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English for Nurses and Medical Professionals

Patients come in all different shapes and sizes. They also speak many different languages. Whether you are working abroad or at home, there will come a time when you will need to rely on English to communicate. These pages can help nurses, doctors, pharmacists, paramedics, receptionists, specialists or even those who volunteer. They will help you learn some basic English expressions and vocabulary related to the medical field. By studying and practising Medical English, you will be able to make your patients feel more comfortable, and have a better understanding of their needs. You will also learn how to talk to their loved ones and communicate with other medical staff who speak English. Do the exercises and take the quizzes to test your knowledge and understanding.

Vocabulary

Word part of speech	Meaning	Example sentence
abnormal adj	not normal for the human body	This amount of weight loss isabnormal for women your age.
ache noun/verb	pain that won't go away	I can't sleep because my kneesache in the night.
acute adj	quick to become severe/bad	We knew the baby was coming right away because the woman's labour pains wereacute.
allergy noun allergic adj	a body's abnormal reaction to certain foods or environmental substances (eg causes a rash)	Your son is extremely allergic to peanuts.
ambulance noun	emergency vehicle that rushes people to a hospital	We called the ambulance when Josh stopped breathing.
amnesia noun	a condition that causes people to lose their memory	I can't remember the accident because I had amnesia.
amputation noun amputate verb	permanent removal of a limb	We had to amputate his leg because the infection spread so quickly.
anaemia noun anaemic adj	occurs when the body doesn't have enough red blood cells	I have low energy because I amanaemic.
antibiotics noun	medication that kills bacteria and cures infections	My throat infection went away after I started the antibiotics.
anti-depressant noun	medication that helps relieve anxiety and sadness	The anti-depressants helped me get on with life after Lucy died.
appointment noun	a scheduled meeting with a medical professional	I've made you an appointmentwith a specialist in three week's time.
arthritis noun	a disease that causes the joints to become swollen and crippled	My grandmother can't knit anymore because the arthritisin her hands is so bad.
asthma (attack) noun	a condition that causes a blockage of the airway and makes it difficult for a person to breathe	I carry an inhaler when I run because I have asthma.
bacteria noun	a disease-causing organism	To prevent the spread ofbacteria it is important that nurses wash their hands often.
bedsore noun	wounds that develop on a patient's body from lying in one place for too long	If you don't get up and take a walk, you will develop painfulbedsores.
benign adj	not harmful (not cancerous)	We're hoping that the tests will show that the lump in your breast is benign.
biopsy noun	removal of human tissue in order to conduct certain medical tests	The biopsy ruled out a number of illnesses.
blood count noun	the amount of red and white blood cells a person has	You will be happy to know that your blood count is almost back to normal.
blood donor noun	a person who gives blood to a blood bank or other person	Blood donors have to answer questions about their medical history.
blood pressure noun	the rate at which blood flows through the body (high/low)	High blood pressure puts you at risk of having a heart attack.
brace noun	a device that holds injured body parts in place	You will probably always have to wear a brace on your ankle when you jog.
breech adj	position of an unborn baby in which the feet are down and the head is up	We thought it was going to be abreech birth, but the baby turned himself around.
broken adj	a bone that is divided in two or more pieces as a result of an injury	We thought it was just a sprain, but it turned out his leg wasbroken.
bruise noun bruised adj	injured body tissue that is visible underneath the skin	The woman was badly bruisedwhen she came into the emergency room.
Caesarean section, C-section noun	procedure that involves removing a baby from its mother through an incision in the woman's lower abdomen	The baby was so large that we had to perform a Caesarean section.
cancer noun	disease caused by the uncontrollable growth of cells	There are many different options when it comes to treatingcancer.
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) noun	restoring a person's breath and circulation	You saved your brother's life by performing CPR.
