Using the NHS - Speaking Confidently when Using Health Services

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Using the NHS – Speaking Confidently when Using Health Services

Next Available Start Dates

Monday 7th Dec 2026 - 25th Jan 2027, 12:30pm - 3pm at Pendle Women's Forum Enrol Now

Course Type:

Part Time

Entry Requirements:

In order to attend the course, learners should be able to follow verbal and written instructions in English at Entry Level 2 and above.  
Learners who speak English as a second or other language will complete an initial assessment.
Learners will need a basic level of IT skills to be able to access the course and follow online instructions.

Course Overview

Progressing from the Your Health and You course, learners develop communication skills to effectively access NHS services. Making an urgent and non-urgent appointment with a health professional, explaining a medical problem clearly by describing symptoms and exploring questions a health professional may ask and how to respond clearly and precisely. With this enhanced knowledge and confidence, learners will be better equipped to look after their own and their family’s health.

What will I learn?

The course has been designed for learners who have English as their second language therefore communication skills, as well as English language skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening will be developed on the course.
The wider skills that underpin this curriculum include working together, producing written work, following instructions; presenting information to a group and focusing on specific health campaigns to improve your own health and wellbeing.
At the end of the course, learners will be able to:
Recognise the roles and responsibilities of a range of health professionals and identify the appropriate health professional to consult for a specific health condition
List a range of health services available through the NHS and other associated organisations
Demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to make an appointment with a range of health service professionals
Explore potential questions asked by health professionals and record how to respond effectively
Prepare and practise a conversation to support you during an appointment with a health professional
Identify appropriate progression opportunities.

How is the course delivered?

If attending an online course:
Learners attend via the online platform Microsoft Teams or Zoom on a set day and time. The sessions will be delivered live, and learners will be supported to work through the course content in their own homes.
If attending in a community venue:
Learners will attend a specific venue on a set day and time as advertised. Learners will complete written learning activities within a course booklet, and in addition to this, learners will be given access to a course Padlet, Moodle (VLE – Virtual Learning Environment) or other recommended websites. This enables activities can be completed during and between sessions to record progress and achievement.

How will my learning be assessed?

The teacher will use a range of activities to review learner’s knowledge throughout the course and identify any gaps and additional information required

Learners will receive feedback in order to further develop their knowledge

Learners will assess their knowledge at the start of the course and again at the end against the learning outcomes. This allows them to identify how much they have learnt and where they might need to do further study or research.

Learners will also be supported to set an individual target(s) for the course based on personal goals and aspirations.

Additional Information

Learners will be submitting work via Moodle (Virtual Learning Platform) wherever possible.

Learners will also be expected to complete homework in the form of worksheets and research tasks on specific health topics

Potential Careers

Following completion of this course there are a number of additional courses that you could undertake, including Lancashire Lifesavers for Speaker of Other Languages and ESOL courses. You can find full details of these courses within this website.

Course Facilities

 In order for the course to start on time, it’s important to be ready to join your course 5 – 10 minutes prior to the official start time.
For all courses, it would be useful to have a pen and paper so you can make notes throughout the course.   
The college has an Additional Learning Support Team who can support students with a variety of learning needs. If you have a diagnosed additional learning need or feel you may need additional support to successfully complete this course, please speak to your course teacher upon enrolment.   

Using the NHS – Speaking Confidently when Using Health Services