NHS hot topics for medicine interviews

The NHS 10 Year Health Plan

In July 2025 the government published a plan for how the NHS in England should change over the next 10 years. It only covers England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run their own health services. The plan has three big ideas:

• More care in the community instead of hospitals
• More digital services like the NHS App
• More focus on stopping people getting ill in the first place

The background

The three changes are linked. A person with diabetes might need regular checks, advice about food and help with medicines. If a local team provides these services together, problems may be spotted before the person needs emergency hospital care. Digital records could also help different staff see the same information instead of asking the patient to repeat their story.

The difficult part is putting the plan into practice. Community teams need staff, suitable buildings and time to see patients. Moving an appointment out of a hospital does not automatically make it better. Services must still be safe, connected and accessible to people who cannot travel easily or use an app.

Why it matters for patients

If more care happens near where people live, it could be easier to get appointments and manage long-term illnesses like diabetes. But this only works if there are enough GPs, nurses and community staff to do it.

An example to think about

For example, a patient with several long-term conditions could benefit from one local team coordinating their care. But if the team is understaffed, moving their appointments out of hospital could simply move the waiting list somewhere else.

Points to consider in your answer

• Moving care out of hospitals does not mean we need fewer hospitals. Some people will always need specialist treatment.
• Preventing illness pays off in the long run, but people who are ill right now still need treatment now.
• Apps and online services are handy, but not everyone can use them, for example some older people. There must be other options.

Example hot topics interview questions

Practice questions written by MedicHut, not real past questions.

1. What are the three main changes in the NHS 10 Year Health Plan?
2. What could patients gain or lose if more care moves out of hospitals?
3. How would you balance preventing illness with treating people who are already unwell?

DHSC: 10 Year Health Plan executive summary

Read about the Darzi report and NHS pressures

NHS waiting lists

In England, patients have a right to start planned (non-urgent) hospital treatment within 18 weeks of being referred by their GP, with some exceptions. Many people wait longer than this. The waiting list number you see in the news counts treatments, not people, so one person waiting for two operations counts twice.

The background

Planned care includes treatment such as hip replacements and cataract surgery. It is different from emergency treatment, where the patient needs immediate help. A waiting list can include people awaiting a first specialist appointment, tests or an operation. This is why one headline figure cannot explain the whole problem.

There are several ways to reduce waits: prevent avoidable illness, use appointments and theatre time well, recruit and retain staff, and improve access to tests. These changes need to work together. More operations will not solve the problem if patients cannot get the scan needed before surgery. Patients also need updates and support while they wait, rather than being left unsure who to contact.

Why it matters for patients

Waiting a long time can mean living in pain, feeling worried, missing work and getting more unwell. The headline number does not tell you how long each person has waited or how urgent their case is.

An example to think about

Imagine two people waiting for the same operation. One has manageable symptoms; the other is getting worse quickly. A fair system considers clinical urgency as well as how long each has waited, and explains that decision clearly.

Points to consider in your answer

• Treating the most urgent patients first can be fairer than simply first come, first served.
• Cutting waits needs more staff, scanners and follow-up appointments, not just more operating theatres.
• Paying private hospitals to treat NHS patients can add capacity, but think about the cost and who actually benefits.

Example hot topics interview questions

Practice questions written by MedicHut, not real past questions.

1. Why do NHS waiting lists matter beyond the headline number?
2. How should the NHS decide who gets treated first?
3. What are the pros and cons of using private hospitals to cut NHS waiting lists?

NHS: guide to NHS waiting times in England

Corridor care and busy A&E departments

Corridor care is when patients are treated in hospital corridors or other spaces not meant for patient care, because there are no free beds. A&E gets crowded partly because of high demand and staff shortages, but also because patients who are ready to go home cannot leave, often because there is no care support for them at home.

The background

An emergency department is part of a wider system. When someone needs admission but there is no ward bed, they remain in A&E. This makes it harder to see new arrivals. Ambulance teams may also be delayed handing patients over, leaving fewer ambulances available for other calls.

Some patients cannot leave a ward even after hospital treatment is finished. They may need home carers, equipment or a place in a care home. Better discharge planning can help, but sending someone home without the right support can be dangerous. Short-term safety measures in A&E matter, alongside longer-term work on staffing, community care and hospital capacity.

Why it matters for patients

In a corridor it is harder to keep patients private, spot if they are getting worse, stop infections spreading and help with basic needs like going to the toilet. It is upsetting for patients and staff.

An example to think about

An older patient treated in a corridor may be too embarrassed to mention that they need the toilet. This shows that dignity is not an optional extra: poor privacy can stop patients asking for help and can create safety risks.