cast noun	a hard bandage that is wrapped around a broken bone to keep it in place	My leg was in a cast for graduation.
chapel, chapeline noun	a place where loved ones can go to pray for a patient's recovery; a priest who visits patients in the hospital	If you want a place to pray, thechapel is on the third floor.
chemotherapy noun	type of treatment used on cancer patients	My mother has already had three rounds of chemotherapy.
chickenpox noun	a virus commonly contracted by children, characterized by itchy spots all over the body	It is best to get chickenpox as a child so that you don't get it worse as an adult.
coroner noun	a person who determines the cause of death after a person dies	We only call the coroner if we think a death is suspicious.
critical condition noun	requiring immediate and constant medical attention	You can't see her right now; she's in critical condition.
crutches noun	objects that people with injured legs or feet use to help them walk	I'd rather hop on one foot than use crutches.
cyst noun	a sac in the body-tissue filled with fluid (sometimes diseased)	We're going to remove thecysts just to be on the safe side.
deaf adj	unable to hear	The accident left the patient bothdeaf and blind.
deficiency noun	a lack of something necessary for one's health	The tests show that you have an iron deficiency.
dehydrated adj	in need of water	It is easy for the elderly to become dehydrated in this heat.
dementia noun	loss of mental capacity	It is hard to watch a loved one suffering with dementia.
diabetes noun	type of disease typically involving insulin deficiency	People with diabetes have to constantly check their blood sugar levels.
diagnosis noun	medical explanation of an illness or condition	The doctor would prefer to share the diagnosis with the patient himself.
discomfort noun	experiencing pain	This pain medication should relieve some of yourdiscomfort.
disease noun	a medical disorder that is harmful to a person's health	I understand that this diseaseruns in your family.
dislocated adj	when a bone is temporarily separated from its joint	You will have to wear a sling because of your dislocatedshoulder.
emergency noun	a medical problem that needs immediate attention	It is important that children know which number to dial in case of an emergency.
ER (emergency room) noun	the hospital room used for treating patients with immediate and life-threatening injuries	The child was rushed into the ERafter he had a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting.
external adj	on the outside	This cream is for external use only. Do not get it near your ears, eyes, or mouth.
false negative noun adj	a test that incorrectly comes back negative	We had two false negativepregnancy tests, so we didn't know we were having a baby.
family history noun	medical background of a person's family members	The doctor was concerned about my family history of skin cancer.
fatal adj	causing death	The doctor made a fatal error when he wrote the wrong prescription.
fever noun feverish adj	higher than normal body temperature	He is very feverish, and his temperature is near danger point.
flu (influenza) noun	many types of respiratory or intestinal infections passed on through a virus	People who have the flu should not visit hospital patients.
fracture noun fractured adj	broken or cracked bone	Your wrist is fractured and needs a cast.
germ noun	a micro-organism, especially one that causes disease	Flowers are not allowed in the ward to avoid the risk of germsbeing brought in.
genetic adj	a medical condition or physical feature that is passed on in the family	The disease is part genetic and part environmental.
growth noun	a ball of tissue that grows bigger than normal, either on or under the skin	That growth on your shoulder is starting to worry me.
heart attack noun	instance in which blood stops pumping through the heart	People who smoke are at greater risk of having a heart attack.
HIV noun	the virus that infects the human T-cells and leads to AIDS	HIV can be passed down from the mother to her fetus.
hives noun	bumps that appear on the surface of the skin during an allergic reaction	I broke out in hives after I ate that potato casserole.
illness noun ill adj	general term for any condition that makes a person feel sick for a certain period of time	Her illness went away when she started eating better.
immune system noun	the parts of the body that fight diseases, infections, and viruses	You can't have visitors because your immune system is low.
immunizationnoun immunize verb	an injection that protects against a specific disease	Babies are immunized three times in their first year.
