Good Care Month is a powerful reminder that care doesnβt only live in clinics or hospitalsβit lives in homes, communities, and relationships. At bookdialysis.com, we see care in many forms: the quiet strength of a family member coordinating treatment abroad, the daily dedication of carers and nurses, the empathy of social workers guiding patients through complex systems, and the solidarity of friends who simply show up.
This month, we celebrate all of them. July invites us to reflect on the real backbone of careβnot just the systems, but the people. While Good Care Month began in the UK as a way to spotlight the vital role of social care, it now speaks to something universal: the everyday courage and connection it takes to support someone elseβs wellbeing.
Whether professional or personal, paid or unpaid, care is essential work. It deserves visibility, respect, and gratitudeβnot just this month, but always.
A Look Back: The History of Good Care Month
The origins of Good Care Month are rooted in the UKβs deepening commitment to public health and social care. Its spirit can be traced as far back as 1948, when the National Health Service (NHS) was founded in the wake of World War IIβa transformative moment that reshaped healthcare access and brought the value of care to the forefront of national life.
However, it wasnβt until 2008 that Good Care Month began to take its current shape. Spearheaded by the Hertfordshire Care Providers Association (HCPA), the initiative aimed to elevate the visibility of social care workers and promote the sector as both vital and deeply human. Over the years, it has grown into a national campaign that celebrates not just professional carers, but also families, friends, and volunteers who provide support behind the scenes. With policy supportβincluding the appointment of Helen Whately as Minister of State for Care and Mental Health in 2022βthe campaign continues to spotlight the value of care in all its forms, urging society to give it the recognition it truly deserves.
Honouring Your Carers: Simple Acts That Speak Volumes
If youβre a patient who receives careβwhether at home, during travel, or in treatmentβGood Care Month is the perfect time to show your appreciation. Here are some thoughtful, meaningful ways to do just that:
Write a handwritten thank-you noteIt may seem old-fashioned, but itβs deeply personal. A few sincere words in your own handwriting can stay with someone far longer than youβd imagine. It tells your carer, βYou matter, and I notice.β
Share your gratitude on social mediaPublicly thanking someone on your platform not only celebrates them, but also shines a light on the everyday care that often goes unseen. Tag them (if theyβre comfortable), and use the hashtag #GoodCareMonth.
Create a photo album or digital memory bookUse tools like FlipHTML5 to turn moments into memories. Include photos, captions, and anecdotes to build something beautiful that your carer can treasure.
Give a small, thoughtful giftPersonalised giftsβlike a custom mug, a framed quote, or even a playlist of songs meaningful to your journeyβshow appreciation with heart.
Host a mini βthank-you momentβWhether itβs a surprise snack break, a favourite coffee, or a simple toast, a small gesture can brighten someoneβs entire day.
These acts donβt need to be bigβjust real.
At bookdialysis.com, we believe wellbeing isnβt just about healthβitβs about how freely and fully you live. Itβs about movement, presence, dreaming, and the courage to explore. Thatβs why we dedicate time each year to reflect on what wellbeing truly means, especially for those traveling with dialysis.
For many, travel represents joy, spontaneity, and renewal. But when you live with dialysis, it can also require courage, planning, and a bit more care. Thatβs where we come inβto remind you that the world is still open, your dreams are still valid, and travel is still yours.
Wellbeing starts with intention. It starts when you give yourself permission to explore new places, new possibilities, and new states of mind. Sometimes itβs a bold trip across borders. Other times, itβs a quiet pause in a beautiful settingβa moment to breathe and be.
Planning is a form of empowerment. When youβre equipped with the right tools and support, the impossible begins to feel doable. Confidence grows. Your suitcase becomes a symbol of independence, not limitation.
And dreaming? Thatβs part of wellness too. Imagining where you want to goβwhether itβs a sun-drenched coast, a mountain village, or a bustling capitalβis a way of saying yes to life again.
This week, weβve seen how even small steps toward movement and discovery can spark joy, clarity, and confidence. Weβve celebrated stories of freedom and intention, of people who choose to live well and travel far, despite dialysis.