Points to consider in your answer

• Even in a rush, staff still have a duty to keep patients safe and treat them with dignity.
• It is important to speak up about safety problems, even if you cannot fix the bigger problem yourself.
• Problems in A&E often start elsewhere, for example a lack of social care means beds stay full.

Example hot topics interview questions

Practice questions written by MedicHut, not real past questions.

1. What risks does corridor care create for patients?
2. What would you do if you saw a patient's privacy being ignored in a busy A&E?
3. Why might better social care help reduce crowding in A&E?

GMC: Good medical practice

Scrapping NHS England

NHS England is the organisation that runs the NHS day to day in England. In March 2025 the government said it would scrap it and move its work into the Department of Health and Social Care (the government department in charge of health). This takes time, so check how far the change has got before your interview.

The background

NHS England has responsibilities such as allocating funding, planning services and setting national priorities. It does not personally run every appointment or hospital ward. Local NHS organisations still deliver care. The proposal changes the national organisation and its relationship with government, rather than abolishing the NHS itself.

One argument is that fewer layers could reduce repeated work and make ministers more clearly responsible for performance. The other concern is that reorganising a large service takes staff time and may disrupt useful work. Saving money on administration only helps patients if essential planning, quality checks and support still happen. It is worth separating what a reform promises from evidence of what it achieves.

Why it matters for patients

Changing who runs the NHS can affect what gets priority, where money goes and local services. For patients, what matters is whether care becomes safer, quicker and easier to use.

An example to think about

If two teams currently collect the same information, combining them might free up time. But removing a team that checks service quality could create a gap. The important question is which work is unnecessary, not whether all administration is bad.

Points to consider in your answer

• Supporters say it will cut repeated work and make it clearer who is responsible.
• Critics worry about disruption, losing experienced staff and decisions being made far from local communities.
• A plan saying what it will achieve is not proof that it worked. Look for evidence.

Example hot topics interview questions

Practice questions written by MedicHut, not real past questions.

1. What might be the benefits and risks of scrapping NHS England?
2. How can the NHS stay accountable while still meeting local needs?
3. What evidence would you look for to judge if an NHS change has worked?

GOV.UK: announcement on NHS England reform

Resident doctors' strikes

Resident doctors (who used to be called junior doctors) are qualified doctors still in training. They have gone on strike several times over pay, working conditions and training. Strike dates and deals change often, so check the latest news before your interview.

The background

Resident doctors work at different stages of training, from recently qualified doctors to those close to becoming consultants or GPs. They assess patients, make treatment decisions and work nights and weekends. The word 'junior' did not mean they were medical students or that their work was unimportant.

Industrial action is a collective way for staff to put pressure on an employer during a dispute. Arguments can involve pay, workload, rest and access to training. Hospitals plan cover during strikes, but planned appointments and operations may still be delayed. Emergency cover does not mean there is no risk or disruption. The ethical debate weighs the immediate effect on patients against the longer-term effect of an exhausted workforce and doctors leaving.

Why it matters for patients

Strikes can mean appointments and operations get cancelled. But tired, unhappy doctors leaving the NHS also affects patients, so it is not simply doctors against patients.

An example to think about

A patient whose operation is postponed may lose more time off work and remain in pain. A doctor may also worry that unsafe workloads are harming patients every day. A balanced answer takes both concerns seriously rather than calling either side selfish.

Points to consider in your answer

• Show you understand why doctors strike and also the harm that cancelled care can cause.
• Doctors on strike still have to think about patient safety, and emergency care keeps running.
• Think about burnout, training and doctors leaving the UK, not just pay.

Example hot topics interview questions

Practice questions written by MedicHut, not real past questions.

1. Is it ever OK for doctors to go on strike?
2. How should doctors balance going on strike with their duty to patients?
3. Why might keeping doctors in the NHS matter as much as training new ones?

GMC: professional responsibilities during industrial action

More interview discussion on resident doctors' strikes

Physician associates

Physician associates (PAs) are healthcare workers with a science degree and two years of extra training. They are not doctors. They work in GP surgeries and hospitals under a doctor's supervision. In July 2025 an independent review (the Leng review) looked at their role and recommended changes, including changing the name to 'physician assistant'. Check which changes have actually been made.

The background

A PA's training is different from a doctor's medical degree and later training. A role in the same team does not mean the two professionals have the same responsibilities. Safe care depends on suitable tasks, clear supervision and knowing when a doctor needs to assess the patient.

The debate includes how patients are told who they are seeing, how employers define the role and whether supervision is available in practice. It also raises a wider point about teamwork: adding staff can help, but numbers alone do not show whether a service is safe. A team needs the right mix of skills. Regulation sets professional standards, but it does not make a PA a doctor or remove the need for clear limits.

Why it matters for patients

Patients need to know who is treating them, what that person is trained to do and who is supervising them. Some patients have mistaken PAs for doctors.