incision noun	cut in the body made during surgery	I had to have stitches to close the incision.
inconclusive adj	unclear	We have to do more x-rays because the first ones wereinconclusive.
infant noun	young baby	The nurse will demonstrate how to bathe an infant.
infection noun infected adj	diseased area of the body (viral or bacterial)	The wound should be covered when you swim to prevent it from becoming infected.
inflamed adj	appearance (red and swollen) of an injured body part	My right ankle was so inflamedit was twice the size of my left one.
injury noun	damage to the body	Her injuries were minor; just a few cuts and bruises.
intensive care unit (ICU) noun	section of the hospital where patients get constant attention and doctors rely on specialized equipment	She will remain in the ICU until she can breathe on her own.
internal adj	under the skin, inside the organs	The doctors will be monitoring her for any internal bleeding.
itchy adj	feeling discomfort on the skin's surface	If you are allergic to this medication your skin will get red and itchy.
IV noun	a tube that pumps liquids and medication into a patient's body	The toddler was so dehydrated that the doctor decided to get him on an IV.
lab results noun	tests that come back from a laboratory and help doctors make a diagnosis	The lab results have come in and you are free to go home.
lab (laboratory) noun	place where samples of blood/urine etc. are taken for testing	I'll take these samples down to the lab on my way out.
life support noun	a machine that keeps patients alive by helping them breathe	The woman has severe brain damage and is currently on life support.
life-threatening adj	when injuries and conditions are extremely serious	The victim was shot in two places but the bullet wounds are not life-threatening.
light-headed adj	feeling of dizziness and being off-balance, caused by lack of oxygen in the brain	If you are feeling light-headedagain, lie down and call me.
malignant adj	expected to grow and get much worse (especially related to cancerous cells)	I'm afraid at least one of the tumours is malignant.
medical school (med. school) noun	place where someone trains to be a doctor	After eight years of medical school I can finally practice medicine.
newborn noun	an infant that is less than three months old	You have to support her neck because she is still a newborn.
numb adj	no feeling in a certain body part	The needle will make your lower body feel numb.
OR (operating room) noun	the place where major surgeries and operations take place	You must wear a face mask and gloves while you are in the OR.
operation noun operate on verb	a medical procedure that involves going inside a person's body in an attempt to fix a problem	The operation lasted seven hours, but it was successful.
pain noun	strong discomfort in certain areas of the body	We gave your husband some medicine to relieve some of thepain.
pain killer, pain reliever noun	type of medicine that takes away some or all of the discomfort of an illness or injury	You can take two pain killersevery four hours.
paralyzed adj	unable to move certain areas of the body	We thought her legs wereparalyzed for life, but she is learning how to walk.
patient noun	a person staying in a hospital or medical facility	The patients in Room 4 are not getting along.
pharmacist noun	a person who fills a doctor's prescription and gives people advice about medication	Ask the pharmacist if there is a generic brand of this medication.
pharmacy, drugstore noun	a place where people go to buy medication and other medical supplies	You should be able to buy a bandage at the pharmacy.
physician noun	doctor	Ask your family physician to refer you to a specialist.
poison noun poisonous adj	a substance that is very dangerous if it enters the human body	The child was bitten by apoisonous snake.
prenatal adj	of the time period leading up to giving birth	The woman was well prepared for labour because she took theprenatal classes.
prescriptionnoun prescribe verb	the correct amount and type of medication needed to cure an illness or relieve symptoms	You will need to visit your doctor to get another prescription.
privacy noun private adj	being alone; personal (eg test results)	You will have to pay for aprivate hospital room if you don't want a room-mate.
radiation noun	high energy X-rays that destroy cancer cells	If the radiation doesn't kill all of the abnormal cells, the cancer will come back.
residency resident noun	part of a doctor's training that takes place in the hospital; a student working under a doctor	John is a resident under Dr Brown.