We carry those stories with us every day. Because your wellbeing is not a side noteβitβs the whole journey. And it deserves to be filled with meaning, freedom, and experiences that make you feel alive.
Hereβs to continuing that journeyβone trip, one dream, one empowered step at a time.
Running a modern clinic is more challenging than ever. Patients expect seamless experiences, staff face growing administrative burdens, and competition is increasingly defined by convenience and trust. One area where this reality becomes crystal clear is in dialysis bookings.
For many clinics, scheduling remains manual, time-consuming, and prone to errors. Patients often have to call multiple times to confirm or change an appointment, while staff spend valuable hours juggling calendars instead of focusing on care. This is where digital transformation steps in - not as a buzzword, but as a practical solution.
The Business Case for Change
By adopting a dedicated digital booking system, clinics can:
Increase profitability: Direct patient bookings through bookdialysis.com reduce reliance on intermediaries, optimize chair usage, and generate additional revenue.
Compete against larger players: On bookdialysis.com, every clinic is presented equally, meaning smaller and mid-sized providers have the same opportunity to be selected as larger ones.
Save time and reduce errors: Automated scheduling eliminates double-bookings and endless back-and-forth phone calls.
Boost patient satisfaction: A simple, mobile-friendly booking process empowers patients and builds trust in your clinic.
Improve resource management: Clinics gain visibility into chair usage, staff allocation, and overall efficiency.
Strengthen reputation: A streamlined patient experience positions your clinic as modern, patient-first, and competitive.
π Below, youβll find a visual summary of the business case, outlining the key drivers and benefits at a glance. This snapshot makes it easy to see why leading clinics are choosing to modernize their booking systems.
A Win for Patients and Clinics
Ultimately, the goal isnβt just technology for technologyβs sake. Itβs about helping patients feel secure in their care while giving clinics the tools to operate more effectively. When patients can book their dialysis slot as easily as reserving a hotel room, it reduces stress, builds loyalty, and ensures smoother day-to-day operations for staff.
Looking Ahead
Clinics that invest in smart booking solutions today are setting the stage for long-term success. With healthcare moving toward more patient-centric models, digital tools arenβt optional extras - theyβre the foundation of future-ready care.
List your clinic and become the forward-thinking clinic that you dream of.
Following a great webinar organized by the National Kidney FederationΒ (watch it here:Β https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX7QsW4Yzkk) , and in response to a recurring question from participants, weβve gathered some useful information from theΒ NHS websiteΒ on how to obtain aΒ GHIC (UK Global Health Insurance Card).
Here are the key details:
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay.
The UK GHIC has replaced the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have an existing EHIC you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, youβll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it.
You can apply for a new card up to 9 months before your current card expires.
A UK GHIC is free and lasts for up to 5 years. Apply for your new card through the NHS website. Avoid unofficial websites β they may charge you a fee to apply.
If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, you can choose to apply for a new UK EHIC instead.
The UK GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. We advise you to have private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.
We also recommend you check FCDO travel advice on GOV.UK for the country youβre visiting.
Apply for a UK GHIC
You can apply for a UK GHIC if youβre a resident in the UK. You can also add your family members to your application when you apply.
Youβll need to provide your:
full name
address
date of birth
National Insurance number
Health and Care number (if youβre from Northern Ireland)
Applying for family members
Every member of your family needs their own card. You can add your spouse, civil partner and children to your application when you apply. You must enter your own details first and apply for any additional cards when prompted.
If youβve already completed your application and want to add additional family members contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services. Youβll need to give us your reference number, name, date of birth and address so we can access your record.
After you apply
After youβve submitted your application, weβll email you within 24 hours to let you know whether it has been approved or not (if you donβt get a reply, check your junk folder). We may need to see additional information or documents before approving it.
Once your application has been approved, you should receive your new card within 15 working days. It will be sent to you by post.
If you do not receive it before you travel, and need medically necessary treatment during your visit, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) to get temporary cover. For more information, see βIf you donβt have your card with youβ towards the end of this page.