An example to think about

If a patient says, 'Thank you, doctor,' to someone who is not a doctor, the person should correct the misunderstanding politely and explain their role. This lets the patient make an informed choice about their care.

Points to consider in your answer

• Talk about what PAs are trained to do and how they are supervised, rather than saying they are all good or all bad.
• Good teams depend on everyone knowing their role and when to ask for help.
• Clear name badges and introductions help patients understand who they are seeing.

Example hot topics interview questions

Practice questions written by MedicHut, not real past questions.

1. Why is it important for patients to know the role of each person in their healthcare team?
2. What makes a healthcare team work well and safely?
3. What would you do if a patient thought you were a qualified doctor?

GMC: regulating physician associates and anaesthesia associates

Primary care issues and team working

AI in medicine and digital NHS services

AI (artificial intelligence) can help with jobs like reading X-rays and scans, or writing up notes so doctors have more time with patients. The NHS wants to use more digital tools. Whether a tool is useful depends on proof that it works, that it is used safely and that it helps all patients.

The background

AI systems look for patterns in data. An imaging tool might flag a scan for closer review, while a note-taking tool might produce a draft record of a consultation. These are different jobs, with different risks. A useful tool for one task is not proof that AI can safely do every part of a doctor's work.

Before use, a tool needs testing against the task it is meant to perform. Staff need to know its limits, how to check its output and how to report errors. Patient data must be protected. A system that performs well on average may still make more mistakes for a particular group. Digital access is another issue: patients without a smartphone, reliable internet or confidence using technology must still be able to get care.

Why it matters for patients

Technology could help patients get diagnosed sooner. But mistakes, AI trained on data that does not represent everyone, and people who cannot use digital services could make health gaps worse. Health data also needs to be kept private.

An example to think about

An AI tool could flag a suspicious chest X-ray more quickly. But a clinician still needs to check the image, consider the patient's symptoms and arrange follow-up. A faster flag is useful only if it leads to safe action.

Points to consider in your answer

• AI should support doctors, not replace their judgement. Someone must still be responsible for decisions.
• If an AI tool learned mostly from one group of people, it may work less well for others.
• Patients should know when AI is used in their care and how their data is used.

Example hot topics interview questions

Practice questions written by MedicHut, not real past questions.

1. Will AI replace doctors, or change what doctors do?
2. Who should be responsible when an AI-supported clinical decision causes harm?
3. How could the NHS benefit from digital services without excluding patients?

DHSC: digital care in the 10 Year Health Plan

Weight loss injections, prevention and fair access

NICE recommends tirzepatide for managing overweight and obesity in specified circumstances, alongside diet and physical activity support. NHS access is subject to eligibility criteria and a phased rollout, not automatic access for everyone who wants it.

The background

Tirzepatide affects signals involved in appetite and blood sugar control. It is a prescription medicine, not a general solution for anyone who wants to lose weight. NICE guidance considers both the benefits for eligible patients and whether the treatment is a reasonable use of NHS resources.

Starting treatment involves more than supplying an injection. Patients need assessment, information about side effects and support with diet and physical activity. A phased rollout means access can be narrower than the full group covered by a recommendation at a particular time. For an interview, distinguish what a medicine can do from who can currently receive it. Also consider why healthy food, safe places to exercise and support are easier to access for some people than others.

Why it matters for patients

Treatment may help eligible patients, but fair access, ongoing support and the wider causes of poor health matter too. Avoid blaming patients for their weight.

An example to think about

Two patients may meet similar clinical criteria, but one can easily attend follow-up and the other works unpredictable shifts. A fair service needs to consider these barriers so that treatment does not mainly reach people who already find healthcare easiest to access.

Points to consider in your answer

• Limited resources mean decisions should consider clinical need, evidence and cost-effectiveness.
• Prevention involves housing, income, food access and opportunities to exercise as well as individual choices.
• Discuss benefits and limitations without giving personal medical advice.

Example hot topics interview questions

Practice questions written by MedicHut, not real past questions.

1. How should the NHS decide who receives weight loss medicines first?
2. Is preventing illness solely an individual's responsibility?
3. How could a new treatment reduce or widen health inequalities?

NICE TA1026: tirzepatide for overweight and obesity

Assisted dying

Assisted dying means allowing some adults who are terminally ill to get help from a doctor to end their own life. It is a debate about personal choice, protecting vulnerable people and what doctors should be asked to do. It is different from refusing treatment or stopping treatment. The law is different in different parts of the UK and is still being debated, so check the latest position.

The background

Refusing a treatment is not the same as asking for help to end a life. A patient who understands the decision can refuse treatment, even if that choice may shorten their life. Palliative care aims to relieve pain and other symptoms and support the patient and family. It is not simply care in the final hours of life.

