My NHS Experience - and it's not what you might think
Вставка
- Опубліковано 7 тра 2023
- I wanted to share my experience of using the NHS here in England because health care here in the UK so often gets a bad rap I think.
It's important to share good news and my experience using health care while living in England has always been positive. Health care in the UK is very different than healthcare in the US. Here's why I think it's a much better experience in England.
When I was a child I Found some medical encyclopaedias at my grand mothers house. My nan told me that she and her neighbours contributed to buy them pre NHS. It was what they used because they could not afford to visit the doctor, she said they got a lot of use. My grand mother thought the founding of the NHS was the greatest thing that ever happened in this country. She was right. Sleep well nan, miss and love you always.
What a lovely story. Thank you.
I could tell you about my treatment for cancer over the past year and a half but I have a new story instead from last Friday.
My adult son who lives with us had had a cough for ages but it was getting worse so we made an appointment with our GP for a call. He spoke to my son about an hour later and on the basis of that he sent him straight to a local hospital for an x-ray. The hospital was expecting him. Later that day he got suddenly worse. I wanted to take his temperature but our thermometer had broken so I popped out to a chemist to buy one. Our GPs health centre was nearby so I called in and asked the receptionist if he could see a doctor face to face and she told me to bring him back later on. When we got home I took his temperature and it was 38.8. Just then the phone went and it was the doctor checking on him. When we told him the temperature the doctor said to take him straight to A&E. At A&E they checked him and his temperature was now 39.2. They did some tests and diagnosed early stage sepsis. They put him straight on intravenous antibiotics. They kept him overnight on a drip giving him antibiotics and other medication to bring his temperature down. He was well enough to go home within 48 hours. Sepsis can be a killer.
The only bill was paying for the carpark at the hospital.
Oh good gracious, you poor thing. You must have been worried sick. Well I'm so glad to hear this had a happy ending and you're right, the NHS is absolutely brilliant when you really need it. They really do care and I for one appreciate it as I'm sure you do too.
Glad you appreciate the NHS. Many people in UK don't appreciate it. I'm not a Brit but I think the NHS is a great asset to the country. God bless the UK.
I very much appreciate it. Thanks for your comments!
Thank you.
I think it is a great asset, the problem is the way it’s been run down by the government over the past 13 years….
The problem is the people who complain have never known a minute in their lives without it . They forget that the NHS for all its faults because no organisation that big will not have faults have looked after them their entire lives. Literally the first thing they saw was an NHS doctor when they came out their mum
The NHS is the single most popular thing in British society
It has been undermined by the present government for 13 years. All it needs is proper funding and it's still the most cost effective healthcare in the world
So you were born here then moved to the U.S. as a child, and now you've come back. I would just like to say, "welcome home, it's great to have you back".
Yes that's true, the chick has come home to roost haha. Thank you very much!
I've lived and worked in many different countries throughout the world and on occasions needed medical care in some of those countries. The best treatment and system was in the UK with it's NHS and also in in Switzerland. The worst and most expensive by far was in the U.S.A. The U.S. system isn't designed around patient care, it's designed around profit for hospitals, drug companies, and insurance companies. The cost of prescription drugs in the U.S is a rip off.
Thanks for sharing. The NHS is truly unique in the world.
I was privileged to live in Brighton, UK for 11 years. During that time I called for an ambulance on three occasions. The ambulance arrived usually within 5 minutes, while I was still talking to the operator! Each time they took me to the hospital to be checked by a doctor and I always received a good help and care. Never had to pay a penny!
Once, I ran out of my hypertension pills and found out that my local pharmacy was already closed, so I called 122 to ask where was a nearest open pharmacy. They asked me where I was exactly and asked me to wait for an ambulance, which arrived within 10 minutes and brought me my medicine! All I had to pay for their service was an extra price of £10 for my tablets!
Wow that's incredible - thanks so much for sharing. I do believe the NHS go above and beyond.
my neighbour who is bed bound with multiple complex medical conditions often finds it hard to get appropriate medical attention, and that's with me trying to advocate for her.
but credit where it's due; we were lucky enough to have a rapid response nurse attend, who thoroughly examined and agreed she needed antbx which we'd been trying to get for days. she spoke to the GP, and then pharmacy, who were about to close. she asked me if i knew where it was. i did but couldn't walk the mile+ before it closed. no, she said, i mean can you direct me. she took me in her car and, i picked up the antbx, the pharmacy was waiting to close. brilliant service. she even rang the next morning to check on patient, then did another visit, all good, and sent her colleague to do the same next day. the rapid response nurses were thorough, did all obs, and discharged pt from their service.