If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement
If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, you can choose to apply for a new UK EHIC rather than a UK GHIC. Like the UK GHIC, itβs free and lasts up to 5 years. You can find out if you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement on GOV.UK.
Apply for a UK EHIC
What your card covers
You can use your card to get state healthcare that cannot reasonably wait until you come back to the UK (sometimes called βmedically necessary healthcareβ). This includes things like:
emergency treatment and visits to A&E
treatment or routine medical care for long-term or pre-existing medical conditions
routine maternity care, as long as youβre notΒ going abroad to give birth
Youβll need to pre-arrange some treatments with the relevant healthcare provider in the country youβre visiting β for example, kidney dialysis or chemotherapy β as itβs not guaranteed that local healthcare providers will always have the capacity to provide this care.
Whether treatment is medically necessary is decided by the healthcare provider in the country youβre visiting.
Not all state healthcare is free outside of the UK. You may have to pay for treatment that you would get for free on the NHS, if a local resident would be expected to pay in the country youβre visiting.
Before travelling, you should check the state-provided healthcare services in the country youβre visiting and any potential charges you may face.
Check the relevant country guide on GOV.UK for information on how to access treatment in the country youβre visiting
What your card does not cover
A UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) does not replace travel and medical insurance or cover services like:
being flown back to the UK (medical repatriation)
treatment in a private medical facility
ski or mountain rescue
We advise that you have a UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) and private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.
Where you can use your card
UK GHIC
You can use a UK GHIC when youβre visiting:
a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) βΒ see a list of EEA countries on GOV.UK
Montenegro
Australia
Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man
St Helena, Tristan and Ascension
You can use a UK GHIC in Switzerland if youβre one of the following:
a British national
a Swiss national
an EU citizen
a refugee
a stateless person
a family member of someone who holds one of the above nationalities or statuses
The UK government is negotiating with other countries to expand the use of the UK GHIC, so always check coverage before you travel.
UK EHIC
You can use a UK EHIC when youβre visiting:
a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) βΒ see a list of EEA countries on GOV.UK
Switzerland
Visiting Montenegro
You can get free emergency treatment in Montenegro but youβll have to pay for your prescribed medicines and for other medical treatment.
If youβre a UK national, your UK passport will give you access to emergency healthcare in Montenegro.
If youβre a UK resident but not a UK national youβll need your passport and a UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) to get emergency healthcare.
Getting healthcare in other countries
Youβll have to pay for treatment unless the UK has a healthcare agreement with that country.
Check if youβre eligible for a UK GHIC
Youβll be entitled to a UK GHIC if both of these things apply:
youβre ordinarily and legally resident in the UK
you do not have healthcare cover provided by an EEA country or Switzerland
There is information about what βordinarily residentβ means on GOV.UK
You may also be entitled to a UK GHIC if youβre:
living in the EEA or Switzerland with a registered S1 form
living in the EEA or Switzerland with an A1 document issued by the UK
a family member or dependant of an entitled individual already listed
Check if youβre eligible for a UK EHIC
You may be eligible for a new UK EHIC if you meet one of the following criteria:
youβre living in the EEA or Switzerland and have been since before 1 January 2021 with a registered S1, E121, E106 or E109 form issued by the UK
youβre living in the EEA or Switzerland since before 1 January 2021 with an A1 issued by the UK
youβre a national of the EEA or Switzerland who has legally resided in the UK since before 1 January 2021 and are covered under the Withdrawal Agreement β you may not be covered if you are also a UK national or if you were born in the UK
youβre a family member or dependant of an entitled individual already listed
If your circumstances change and you no longer meet one of the above criteria, you may not be entitled to continue using the card and should contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services.
You must be entitled to use your UK GHIC or UK EHIC at the time of the treatment. If you use it to access healthcare that youβre not entitled to, you may be liable for the full cost of all treatment received or face prosecution.