Supporters of assisted dying argue that some terminally ill people should have more control over unbearable suffering. Opponents worry about pressure, mistakes in judging prognosis and whether people might feel they are a burden. Safeguards are central to the debate: checking understanding, ensuring a voluntary choice and providing independent assessment. Even where safeguards exist, it is reasonable to ask how well they work and whether everyone has access to good care.

Why it matters for patients

This affects people who are seriously ill, their families and the doctors caring for them. Use respectful language, as people have strong and personal views on all sides.

An example to think about

A patient saying, 'I do not want to be a burden,' needs a sensitive conversation about their wishes, symptoms and support. It would be wrong to assume either that they cannot decide for themselves or that there is no outside pressure.

Points to consider in your answer

• You can use the four principles of medical ethics (respecting choice, doing good, avoiding harm and fairness) to explain the arguments, without having to pick a side.
• Think about whether the person can make the decision for themselves, whether anyone might pressure them, and whether good end-of-life (palliative) care is available.
• A bill being debated in Parliament is not the same as a law that is in force.

Example hot topics interview questions

Practice questions written by MedicHut, not real past questions.

1. What are the main ethical arguments for and against assisted dying?
2. How might safeguards protect vulnerable patients, and what limits could they have?
3. How would you discuss end-of-life choices with someone whose views differ from yours?

UK Parliament: bills and their current stages

Social care and patients stuck in hospital

Social care is help with everyday life, like washing, dressing and eating, for people who are older, disabled or ill. It is often run by local councils, not the NHS, and many people pay for it themselves. In England an independent commission is looking at how to fix the system.

The background

Health care and social care often overlap. A hospital can treat a chest infection, but an older person may still need help cooking, washing or moving safely at home. That support can come from paid carers, family members or other local services. A medical discharge decision does not remove those everyday needs.

In England, access to council-funded adult social care generally depends on an assessment of needs and finances. This differs from the usual NHS principle of care being free at the point of use. Families can end up providing substantial unpaid support. Good planning includes the patient's wishes, what carers can realistically manage and whether equipment or visits are ready. A full hospital bed is a system problem, not the fault of the person who needs support.

Why it matters for patients

A patient can be well enough to leave hospital but have nobody to care for them at home or no care home place. They stay in a hospital bed they do not need, and their family may be under a lot of strain.

An example to think about

A person recovering from a fall may be medically ready to leave hospital but unable to climb the stairs at home. The team should organise a safe plan with them, not count discharge as a success just because a bed becomes free.

Points to consider in your answer

• Sending someone home quickly is not a success if they are unsafe and end up back in hospital.
• Think about unpaid carers (often family), cost, and how well hospitals and councils work together.
• People from poorer backgrounds may get less help and recover more slowly.

Example hot topics interview questions

Practice questions written by MedicHut, not real past questions.

1. How can problems in social care affect NHS hospitals?
2. What should a team think about before sending a patient home from hospital?
3. Why might treating everyone exactly the same not be fair?

GOV.UK: independent commission into adult social care

Smoking, vaping and the tobacco ban

The Tobacco and Vapes Act received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026. It creates a 'smokefree generation' by preventing tobacco sales to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. It also gives powers to restrict vape branding, packaging and displays. Becoming law and bringing every measure into effect are separate steps, so check the start date of a specific rule before discussing it.

The background

Smoking harms health because tobacco smoke contains chemicals that damage the lungs, heart and other organs. Nicotine is addictive, which helps explain why stopping can be difficult even when someone knows the risks. Prevention and support to quit serve different purposes: one reduces new smokers, while the other helps people already dependent on tobacco.

Vaping needs a separate discussion. For an adult who smokes, switching completely to vaping can reduce harm. For a young person who does not smoke, starting vaping offers no health benefit and can lead to nicotine dependence. A policy can support adult smokers to quit while trying to stop children taking up vaping. Clear public information matters because saying vaping is harmless, or as harmful as smoking, can both mislead people.

Why it matters for patients

Smoking is still one of the biggest causes of illness and early death in the UK. Vapes can help adults quit smoking, but more and more young people who never smoked are vaping.

An example to think about

Advice to a long-term smoker and advice to a teenager who has never smoked should not be identical. The aim for the smoker is to stop tobacco use; the aim for the teenager is to avoid starting a nicotine habit.

Points to consider in your answer

• Weigh up better health against people's freedom to choose, and the risk of illegal cigarette sales.
• Vaping is less harmful than smoking for adults who switch, but it is not risk-free, especially for young people.
• Think about how a ban would be checked and enforced in shops.

Example hot topics interview questions

Practice questions written by MedicHut, not real past questions.

1. Should people born after a certain year never be allowed to buy cigarettes?
2. Are vapes a way to help people stop smoking or a new health problem?
3. How would you balance someone's freedom to choose against protecting their health?

