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 is abnormal for women your age.  
ache
noun pain that won't go away I can't sleep because my knees ache in the night.  
acute
adj quick to become severe/bad We knew the baby was coming right away because the woman's labour pains were acute.  
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 am anaemic.  
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 appointment with 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 arthritis in 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 of bacteria 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 painful bedsores.
benign
noun 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 a breech 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 was broken.  
bruise noun
bruised adj injured body tissue that is visible underneath the skin The woman was badly bruised when 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 treating cancer.  
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, the chapel 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 the cysts just to be on the safe side.  
deaf
adj unable to hear The accident left the patient both deaf 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 your discomfort.  
disease
noun a medical disorder that is harmful to a person's health I understand that this disease runs in your family.  
dislocated
adj when a bone is temporarily separated from its joint You will have to wear a sling because of your dislocated shoulder.  
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 ER after 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 negative pregnancy 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 germs being 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.
immunization noun
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 were inconclusive.
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 inflamed it 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-headed again, lie down and call me.
malignant
adj expected to grow and get much worse (especially related to cancerous cells) I'm  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 the pain.
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 killers every four hours.
paralyzed
adj unable to move certain areas of the body We thought her legs were paralyzed 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 a poisonous snake.
prenatal
adj of the time period leading up to giving birth The woman was well prepared for labour because she took the prenatal classes.
prescription noun
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 a private 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 your stress.
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 symptoms of 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 the therapy.  
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 unconscious when 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 best vein 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  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 stop vomiting.  
ward
noun a section of a hospital or health facility where patients stay I should warn you that we're entering the mental health ward.  
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's scalp is covered with hair. Beneath the hairline at the front of the face is the forehead. 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 the throat. 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 the breasts. Babies suck on the nipples of their mother's breasts. Beneath the ribcage are the stomach and the waist. The naval, more commonly referred to as the belly button, is located here as well. On the inside of the upper body are the heart for pumping blood and the lungs for breathing. The rear side of the upper body is called the back, 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 armpit or 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 four fingers 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 the intestines for digesting food, the bladder for holding liquid waste, as well as the liver and the kidneys. 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 the knee. 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 the 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  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 the 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  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  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  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  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  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.

Booking 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: Okay. 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.