Students
Applying for a UK Student EHIC or UK GHIC
To apply for a UK Student EHIC or UK GHIC, youβll need a letter from your university or college showing:
the name and address of the UK educational institution if youβre travelling as part of your course
the address of where youβre studying in the EEA or Switzerland
details of the qualification youβre studying for
the dates your study period in the EEA or Switzerland started and is due to finish
your permanent residential address in the UK
If the letter from your university or college does not include your permanent residential address in the UK, youβll be asked to provide further evidence to confirm this.
This is in addition to the information set out in βHow to applyβ above.
Students studying in the EEA or Switzerland applying for a UK Student EHIC or UK GHIC
If you normally live in the UK and have been studying in the EEA or Switzerland since before 1 January 2021, you may be eligible for a new UK Student EHIC for use in the EEA, Switzerland and your country of study.
If you started your course after 1 January 2021, or youβre planning to study in an EEA country or Switzerland, youβll need to apply for a UK Student GHIC.
Using a UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) when abroad
You should take your UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) with you when you travel abroad. If you need medically necessary treatment, youβll need to present the card to the hospital (or other service provider) that is treating you β make sure that you are being treated at a public health provider and not a private one. Keep all receipts and paperwork.
Depending on the country you visit you may be expected to pay all or part of your bill upfront and then claim a refund afterwards.
Some countries ask patients to pay a contribution towards the cost of their care. This is known as a co-payment or patient share. You can claim back the difference between the total bill and the co-payment, but the actual co-payment is not refundable.
Your UK GHIC or UK EHIC will not cover costs that a local resident would have to pay.
If you donβt have your card with you
If you need emergency treatment when youβre in another country and do not have your UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) with you, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC). A PRC gives you the same level of cover as a UK GHIC or UK EHIC.
A PRC also covers you if youβve applied for a UK GHIC or UK EHIC and it has not arrived yet.
Find out more about PRCs and how to apply for one
Youβll need to pay in full for treatment if you do not have a UK GHIC, UK EHIC or PRC. You should ask for a copy of your invoice and obtain a receipt.
How to claim a refund
To claim a refund for healthcare covered by your UK GHIC or UK EHIC, youβll need to download and fill in a refund claim form and send it to NHS Overseas Healthcare Services. You should include receipts and any supporting documents with your claim form.
Find out how to claim a refund for healthcare covered by your UK GHIC or UK EHIC
Incorrect charges for treatment
If you think youβve been incorrectly charged for medical treatment, contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services.
Keep all documents relating to your treatment. You may need to provide more information to confirm your eligibility and the cost of the treatment you had. This could include:
receipts or invoices relating to treatment
confirmation that the treatment was state-provided
confirmation of payments made to healthcare institutions
documents relating to insurance cover if your insurer paid for treatment
discharge documents
NHS Overseas Healthcare Services will look at your claim to decide whether you were charged when you should have been covered. If they determine that your treatment should have been covered by the UK GHIC or UK EHIC, theyβll reimburse you or your insurer for the costs of treatment that are covered by your card.
Book Your Dialysis
If sunshine fuels your soul, Europe has some radiant hotspots youβll want on your radar. According to a recent report by Statista, the top 10 sunniest cities in Europe boast impressive monthly averages of sunshine hours β and spoiler: Spain is shining.
π Alicante, located on Spainβs southeastern coast, tops the list with a dazzling 349 hours of sunshine per month, paired with a mild average temperature of 19Β°C (66Β°F). Just behind are cities like Catania (Italy), Murcia, Malaga, and Valencia, making the Mediterranean the ultimate vitamin D haven.
Whatβs striking is how Spain dominates the leaderboard, claiming 8 out of 10 spots β from the Canary Islandsβ Las Palmas (where itβs summer basically year-round) to cultural hubs like Granada and Nice (yes, France made the cut too!).
These numbers arenβt just a fun trivia fact β theyβre also valuable for travelers looking to escape gloomy skies or for anyone whose well-being thrives in warm, sunny climates. For dialysis patients booking through bookdialysis.com, this info adds another layer to the decision-making process: why not get the care you need in a city that radiates light and joy?