UK Parliament: Tobacco and Vapes Bill

DHSC: Tobacco and Vapes Act receives Royal Assent

Obesity, the sugar tax and junk food adverts

The sugar tax started in 2018. Drinks companies pay extra for very sugary drinks, and many cut the sugar to avoid it. From 5 January 2026, restrictions on adverts for specified less healthy food and drinks took effect: a 9pm TV watershed and a ban on paid-for online adverts. New weight-loss injections have added another side to the debate.

The background

The Soft Drinks Industry Levy targets producers and importers rather than charging every customer a separate tax at the till. It encourages companies to reduce sugar in their products. This is called reformulation. It can change what people consume without each person having to study a label or make a different choice every time.

Obesity is influenced by many things, including food prices, marketing, sleep, medicines and opportunities to be active. Personal choices matter, but they happen within these conditions. A tax or advertising restriction is one part of a wider approach, not a complete answer. To judge a policy, ask whether it changes products or buying habits, improves health and has different effects on people with different incomes. Avoid assuming that body weight tells you everything about a person's health or effort.

Why it matters for patients

Obesity raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. It is more common in poorer areas, so these rules can affect some groups more than others.

An example to think about

If a company reduces sugar in a popular drink, people may consume less sugar even if they buy the same brand. But a family still needs affordable food and support, so changes to drinks alone cannot solve all causes of obesity.

Points to consider in your answer

• Taxes and advert rules affect everyone, while healthy-eating advice relies on each person changing their habits.
• Some say these taxes hit people with less money hardest. Others say they protect the people most at risk.
• Weight-loss injections can help some patients, but they are expensive and supply is limited, so who should get them?

Example hot topics interview questions

Practice questions written by MedicHut, not real past questions.

1. Is the sugar tax a good way to tackle obesity?
2. Whose job is it to reduce obesity: each person, food companies or the government?
3. Should weight-loss injections be widely available on the NHS?

GOV.UK: Soft Drinks Industry Levy

DHSC: food advertising restrictions from January 2026

Organ donation and the opt-out system

All four UK nations now have an opt-out system for organ donation. This means adults are treated as willing to donate their organs when they die, unless they have said no or are in an excluded group. Families are still always asked. You can record your choice on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

The background

An opt-out system does not mean every person can or will donate after death. Donation depends on the circumstances of death, medical suitability and other checks. There are also legal exclusions. Recording a decision and talking to family helps the team understand what the person wanted.

Matching an organ involves factors such as blood group and tissue type. It is not simply finding the person who has waited longest. Clinical urgency and the chance of a successful transplant also matter. Discussions with families happen at an extremely difficult time, so trained staff must explain the process sensitively. Building trust includes being clear that the team trying to save a patient's life has a different task from decisions about donation.

Why it matters for patients

Thousands of people are waiting for a transplant, and some die before an organ becomes available. Families have to make hard decisions at a very sad time.

An example to think about

Someone may support donation but never tell their family. After their death, relatives may be unsure about their wishes. A conversation while the person is alive can make that decision clearer without putting pressure on the family at a time of grief.

Points to consider in your answer

• Opt-out aims to increase donors, but numbers also depend on families agreeing and trusting the system.
• Respecting what the person wanted and supporting a grieving family can sometimes clash.
• Think about faith and culture, and why more donors are needed from Black and Asian communities to find good matches.

Example hot topics interview questions

Practice questions written by MedicHut, not real past questions.

1. What are the arguments for and against an opt-out organ donation system?
2. Should a family be able to say no if the person wanted to donate?
3. How could the NHS encourage more people from under-represented groups to donate?

NHS Blood and Transplant: organ donation law

Antibiotic resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is when bacteria and other germs change so that medicines like antibiotics stop working on them. Using antibiotics when they are not needed makes this happen faster. The UK has a national plan to cut unnecessary antibiotic use and support new medicines.

The background

It is the germs that become resistant, not the patient's body. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections; they do not treat viruses such as those causing most colds. Using them unnecessarily can cause side effects and gives resistant bacteria an advantage. The aim is appropriate use, not refusing antibiotics when a patient genuinely needs them.

Resistance also matters beyond individual prescriptions. Infection prevention, clean water, vaccination and responsible use in animals all play a part. New antibiotics are important, but their use may need to be limited to preserve their effectiveness. That creates a funding challenge: the most useful new medicine may be one doctors try not to use often. This helps explain why public policy and research funding are part of the solution.

Why it matters for patients

Infections that do not respond to antibiotics are harder to treat. This makes everyday operations, cancer treatment and giving birth more risky.

An example to think about

If a patient asks for antibiotics for a likely viral cold, a doctor should explain why they would not help, offer symptom advice and explain when to seek further help. Simply saying 'no' without an explanation may damage trust.

