals, discharges and communication across organisational boundaries.
Course content
- The NHS in brief (2 min)
- How the NHS in England is organised (3 min)
- Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (1 min)
- Primary, secondary, tertiary and community care (3 min)
- Urgent care, mental health and social care (3 min)
- National bodies and regulators (2 min)
- Who does what in the team (4 min)
- Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
- Guided reflection (15 min)
Standards and guidance covered
- The NHS Constitution for England
- Health and Care Act 2022 (which established integrated care boards in England)
- GMC: Good Medical Practice (2024) and Welcome to UK practice
- NMC: The Code (2015, updated 2018)
- HCPC: Standards of conduct, performance and ethics (2024)
- GPhC: Standards for pharmacy professionals (2017)
Certificate
Courses are free to study. When you pass the knowledge check (80%) and complete your reflection, you can buy a verified certificate showing your CPD time, with a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check on our verification page.
Study free at your own pace on any device.
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Practitioner Insight is an independent education provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GMC, MPTS, NMC, HCPC, GPhC or any NHS organisation, and this information is not legal advice. If you have been referred to a regulator, speak to your defence organisation, trade union or legal representative.