4 HOSPITAL STAFF HOSPITAL DOCTORS What they do Hospital doctors and hospital patients. They save lives and improve people’s health. Patients are sent to them by and other health professionals. They listen to each patient, ask them about their symptoms and do a physical examination. They then decide what the problem is and explain the best options for treatment. It is important to people as they may be very anxious. examine cure General Practitioners (GPs) reassure Specialisations Hospital doctors can in a particular area and need to keep with developments in their chosen field. They could work in: specialise up to date – here they carry out operations. They also look after patients before and after surgery. They can specialise in one field, such as . Surgery neurosurgery – here doctors offer more general treatment. Again, they can focus on one field, such as paediatrics, cardiology and many more. Medicine – doctors working in this area explore the causes and effects of diseases. Pathology – these doctors work with people who have mental health problems, for example depression or . As well as therapy and , they also do tests and prescribe medicine. Psychiatry addiction counselling Other areas they can work in are: Anaesthetics, Gynaecology, Obstetrics, Oncology, Pediatrics, Radiology, etc. Other aspects of their job Doctors also have to do. They have to keep patient up-to-date and write to tell GPs about the diagnosis and care of their patients. paperwork records reports Hospital doctors might also lead a team of medical staff, manage a department or help train doctors. Working hours and places They work long hours, , and are part of an . European legislation has reduced the number of hours you can work to no more than 48 per week. including nights and weekends out-of-hours rota system Hospital doctors spend time in a such as consulting rooms, , operating rooms and special units, such as accident and emergency. variety of places wards WARM UP • Do you know anyone who 1s a doctor or 1s studylng to become a doctor? • Would you llke to become a doctor? Why? / Why not? DO Hippocrates is considered the father of medicine. What do you know about him? Use the internet to find some interesting facts about him. 1