Points to consider in your answer

• A patient might ask for antibiotics for a cold, but colds are caused by viruses, so antibiotics will not help and add to resistance.
• Hand washing, vaccines and good hygiene in hospitals mean fewer infections and less need for antibiotics.
• Drug companies make little money from new antibiotics, so think about how to encourage research.

Example hot topics interview questions

Practice questions written by MedicHut, not real past questions.

1. What is antibiotic resistance and why does it matter?
2. How would you respond to a patient asking for antibiotics they do not need?
3. What can patients, doctors and the government each do to slow antibiotic resistance?

GOV.UK: UK national action plan on antimicrobial resistance 2024 to 2029

Consent, confidentiality and under-16s

A young person under 16 can agree to their own treatment if they are mature enough to fully understand it. This is called Gillick competence. Doctors must keep what patients tell them private (confidentiality), but there are limits, for example if someone is at serious risk of harm.

The background

Valid consent means the patient has relevant information, understands the decision and is choosing freely. For an under-16, understanding is assessed for the particular treatment, not through a blanket label of 'mature' or 'immature'. Fraser guidelines are a related but more specific set of considerations for contraceptive advice and treatment.

Confidentiality is important, but a doctor should not promise that everything will always remain secret. If there are concerns about abuse or serious harm, information may need to be shared with the right people. The doctor should normally explain what needs to be shared and why, unless doing so would increase the risk. Only relevant information should be disclosed. Encouraging family support is different from automatically telling parents.

Why it matters for patients

If young people trust that doctors will keep things private, they are more likely to ask for help. Breaking that trust without a good reason can stop them coming back.

An example to think about

A 15-year-old asking about contraception needs a private, non-judgemental discussion about understanding, relationships and safety. Their age alone does not decide whether parents must be told. Concerns about pressure or abuse need separate attention.

Points to consider in your answer

• Encourage a young person to talk to their parents, but respect their choice if they understand the decision.
• Confidentiality can be broken in limited cases, like when a child is at risk of abuse or someone else is in serious danger.
• Being able to make a decision (capacity) depends on the decision: someone may be able to make one choice but not another.

Example hot topics interview questions

Practice questions written by MedicHut, not real past questions.

1. A 15-year-old asks for contraception and does not want her parents to know. What would you think about?
2. When is it OK for a doctor to break confidentiality?
3. What does it mean for a patient to have capacity?

GMC: 0-18 years guidance

Climate change and a greener NHS

By law, the NHS in England has to work towards net zero, meaning it stops adding to climate change. It aims to do this by 2040 for emissions it controls directly, and by 2045 for everything it buys. Climate change also harms health directly through heatwaves, floods and air pollution.

The background

Healthcare creates emissions through energy use, transport, medicines, equipment and the goods it buys. Some changes reduce waste without changing treatment, such as using energy more efficiently. Other choices need a clinical discussion because they affect the patient's care.

Climate change can also increase demand for healthcare. Heat can worsen existing illness, and flooding can disrupt homes and access to services. These effects are not shared equally: people in poor housing or with less money may have fewer ways to stay safe. A greener NHS should consider both reducing emissions and preparing services for these risks. The best option is not always the one with the smallest footprint if it does not meet a patient's needs.

Why it matters for patients

Older people, young children and people with heart or lung conditions are most at risk from heatwaves and dirty air.

An example to think about

Some patients may be able to use an inhaler with a lower environmental impact. A clinician should first check that it is suitable and that the patient can use it properly. Changing an inhaler without that discussion could worsen asthma control.

Points to consider in your answer

• Some changes help patients and the planet, like using inhalers with lower emissions or wasting less.
• Going green must never put patient safety at risk.
• Keeping people healthy means fewer treatments, which also cuts the NHS's carbon footprint.

Example hot topics interview questions

Practice questions written by MedicHut, not real past questions.

1. Why should the NHS care about climate change?
2. How could doctors reduce the environmental impact of healthcare?
3. Should the impact on the environment ever affect which treatment a patient gets?

NHS England: Greener NHS

Patient safety and speaking up

Reports into failures in maternity care, and the Lucy Letby case, raised questions about whether staff concerns are listened to. Whistleblowing means reporting a serious problem at work. Doctors also have a duty of candour, which means being open and honest with patients when something goes wrong.

The background

Safety problems can include an individual mistake, unsafe staffing or a repeated failure in a system. A concern does not need to prove wrongdoing before it is raised. Staff should describe what they observed, act promptly if someone is in immediate danger and use the right reporting process.

The duty of candour involves being honest when care has caused harm or distress. Patients need an explanation, an apology and information about what happens next. Speaking up within an organisation is often the first step, but concerns may need further action if they are ignored. A healthy team makes it possible for students and less senior staff to ask questions without being punished. Learning from a mistake does not mean avoiding responsibility for it.

