Hospitals: jargon-buster

A&E (accident and emergency)

Otherwise known as casualty. This is where you go if you need urgent treatment. You'll be assessed, treated, then either discharged or admitted to a hospital ward.

Choose and book (C&B)

An electronic booking system for patients' hospital appointments. It supports the GP in offering patient choice and means that patients can book an appointment at their convenience.

CCU (Coronary Care Unit)

A special unit in a hospital where patients with serious heart problems receive intensive care.

CT scan (computerised tomography)

A type of specialised three-dimensional X-ray.

Dermatology

The hospital department that treats skin and skin conditions.

Elective care/elective surgery

Treatment or operations carried out in hospital that are planned in advance, so you know when you will be admitted. Also referred to as planned care or planned surgery.

Endocrinology

The hospital department that deals with disorders of glands and hormones.

Gynaecology

The branch of medicine dealing with the female reproductive system.

Haematology

Healthcare concerned with conditions affecting the blood.

HDU (High Dependency Unit)

An area in a hospital for patients who require more intensive observation, treatment and nursing care than a general ward can usually provide. It's a level of care that sits between the general ward and an intensive care unit (ICU).

In-patient

Someone who is admitted to hospital usually for a period covering at least one night, and often much longer.

ICU (Intensive Care Unit)

A special unit in a hospital that caters for patients who need very close care and treatment from specially trained staff.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

A diagnostic technique that provides images of the inside of the body.

Oncology

The branch of healthcare that deals with the treatment of patients with cancer.

Out-patients

Where you are treated in a clinic or consulting room but not admitted into hospital.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

Provides information, confidential advice and support on healthcare matters to help hospital patients and their families.

Triage

A system of sorting patients in hospital, typically in A&E, to make sure that people get seen by the most appropriate health professional for their illness or injuries.