GP later came, did no exam and said pt was v weak etc, might need hosp.
i showed my records of obs and conclusion of rapid nurses. faced with facts from other HCPs, GP seemed less sure that pt was weak, needed go hosp.
i think she wanted one less complex case to manage, or rather avoid managing. what would happen to a solitary unsupported pt. not good.
I'll never take it for granted. Last year, I got sepsis due to a foot infection. I was taken to hospital and had surgery that night. I subsequently had two other operations, one of them a 12 hour operation involving groundbreaking surgery to reconstruct my foot. I had two of the leading surgeons in Oxford working to save my foot against the odds. I spent two months in hospital and now an at home recovering, but I still have the foot and the NHS continues to take excellent care of me, even providing me with free transport to appointments.
Photos of my foot are now used to teach people about the surgery that saved it.
Oh so very glad you've had such excellent care and hopefully you'll make a full recovery. Thank you for sharing your story.
I've just had 6 weeks of treatment at the Royal Stoke Hospital, Radio and Chemo Therapy, and the experience was beyond exemplary. This was for lung cancer on this occasion which is my 4th clash with this dreadful disease since 1986 and all have been successfully treated. I could not have wished for better service.
Thanks for sharing and glad you had a good experience.
1948 slogan for the NHS "Will take care of you from the cradle to the grave". The staff work very very hard. They are human & can be exhausted so one has to take that into consideration. I have had good & not so good experiences with the NHS but I still admire the service as a whole.
That's exactly what it feels like - that you are being taken care of. Glad to hear we agree!
Thank you for taking the time to do this video.
Like you I was born in the Uk and lived in the USA for a long time. I want to return to the Uk but I have to secure a house first. Really really appreciate you sharing your NHS experience.
Oh and thank you for letting me know it resonated. Come back… you’ll be very welcome!
I love the NHS and I’m super appreciative especially watching more about the US health care system. I’ve been seen recently and everything was super fast. GP, hospital and test and all the way through fully explained what was being done and why and listened to all the way. So never felt nervous. They were just amazing
Glad to hear you've had a good experience as well. It makes you wonder why we don't hear more about this in the news. Must be a bit discouraging if you're a health care professional in the NHS. When I left my appointment I said to the GP "the NHS rocks" :)
@@HipOverFifty so agree. But good news doesn’t sell papers and when you think about how many are seen every day and you only hear of a few issues that are blown up to sound like the end of the world. Me too when I was done I thanked them so much. I bloody love the NHS ♥️
@@HipOverFifty I suppose because that’s norm, if it’s in the news it’s not the norm - it’s easy for us all to forget that
The NHS service does vary by area, the press like to knock it saying its broken.
However, it is there when you need it, which is what you want.
Tessa, hope your issue is sorted and you stay healthy
You hit it on the head RIchard, yes it's there when we need it and I'm grateful for that. Thank you for your kind words.
Well the NHS is broken but what the press doesn't tell you that the reason the NHS is broken after year of disinvestment. Apparently the government finds giving billions of dollars in tax breaks to Multi nationals that already make billions and billions in profit. In 2020 when the government told us to clap for carers they've cut the NHS budget by 200 million other in the middle of a pandemic.
Frankly it's a miracle that service still runs that good after the budget they had to endure.
I’ve said it since 2011. Everyday sky news does an nhs doom and gloom hit peace for the conservatives to condition people while they strip it and let American health insurers come in picking bits of the nhs off for privatisation. Look at dentists the conservatives have nearly converted the majority of that over to privatisation.
Thank you for the positivity, it makes me angry when brits are represented on US TV shows as buck toothed hicks; seriously, the NHS rocks.
From cradle to grave, it takes care, with love, humour and expertise.
Yeah, and it's free at the point of use.
Thank you for your comments. I believe if we expect the best that's what we'll get!
California here. Thanks for your story. Right now it takes 3 months to see a specialist and sometimes a couple weeks or more to see the GP. The NHS may not be perfect but it sounds way better!
You're welcome. It's easy to pick holes in any system, but now that I have real world experience of the NHS I can't really fault it. Is it perfect? No ... but then what is!
@@HipOverFifty re your NHS experience, i had a worrying swelling went to see my Doctor i gave 2 lots of blood samples, then was given a appointment with a Haematoglist consultant,i then discovered i had a rare blood cancer 1 in 120,000 males over 50 suffer from it :(, treatment started the next day and 6 months later i am 100% better total cost to me was the fuel for the specialist round trip of 70 miles and ongoing asprins £1.30 per 100 days :) :) pleased damm right i am :) :)
@@kevinmatthews2620 Oh goodness thank you for sharing your experience. That's an amazing recovery and I don't blame you for feeling very well pleased! 😀
@@HipOverFifty I suffered multiple strokes and taken to hospital in mates car because they wouldnt send ambulance missdiagnosed with meningitis can't blame doctor wasn't incompetence is was inexperience there's a big difference between the two the after care i have recieved as been very good
@@petew5289 Good to know you've been getting the care you need. 😊
After 3 MI's ( heart Attacks )1995. Quad Bypass 1996. And now being treated for Prostate Cancer since 2004 , and doing well , I adore the NHS . They saved my life and are continuing to do so . Without the NHS i would not be able to celebrate becoming a grandfather 3 times over .