Why it matters for patients

When worries are ignored, patients can be harmed. Families deserve honest explanations and an apology when things go wrong.

An example to think about

A student notices that a medicine appears to be prescribed for the wrong patient. They should raise the concern immediately with the supervising clinician rather than assume a senior person must be right. The immediate priority is preventing harm.

Points to consider in your answer

• Speaking up can feel hard, especially for junior staff, so the way a team is led really matters.
• Learning from mistakes usually improves safety more than blaming one person.
• Do not comment on the details of cases that are still being investigated or are in court.

Example hot topics interview questions

Practice questions written by MedicHut, not real past questions.

1. What would you do if you were worried about how a colleague was treating patients?
2. What is the duty of candour and why is it important?
3. Why might staff feel unable to speak up, and how could that change?

GMC: raising and acting on concerns

Finding an NHS dentist and water fluoridation

In many areas it is very hard to find an NHS dentist taking new patients. The government also plans to add fluoride to the tap water in more parts of England. Fluoride helps protect teeth from decay, especially in children.

The background

Dentistry matters for general wellbeing as well as teeth. Tooth pain can affect eating, sleep, school attendance and work. Preventing decay involves fluoride, brushing, diet and access to advice, while people with existing disease still need treatment.

Water fluoridation is a population measure: it does not rely on every person booking an appointment or buying a particular product. Supporters see this as a way to reduce decay and health gaps. Others raise concerns about choice and ask about benefits, risks and monitoring. Access to dentists is a separate issue involving workforce, funding and how NHS treatment is paid for. Fluoridation cannot replace dental appointments or treat every existing problem.

Why it matters for patients

Tooth decay is one of the most common reasons young children go into hospital. When people cannot see a dentist, some go without care or end up in A&E.

An example to think about

A child with toothache may miss school and struggle to eat. An answer focused only on waiting for a dentist misses these wider effects. Prevention can reduce future disease, but that child also needs timely assessment and treatment.

Points to consider in your answer

• Fluoride in water reaches everyone, but some people object because they cannot choose whether to have it.
• The shortage is linked to how NHS dentists are paid, staff numbers and funding.
• Poor teeth are more common in poorer areas and affect general health too.

Example hot topics interview questions

Practice questions written by MedicHut, not real past questions.

1. Why is it hard to find an NHS dentist in some areas?
2. Is it right to add fluoride to everyone's tap water?
3. How is the health of your mouth linked to the rest of your health?

GOV.UK: community water fluoridation in England

Abortion law and doctors' personal beliefs

Abortion law is different in different parts of the UK. The Crime and Policing Act 2026 includes changes removing criminal liability for women acting in relation to their own pregnancy in England and Wales. This does not remove the legal framework for abortion services under the Abortion Act 1967. Doctors can object to taking part in some procedures because of their beliefs, but must not stop patients accessing appropriate care.

The background

A doctor's right to object is limited. It does not allow them to refuse all care to a patient because they disagree with the patient's choices. They must explain relevant options without judgement and make sure the patient can access another appropriate professional. Urgent care needs must not be ignored because of personal beliefs.

It helps to separate three questions: what the law permits, what a doctor is professionally required to do and what someone personally believes. These are not always the same. A vote on an amendment or a proposed bill does not itself prove that a legal change is in force. When discussing abortion in an interview, be clear about the UK nation involved and avoid presenting a news headline as the complete law.

Why it matters for patients

Patients need care quickly, without judgement and with clear information, whatever the personal views of the doctor in front of them.

An example to think about

If a patient asks about abortion and the doctor objects to taking part, the patient should still receive clear information and a timely way to get care. The conversation should not pressure the patient or make them feel judged.

Points to consider in your answer

• Show respect for people with different views, while showing you understand a doctor's duties.
• A doctor who objects must still make sure the patient can see another doctor.
• Laws change, so check the latest position before your interview.

Example hot topics interview questions

Practice questions written by MedicHut, not real past questions.

1. Should doctors be allowed to refuse to take part in some procedures because of their beliefs?
2. How would you respond to a patient whose choice goes against your personal beliefs?
3. Why is it important to keep personal views out of patient care?

GMC: personal beliefs and medical practice

GOV.UK: explanation of the 2026 abortion law changes

Not enough training jobs for doctors

After medical school, doctors do two foundation years, then apply for specialty training to become, for example, a GP or a surgeon. More medical school places have been created, but there are far more applicants than training jobs. So some doctors finish their foundation years without a training job. The government has discussed giving UK graduates priority.

