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How does the NHS in England work?

Overview

• NHS England: Fit for the Future: 10 Year Health Plan for England.
• The King’s Fund: The Health and Care Act: six key questions (May 2022).
• The King’s Fund: Integrated care systems: how will they work under the Health and Care Act? (May 2022).

Terminology

• NHS Confederation: Acronym Buster – dictionary of commonly used acronyms in the NHS.
• NHS: Abbreviations you may find in your health record – common medical abbreviations.

Working in the NHS

• Agenda for Change – terms and conditions, current pay scales, job evaluation, etc.
• ESR – log in to access your staff record and e-learning.
• NHS Email – log in to your NHS.net email.
• NHS Jobs – search and apply for jobs in the NHS.
• NHS Pension – find information about the NHS pension scheme.
• ​NHS Employers – news, updates, and resources for employers in the NHS.

Resources for international staff

• NHS England – North West: Information for International Doctors.
• NHS England: Resources for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) across the Midlands (updated July 2024).
• HEE (NHS England): Induction for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) new to the UK – good practice guidance and checklist (February 2023).
• E-Learning: Welcoming and Valuing International Medical Graduates: A guide to induction for IMGs recruited to the NHS.
• NHS Employers: Support information for international nurses and midwives (June 2025).

Video: How does the NHS in England work?

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English Language resources

For more English language resources, visit our English Language page.

• Healthy English – online activities and explanations to help you develop your English language and communication skills for the health and care context.
• Royal College of Nursing: Guide to common English expressions.
• OET: Living the Language: Your guide to English usage in British life and work – Nurses’ edition and Doctors’ edition.
• List of local slang words and phrases.

Local information

• 15 best things to do in Macclesfield – popular places to visit in and around Macclesfield.
• Visit Macclesfield – online town guide.
• Visit Cheshire – information on tourist attractions in the county of Cheshire and surrounding areas.
• Visit Peak District and Derbyshire – information on places to visit and things to do in neighbouring Derbyshire.
• Bus and rail route maps.
• Bus travel in Macclesfield – timetables and journey planning.