Glad to hear you’re still kicking bless the NHS
Glad you got great service and now have peace of mind regarding your health concern.
Interestingly the Government announced yesterday some money to try and resolve the 8 am scramble for appointments (not sure how effective it will be, because just opening more phone lines doesn't provide more Doctor availability).
The NHS is under strain, and defnitely needs better funding, but like you I've always had good experiences in terms of timely appointments. Just the other week, as a result of a random test result my GP phoned me and told me to present myself at A&E that day for further tests. Even though it was a strike day, I was in and out of A&E, having had several tests, a chat with a doctor, and with some meds in my pocket within a couple of hours. No costs, no fuss.
That's wonderful to hear Caroline. Same here, I was brought in on a bank holiday weekend one time and when I asked the GP on duty he said he'd come down from Yorkshire to fill in!
I found the following and thought it would be of interest. As of 2016 , healthcare in the US spent 17.2% of GDP on healthcare . Compared with 9.7% in the UK . Which work out at £ 2,892 for every person in the UK . £ 7,617 per person in the US. why the big difference in cost ? pure profit !
Also life expectancy in the USA for males was 78.8 years compared to 81.4 in the UK.
🙏 very interesting, I’m not surprised and yes life expectancy is higher in the UK than US which speaks to the lack of health care contributing to poor health outcomes.
There are many differences between the US and the UK health systems. In the UK, if you watch a TV documentary set in a hospital and observe a patient being dealt with in theatre, there will be numerous medical staff, all the machinery, medications, surgical requirements etc. etc. This will cost the patient exactly nothing - it is covered by general government taxation. In the US there was a survey done on the medical system and it was estimated that more than half a million people filed for bankruptcy due to medical bills. In the UK and many other countries, that figure is nil.
Thank you. My husband worked in the NHS da maintenance painter and decorator for 35 years until he retired. And saw every aspect My son is an operating department practitioner (ODP) working in operating theatres in anaesthetics. My sister was a medical secretary until she retired. And I hate it when people complain. We should be grateful. Gareth (my son) with very hard and I’m proud of him. Nice to hear positive comments. 😊
You’re very welcome!
I really like your contribution and balance perspective. People complain about their situation because that is mainly all they know. When you get a different perspective it should alter your thinking. As you say paying for parking when you get such professional and 'free' treatment is a different perspective from someone who has not had such free treatment. Misinformation is an awful thing. We get blinded by the media all the time because they need 'stories'. when you dig into many of them they are non stories. I have opinions about Americans only because of what I have been told. So what do I really know that I can make statements about them? None. However the poster HAS experienced both sides. This is why travel broadens the mind.
Hi I am from the UK. I have turned 65 and I have been offered screening for aortic aneurysm, and bowel cancer free of charge. Ok on both. This is part of the system of catch it early to save money and lives.
I agree, the simple test they send out for bowel cancer must work otherwise they wouldn't keep doing it.
Same here. I was in and out for the Aortic aneurysm check in 30 minutes. I have had three bi annual screening for bowel cancer and the results were back in the post in less than a week.
The big change has been that previously I rang for an appointment and if I rang before 11am I got to see a dr, now I ring and get a call back from a dr who decides what tests if any and when to make an appointment. It’s worked really well in our house, with some emergency problems being seen that day and others which we knew were not an emergency being given an appointment in a few weeks. Some people have been annoyed with the changes but I think it prioritises the ones which really need quick help. Love our NHS!
Somehow it works and yes for that I’m very thankful.
Glad that you have been well looked-after. Long may it continue. Seems like you are registered with a good practice. Stick with it.
In January last year after passing blood I was diagnosed with bladder cancer after an endoscopy, within a couple of weeks I had the operation to cut it out, then after the prescribed 6 weeks to recover starting receiving the anti-cancer treatment then follow up endoscopy checks every 3 months. So far clear to date and checks now going to be every 6 months as the consultant was very happy with the situation. My experience with the NHS has always been excellent.
Oh I love to hear these good stories and all the best for a full recovery!
@@HipOverFifty Thanks, and I hope you stay healthy too🙂
I must confess, as you were relating your story and everything sounded good and positive, I was just waiting for you to say the word "HOWEVER..." .but thankfully it didn't come. I guess that's just the Englishman in me coming out! So glad you had great point to point care from our wonderful, amazing people who make up our NHS. It's the one thing people in the UK should rightly feel very proud of.