The background

Doctors can work in non-training posts, so not getting a specialty training place does not automatically mean being unemployed. However, these jobs do not always offer the same structured route towards becoming a specialist. Repeated applications and uncertainty can affect motivation, finances and decisions about staying in the NHS.

Training places need more than a funded salary. They require experienced supervisors, suitable clinical work and time for teaching. Increasing places without these resources could reduce training quality. Competition figures also need careful reading: applications are not necessarily individual people because one person can apply to more than one programme. Fair workforce planning considers new graduates, doctors already working in the NHS and the contribution of internationally trained colleagues.

Why it matters for patients

If trained doctors cannot move forward in their careers, or leave the UK, patients may face longer waits and see fewer senior doctors.

An example to think about

A doctor who does not get a surgical training place may take another hospital job and apply again. They can still help patients, but uncertainty about progression may make it harder to plan a career and may encourage them to look elsewhere.

Points to consider in your answer

• Adding medical school places without adding training jobs just moves the problem a few years later.
• Giving UK graduates priority raises fairness questions, as the NHS relies a lot on doctors from abroad.
• Keeping doctors in the NHS matters as much as training new ones.

Example hot topics interview questions

Practice questions written by MedicHut, not real past questions.

1. Why does it matter if there are not enough training jobs for doctors?
2. Should doctors who trained in the UK get priority for training jobs?
3. How would you stay motivated if your career did not go to plan?

BMA: specialty training

Mental health services and the Mental Health Act

Mental health services support people with conditions that affect their thoughts, feelings and daily life. In some circumstances, the Mental Health Act allows a person to be kept in hospital for assessment or treatment without their agreement, often called being 'sectioned'. Strict legal criteria apply. The Mental Health Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 18 December 2025 and aims to strengthen patients' rights and choice. Check which changes have come into effect before your interview.

The background

Mental health care can include talking therapies, medicines, community support and hospital treatment. Not everyone seeking help needs admission. Earlier support can prevent problems becoming more severe, but it needs to be suitable for the person and available when they need it.

The Mental Health Act has specific legal criteria for detention and treatment, not a general rule that anyone seen as risky can be kept in hospital. It is also different from the law about whether someone can understand and make a particular decision. Removing a person's freedom is a serious step, so rights, review processes and the least restrictive suitable care matter. Unequal experiences of services should prompt questions about access, trust and how decisions are made, rather than assumptions about any ethnic group.

Why it matters for patients

Long waits for mental health care can mean people reach crisis point before they get help, sometimes ending up in A&E.

An example to think about

A young person waiting for support may struggle at school before reaching a crisis. An answer should consider earlier help and family support as well as emergency care. Hospital admission is not the only measure of whether a service is working.

Points to consider in your answer

• Mental health should be treated as just as important as physical health.
• Being sectioned can keep someone safe, but it takes away their freedom, so safeguards and the patient's voice matter.
• Schools, families, GPs and local services all help spot problems early.

Example hot topics interview questions

Practice questions written by MedicHut, not real past questions.

1. Why might more young people need mental health support?
2. What are the ethical issues around keeping someone in hospital under the Mental Health Act?
3. How could mental health care be made fairer?

GOV.UK: Mental Health Act 2025 and reform documents

Genetic testing for newborn babies

Your genome is the full set of instructions in your DNA. The NHS is testing more people's genes, and a study called the Generation Study is offering to read the whole genome of newborn babies. The aim is to find rare conditions early, while they can still be treated. This can help diagnose and prevent illness, but it raises questions about consent and privacy.

The background

Screening looks for signs of a condition before symptoms appear. It is different from testing someone because they are already unwell. Reading a genome does not mean doctors can predict every future illness: some results are uncertain, and health is also affected by environment and lifestyle.

The Generation Study is research, not proof that whole-genome testing is routine for every newborn. It focuses on selected conditions where finding a problem early could help. Parents need to understand what is looked for, how findings are checked and what happens afterwards. Genetic results can also have implications for relatives. A useful screening programme needs a clear follow-up pathway, not just the ability to generate lots of data.

Why it matters for patients

Finding a condition early can mean treatment starts sooner. But results can also cause worry, especially when doctors are not sure what a result means.

An example to think about

If a screening result suggests a rare condition, further checks may be needed before a diagnosis is confirmed. Parents need a clear explanation and support while they wait. A positive screening result should not be described as a certain diagnosis.

Points to consider in your answer

• A baby cannot agree to the test, so parents decide about information that will affect their child for life.
• Think about where the data is stored, who can see it and how it might be used in the future.
• New tests should be available to everyone, not just people in some areas or groups.

Example hot topics interview questions

Practice questions written by MedicHut, not real past questions.

1. Should every newborn baby have their genome tested?
2. What are the benefits and risks of storing people's genetic information?
3. How should a doctor explain a test result when they are not sure what it means?

Genomics England: Generation Study