routine check-up noun	a doctor's appointment to check a person's general health	I'd like to see you a year from now for a routine check-up.
scrubs noun	plain uniform (usually green, white, or blue) worn by medical professionals	I have some extra scrubs in my locker.
scrub up verb	carefully wash hands before and after seeing a patient	I have to scrub up and get ready for surgery.
second opinion noun	input from a second doctor about an illness or symptom	I went to another doctor to get a second opinion about these headaches.
seizure noun	sudden violent movements or unconsciousness caused by electrical signal malfunction in the brain	People who suffer from epilepsy are prone to seizures.
shock noun	body not getting enough blood flow	The woman was in shock after being pulled from the river.
side effects noun	other symptoms that might occur as a result of a certain medication or procedure	One of the side effects of antidepressants is a loss of appetite.
sore adj	painful	I have a sore throat and a runny nose.
spasm noun	the uncontrollable tightening of a muscle	Ever since I injured my leg I've been having muscle spasms in my upper thigh.
specialist noun	a doctor that is an expert in a certain kind of medicine	My family doctor is sending me to a specialist.
sprain noun/verb	an injury (less serious than a break) to a joint (ankle, wrist, knee etc)	I sprained my knee playing soccer.
stable condition noun	a patient is stable if their medical condition is no longer changing rapidly	You can see your husband now; he is in a stable condition.
sting noun/verb	sharp, temporary pain	It may sting when I insert the needle.
stress noun stressed adj	worry that causes muscles to tighten and blood pressure to rise	You need to take some time off work and relieve some of yourstress.
swelling noun swollen adj	ligaments (parts that hold the joints together) growing bigger and rounder after an injury to a joint	I knew my ankle was sprained because it was so swollen.
symptoms noun	pain or physical changes that occur because of an illness or disease	You have all of the symptomsof a diabetic.
temperature noun	amount of heat measured in a body; higher than normal temperature	We brought Jesse to emergency because he was running a (high)temperature.
tender adj	painful when touched or used	The incision was tender after the surgery.
test results noun	medical information that helps doctors understand a patient's condition or body	The test results came back negative. You aren't pregnant.
therapy noun	treatment aimed at improving a person's mental or physical condition	I was able to go back to work a few weeks after starting thetherapy.
transplant noun	moving of an organ from one human to another	The heart transplant saved your life.
ultrasound noun	a test that examines the body's internal organs and processes using sound waves (often used during pregnancies)	The ultrasound shows that we are expecting a baby boy.
umbilical cord noun	the lifeline from the mother to the fetus (when cut at birth this forms the belly button)	I had an emergency C-section because the umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby's neck.
unconscious adj	alive, but appearing to be asleep and unaware of the surroundings	I hit my head on the steering wheel and was still unconsciouswhen the ambulance arrived.
urine sample noun	a small amount of the body's liquid waste that is tested for different medical reasons	The urine sample tells us how much alcohol is in your blood.
vein noun	the thin tubes that transport blood around the body and back to the heart	I'm just looking for the bestvein in which to insert the needle.
virus noun	a dangerous organism that causes the spread of minor and major diseases	The virus is contractable through the exchange of bodily fluids.
visiting hours noun	time of day when friends and family are allowed to visit patients in hospital	I'm afraid you'll have to come back during visiting hours.
vomit noun/verb	discharge of a person stomach contents through the mouth	The pregnant woman can't stopvomiting.
ward noun	a section of a hospital or health facility where patients stay	I should warn you that we're entering the mental healthward.
wheelchair noun	a chair on wheels used for transporting patients from place to place	If you get in the wheelchair I'll take you down to see the garden.
wound noun wounded adj	injury to body ("flesh wound" means not deep)	The wounded soldiers are being airlifted to the hospital.
x-ray noun/verb	a photograph of a person's bones and organs	The technician took x-rays of my shoulder to make sure it wasn't broken.