So whether youβre planning a sun-drenched getaway, a sabbatical, or a long-overdue recharge, these cities should be high on your travel bucket list.
βοΈ Sun, siestas, and smiles await. Where will your next sunny escape be?
βIn 2025, Nyepi, Baliβs revered Day of Silence, will be observed from 6:00 AM on Saturday, March 29, until 6:00 AM on Sunday, March 30. In 2026, the day of silence is from 6:00 AM on Thursday, March 19, until 6:00 AM on Friday, March 20.
This 24-hour period marks the Balinese New Year according to the Saka calendar and is characterized by complete stillness across the island. All activities come to a halt: the airport closes, roads are empty, businesses shut down, and even lights and internet services are turned off. Everyone, including tourists, is expected to stay indoors and observe the silence. β
For dialysis travelers planning a trip to Bali around this time, it's crucial to consider the following:
Dialysis Scheduling: Ensure your dialysis sessions are scheduled around Nyepi, as clinics will be closed during the observance.- although this is not the case for the majority of clinics.
Accommodation: Confirm with your hotel about the services available during Nyepi. Some hotels may offer limited services, and you'll be required to stay within the premises.β
Supplies: Stock up on necessary supplies, including medications and food, before the day of silence, as shops and restaurants will be closed.β
Experiencing Nyepi can be a unique cultural immersion, offering a rare opportunity for reflection and tranquility. However, it requires careful planning to ensure your health needs are met without disruption.β
If you need assistance in planning your dialysis treatments around Nyepi or have questions about traveling during this period, feel free to ask!
The Catholic Church and the global faithful are mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 due to a stroke and heart failure.
His passing during the ongoing Jubilee Yearβa time traditionally marked by renewal, pilgrimage, and spiritual reflectionβhas prompted questions about how the Church will proceed with the celebrations.
A Jubilee Year Like No Other
The Jubilee Year 2025, themed βPilgrims of Hopeβ, was inaugurated by Pope Francis to inspire faith and unity across the world. This Holy Year, which occurs every 25 years, invites Catholics to undertake pilgrimages, pass through designated Holy Doors, and engage in acts of mercy. Pope Francis had envisioned this Jubilee as a time for the Church to focus on hope, healing, and reconciliation.
With the Pope's unexpected death, the Vatican has confirmed that the Jubilee celebrations will continue as planned. However, some eventsβsuch as the canonization ceremony for Carlo Acutisβhave been postponed until further notice.
The Holy Door Remains Open
Traditionally, the Pope opens the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica at the start of a Jubilee Year and closes it at the end, symbolizing the passage to salvation. Pope Francis's death means he will not be present to close the Holy Door in January 2026βa first in modern Church history.
It is expected that his successor will perform this symbolic act, ensuring the continuity of the Jubileeβs spiritual significance.
Increased Pilgrimage and Travel Considerations
Rome was already anticipating a significant influx of pilgrims during the Jubilee. The Popeβs passing has only heightened this, as people from around the world travel to pay their respects, attend the funeral on April 26, and take part in ongoing Jubilee events.
If you have already planned to travel to Rome in the following days, please be aware that the city will experience larger crowds, enhanced security, and possible adjustments to schedules, especially in and around Vatican City.
Expect temporary road closures and longer wait times at key sites, including St. Peterβs Basilica. It's strongly advised to check local updates and plan ahead to ensure a smooth and respectful visit.
Looking Ahead
The conclave to elect the new Pope is expected to take place between May 5 and 11, 2025. The newly elected pontiff will inherit the responsibility of guiding the Church through the remainder of the Jubilee Year, carrying forward Pope Francisβs vision of hope, mercy, and inclusion.
Pope Francisβs legacy of compassion, humility, and commitment to the marginalized will continue to shape the spirit of this Jubilee. As the Church enters a period of both mourning and transition, the Jubilee Year remains a powerful symbol of unity and faith β a celebration that continues to make travel dreams come true for countless dialysis travellers and pilgrims around the world.
