Ab Kettleby, LEC Emergency Services

Although it has had its detractors in recent years, the NHS, or National Health Service, is still one of the finest publicly-funded healthcare systems in the world.

Travellers who feel unwell during a stay but have a non-serious condition should ask the front desk of their hotel for the contact details of a local doctor. Ring the surgery early in the morning, appointments are usually available the same day but are given on a first come, first served basis. A GP will be able to write a prescription for any ailments, this prescription can then be taken to a pharmacy who will dispense medication for a flat fee of 6.40GBP.

In the case of a serious emergency ring 999 (911 and 112 will also work) and ask for an Ambulance. Ambulance services are also an NHS operation, so a hefty bill for a lift to hospital will not make any recovery more agonising. All emergency treatment in the UK is free of charge regardless of nationality, however, a good travel insurance policy will give more choices for treatment and recovery.

Another option for people somewhere between these state of affairs is to visit the accident and emergency department of any NHS hospital. A nurse will assess the severity of any illnesses or injuries. After this triage examination, the nurse will place the patient in a queue according to how serious their condition is. A doctor will then provide treatment when the patient is at the front of this queue, there is no set waiting time, it depends on how ill everyone else waiting is!

The NHS run a service called NHS Direct which is available online or by ringing 0845 46 47. Trained nurses are on hand to offer advice on illnesses and what services visitors to London are entitled to during their stay.

For emergency services in the United Kingdom dial 999 from any telephone line. The operator will then ask you whether you require fire, police or ambulance and you will be connected to the appropriate control centre. England now has a modern emergency service system with fully trained paramedics, medical technicians and fire fighters. There may be a charge for ambulance services for non-UK residents, but a good travel insurance policy will cover this.