Human Body

One of the first things you need to know when working in English is the parts of the body. You will need to learn the names of the internal (inside the skin) and external body parts. You will also need to learn the words for the functions of each of these body parts. Here are the basics to get you started.

Head

Inside the head is the brain, which is responsible for thinking. The top of a person'sscalp is covered with hair. Beneath the hairline at the front of the face is theforehead. Underneath the forehead are the eyes for seeing, the nose for smelling, and the mouth for eating. On the outside of the mouth are the lips, and on the inside of the mouth are the teeth for biting and the tongue for tasting. Food is swallowed down thethroat. At the sides of the face are the cheeks and at the sides of the head are the ears for hearing. At the bottom of a person's face is the chin. The jaw is located on the inside of the cheeks and chin. The neck is what attaches the head to the upper body.

Upper Body

At the top and front of the upper body, just below the neck is the collar bone. On the front side of the upper body is the chest, which in women includes thebreasts. Babies suck on the nipples of their mother's breasts. Beneath theribcage are the stomach and the waist. The navel, more commonly referred to as the belly button, is located here as well. On the inside of the upper body are the heartfor pumping blood and the lungs for breathing. The rear side of the upper body is called theback, inside which the spine connects the upper body to the lower body.

Upper Limbs (arms)
The arms are attached to the shoulders. Beneath this area is called the armpitor underarm. The upper arms have the muscles known as triceps and biceps. The joint halfway down the arm is called the elbow. Between the elbow and the next joint, the wrist, is the forearm. Below the wrist is the hand with fourfingers and one thumb. Beside the thumb is the index finger. Beside the index finger is the middle finger, followed by the ring finger and the little finger. At the ends of the fingers are fingernails.

Lower Body

Below the waist, on left and right, are the hips. Between the hips are the reproductive organs, the penis (male) or the vagina (female). At the back of the lower body are the buttocks for sitting on. They are also commonly referred to as the rear end or the bum (especially with children). The internal organs in the lower body include theintestines for digesting food, the bladder for holding liquid waste, as well as the liver and thekidneys. This area also contains the woman's uterus, which holds a baby when a woman is pregnant.

Lower Limbs (legs)
The top of the leg is called the thigh, and the joint in the middle of the leg is theknee. The front of the lower leg is the shin and the back of the lower leg is the calf. The ankle connects the foot to the leg. Each foot has five toes. The smallest toe is often called the little toe while the large one is called the big toe. At the ends of the toes are toenails.

Medical Supplies and Tools

Here is a list of some of the most common supplies found in doctor's offices, operating rooms, and medical kits. Study the vocabulary and try the matching exercise.

antiseptic	liquid used to sterilize (clean) the surface of the skin
bandage	a cloth covering that is placed over a wound to prevent bleeding, swelling and infection
bandage scissors	tool used to cut bandages
blood pressure monitor	a tool that measures the force of blood flow through a person's body
dressing	protective covering that is placed over a wound
elastic tape	a thin roll of stretchy material that is sticky on one side
eye chart	a poster of letter, word, and number combinations of various sizes used to test a person's eyesight
forceps	instrument used during operations and medical procedures (assists the doctor in pulling, holding, and retrieving)
gauze	thin, netted material used for dressing wounds
hypodermic needle	sharp pointed metal piece that pricks the skin (attached to a syringe), used for taking blood or administering medicine
IV bag	the pouch that contains liquids to be pumped into a patient's body
medicine cup	small plastic measuring cup
microscope	equipment that makes small things appear larger than they are
otoscope	a device used for looking into a patient's ears
oxygen mask	equipment that fits over the nose and mouth and supplies oxygen
privacy screen	an object that is used to separate the doctor and patient from others in an open room
scales	a device that measures a person's weight
stethoscope	equipment for listening to a person's heart and lungs
syringe	a cylinder-shaped piece that attaches to a needle and can be filled with liquid
table and head-rest paper	paper that is placed on an examining table or head-rest to prevent the spread of germs
test tube	glass cylinder that is filled with blood or other liquids and can be capped and placed in a storage area
thermometer	an instrument used to check a person's body temperature
vial	a small bottle or container used for storing liquids

Matching Exercise
Match the comments with the supplies that are needed:

1	I can't catch my breath.	a	table and head-rest paper
2	Prepare the examining table for the next patient.	b	thermometer
3	We'll have to get a blood sample.	c	oxygen mask
4	I need to sterilize the wound.	d	hypodermic needle
5	We'll have to feed him with liquids.	e	bandage scissors
6	Let's find out your weight.	f	scales
7	I need to examine the patient in private.	g	eye chart
8	Let's check your vision.	h	antiseptic
9	Let's see if you are running a fever.	i	IV bag
10	Can you cut this gauze for me?	j	privacy screen

Answers: 1c, 2a, 3d, 4h, 5i, 6f, 7j, 8g, 9b, 10e

Medical Specialists

Medical specialists are experts in certain fields of medicine. They either treat specific parts of the body, such as the back or the brain, or they specialize in certain diseases, such as cancer. Family doctors keep a list of local specialists and can help patients choose the right specialist for each medical issue. In many cases specialists require a referral from a family doctor before they will see a patient. Here is a list of the most common types of specialists. Study the list and then check your understanding by taking the quiz.

allergist:	specializes in determining food and environmental allergies
anesthesiologist:	specializes in pain prevention during surgery
cardiologist:	heart specialist
chiropractor:	back specialist
dentist:	tooth specialist
dermatologist:	skin specialist
fertility specialist:	helps people who have difficulty getting pregnant
gynecologist:	specializes in women's needs
massage therapist:	specializes in muscle relaxation
midwife:	helps women deliver babies in a natural way
naturopath:	specializes in natural cures and remedies
neurologist:	brain specialist
obstetrician:	specialist for pregnant women
occupational therapist:	specializes in workplace health
oncologist:	tumour specialist, including cancer
ophthalmologist:	specializes in eye diseases
pediatrician:	specialist for babies and children
physical therapist:	specializes in the body's movement
podiatrist:	foot specialist
psychiatrist:	specialist in mental health
radiologist:	specializes in imaging tests

Doctor's Diagnosis

Physician

Your test results have come in.
I'm afraid the prognosis isn't good.
You have a long road to recovery.
We have several options to discuss.
The blood test came back negative.
The transfusion was a success.
It looks like you're ready to go home.
I'd like to keep you here over night.
We'll know more in a few days.
You're not in the clear yet.
We've ruled out diabetes.
I'm hoping to get to the bottom of this soon.

Patient

I don't understand what this means.
Am I going to need surgery?
Is it good news or bad?
When will the tests results come in?
How long do I have to stay in the hospital?
What is the success rate?
Are they going to run more tests?
Is this a common problem for people my age?
I'd like to discuss other options.
I'm going to get a second opinion.

Sample Conversation

Doctor:	Hi Jessica. How are you feeling today?
Patient:	A bit better.
Doctor:	That's good to hear. Are you still feeling nauseous?
Patient:	No, I haven't felt sick to my stomach since you switched my medication.
Doctor:	Great. Say, your test results came in this morning.
Patient:	It's about time. Is it good news or bad?
Doctor:	I guess it's a bit of both. Which do you want first?
Patient:	Let's get the bad news over with.
Doctor:	Okay. It looks like you're going to need surgery to remove the tumour from your leg. After the operation you're going to have to stay off your feet for at least three weeks. That means no soccer.
Patient:	I was afraid you were going to say that.
Doctor:	Now for the good news. The biopsy shows that the tumour is benign, which means it's not cancerous. We're going to take it out anyway just to be on the safe side.
Patient:	Wow, that's a load off my mind. Thanks Doctor.
Doctor:	Don't get too excited. We still need to get to the bottom of all of this weight loss.
Patient:	I've probably just been so worried about this stupid lump.
Doctor:	These things often are stress related, but we're still going to do a few blood tests just to rule a few things out.
Patient:	Things like what? Cancer?
Doctor:	Actually, I'm thinking more along the lines of a food allergy.

Visiting Hours

Part of being a nurse, involves dealing with the people who are close to your patients. When a patient is staying in a hospital or other health facility, it is often necessary to welcome, monitor, and inform visitors on a daily basis. In many cases you may form stronger relationships with the patients' visitors than the patients themselves. Depending on the condition of the patient, certain loved ones will be allowed to visit, while others will not. It is a difficult time for people who have loved ones in the hospital. Showing them compassion and explaining the rules is much easier if you have the necessary English skills.

Study the different people that may come to visit the patient. Then read some typical concerns and questions that visitors may have, and some appropriate responses that you may be able to give them.

Immediate family

Mother and Father (patient's parents)
Husband or Wife (the man or woman the patient is married to)
Son and Daughter (children of the patient, boy and girl)
Brother and Sister/siblings (other children of the patient's parents)

Extended family

Grandmother and Grandfather (mother and father of patient's parents)
Aunt and Uncle (brother and sister of patient's parents)
Niece and Nephew (girl and boy child of patient's siblings)
Cousins (children of patient's aunt or uncle)

Friends and other loved ones

Best friend (patient's closest friend)
Room-mate (a person the patient lives with)
Neighbour (a friend who lives near the patient)
Co-worker (a person who works with the patient)
Boyfriend or Girlfriend (the man or woman the patient loves/dates)
Fiancé (the man or woman the patient is engaged to marry)

Questions and Concerns of Loved Ones

We're Michael's grandparents.
Could you tell me which room Mrs Smythe is in?
Is my child going to be okay?
When can we speak with the doctor?
What time are visiting hours?
I'm trying to locate my sister. (I'm trying to find my sister's room.)
Is there anything you can do to make him more comfortable.
My child would like something to drink.
Is there somewhere I can lie down for a while.
Could you tell me where the chapel is?
Please tell her to get well soon.

Questions and Responses from Nurses

What is your relation to Jessica?
You'll have to come back during visiting hours.
Ms Lee is too tired for visitors.
Room 7 is down the hall to your right.
I'll give you two some privacy now.
Does your daughter need anything?
I'm afraid she's not having a very good day today.
We do the best we can around here.
There's a quiet room for families down the hall.
The doctor would like to have a word with you. (The doctor wants to speak to you.)
She's doing much better this morning.
He's in isolation because of the transplant.
We had to transfer your mother-in-law to the ICU.
It's in your brother's best interest.

Sample Conversation

Nurse:	I'm afraid visiting hours are over, sir
Visitor:	My wife's in room 3B.
Nurse:	Sorry, you'll have to come back in the morning.
Visitor:	And leave her all alone overnight?
Nurse:	I'm afraid that's the policy, sir.
Visitor:	Surely you can make an exception? What if she needs me in the night?
Nurse:	Don't worry, we'll look after her. What she really needs is her rest.
Visitor:	Some of her friends want to see her too. When can they come?
Nurse:	Visiting hours are from 9 to 11 in the morning and 4 to 7 in the evening, but I'm afraid while your wife is on bedrest the doctor has requested that only immediate family members come in to see her.
Visitor:	Can't her friends even stop by to bring her flowers?
Nurse:	Flowers are not permitted in this ward. We just can't risk any germs that might come in with them.
Visitor:	Well, I guess it's all in her best interest.
Nurse:	Thanks for understanding. Now, I'm going to bring your wife her dinner. Why don't you head home and get something to eat yourself?
Visitor:	Okay. I really hate to leave her, but that's probably a good idea.
Nurse:	She's in good hands here. I'll tell her you were here and that you'll see her in the morning.

ooking a Doctor's Appointment

Patient

I need to make an appointment.
I need to see the doctor.
When is the doctor free?
I need to renew my prescription.
Do you think the doctor could squeeze us in today?
I need to make an appointment for my husband.
My child needs to come in for a check-up.
The doctor wants to see me again in two week's time.

Receptionist

What is your chart number?
What is the appointment regarding?
Which day/what time is good for you?
Is January the 3rd okay with you?
How does four o'clock sound?
We'll see you then.
I'm sorry the doctor is not taking new patients.
We'll call you if there are any cancellations.
We're running an hour behind schedule.
Dr Jones is away. You'll be seeing Dr Lindsay.

Sample Conversation

Receptionist:	Doctor's office. Jane speaking. How can I help you?
Caller:	I need to make an appointment with Dr. Harris.
Receptionist:	Do you know your chart number?
Caller:	No, sorry. It's at home and I'm at work right now.
Receptionist:	No problem. What's your name, please?
Caller:	George Mason.
Receptionist:	Okay Mr Mason. Hold one moment while I grab your chart, please.
Caller:	Sure.
Receptionist:	Thanks for waiting. Now, what do you need to see the doctor about?
Caller:	Well, I've been fighting a cold for more than a week, and I think I might have a chest infection or something. My cough is getting worse each day.
Receptionist:	Hmm. Doctor Harris is off tomorrow. Do you think it can wait until Wednesday?
Caller:	Oh, I was really hoping to get in today or tomorrow in case I need some antibiotics. Maybe I'll have to go to the walk-in-clinic instead.
Receptionist:	Actually, we had a cancellation for 2:00pm today if you can get away from the office.
Caller:	Gee, it's almost 1:00pm already. I think I can make it if I leave right now.
Receptionist:	We're running a bit behind schedule, so you can probably count on seeing the doctor around 2:30.
Caller:	That's great. Thanks for fitting me in.
Receptionist:	No problem, Mr. Mason. We'll see you in an hour or so.

		خانه درباره ما تماس با ما آموزشگاه مجازی دوره ها و ثبت نام راهنما مدارک بین المللی خبرنامه درس های رایگان خدمات آموزشی