Thank you so much!
I broke my back in 4 places (L1,2,3 &4) in a paragliding accident on 02.08.21 in the North of England. It was Monday evening around 20.00, i was air lifted by helicopter to a local hospital and thoroughly examined. Tuesday morning at 7.30 i was already in theater being operated on, rods and screws and a bone graft later .... i can now walk, run and do all my usual activities pain free.
I made a sizable donation of my own free will to the air ambulance which is charity run. I cannot thank the NHS and all the staff enough for giving me my life back and a huge massive thankyou to the family of the person who donated the bone. I will forever be in your debt
wow what an incredible story… my cousin used to have a paragliding business but changed to work with wine and now I understand why. You’re a lucky guy and thanks for sharing!
I was hospitalised by covid in March 2020 and apart from GP service never been near a hospital since childhood 50 years ago.
I could not fault the hospital. After a week I was well enough to go home and I thanked all the staff . In this me me me society I am appalled how some UK citizens treat the NHS. Would I like to live in the US where if you are ill you lose your health insurance no thanks
Glad you had a good experience and been well treated!
I have been treated for lymphoma at the Royal United Hospital in Bath , they have treated me with kindness and support for nearly a year , things are looking good and I have total respect for all involved, thank you NHS
I have used RUH as well and think it’s a great facility… take care of yourself
@@HipOverFifty Thank you 👍
And every single moment, no matter how many doctors, or experts, or whoever you may have seen, it was FREE !!!…..I dread to think how much the same issue would have cost in the US. They would have done as many tests as possible, and charged you for them all. Because as we all know, US healthcare is for profit, UK healthcare is for health.
Exactly. You are preaching to the choir :)
I'ts not free , paid for by tax payers
@@chriswalford9228 Oh no, come on now. Surely there aren’t still people around who don’t understand what we mean when we say FREE. Of course we pay taxes for healthcare. The FREE we refer to is having to pay nothing else after that, even if you need 50 operations a year, you will pay NOTHING extra. I’m pretty sure you know that anyway, so it’s a strange comment.
@@davidrhodes5245 If you are still a taxpayer you are still paying for it. Agreed not your own treatment as such but for everyone else even those who don't pay tax ( on benefits) Pay tax and it just goes in the pot . You can see a breakdown of how your tax is spent in your personal tax record online.
@@chriswalford9228 ...peanuts compared to private healthcare a la USA...effectively free at the point of use.
At my surgery, in UK, I can turn up any weekday morning and see a GP. The surgery is part of a medical group of five surgeries in my city and they are all the same. Turn up from 8 am and get seen by a doctor.
That's great! Lucky you.
It is so refreshing to hear a none brit praise our NHS and who has first hand comparisons with which to make an honest opinion.. thank you.. NHS not perfect but not the socialized impression people are so badly informed about in other countries
I can only compare it to the US system, but oh what a difference. And it's not just the fact that it's at no cost. Perhaps when you have a not for profit "business", care is handed out in a more humane way from people who are there because they truly care.
The NHS amazing. Based on. A Welsh idea, steered into existence by a Welsh man. It's the best.
Canada gets the same 'waiting times' bad-rap, but I've undergone two open heart surgeries, and both were performed days after they were deemed neccessary. Emergency rooms suck, but I would think that's Universal.
THE takeaway though is that through both of these procedures (the second caused by a blood infection that kept me in hospital for 2 months, and a rehabilitation facility for a month) allowed me to save money for the duration. 3 months off, all at full-pay thanks to employer medical insurance. With no food, transportation or medication costs, I got home to $4000 more in the bank than when I was admitted, all my utility bills paid up-to-date, and of course, no medical bills.
When your insurance has nothing to do with paying for medical care, they can offer things like payroll protection, semi-private rooms, home-care and prescription costs. (and doctors, being civil servants, rarely worry about malpractice suits. That's got to to be a perk for them.)
Wow sounds like you "recovered" pretty well, that's great. And thanks for sharing, it's always interesting hearing other peoples stories!
The NHS was a lot better 10 years ago. But even in the state its in now, it beats US healthcare hands down.
As a Brit we complain about the excessive management of the NHS. Generally the Clinical staff are good. We don't like paying for car parking at Hospitals. The automatic screening is good and picks up silent killers. Downside is its a field day for hypchondriacs and gets abused by time wasters.
Paying for parking is a small price ... to pay but then I'm used to paying for health care which is a lot more expensive! I agree the automatic screening is good. I wonder though if some people here don't take care of themselves because they know they have a backstop?
@@HipOverFifty Good question.
@@HipOverFifty There has to be a certain percentage of people that think that way.
@@HipOverFifty Im sorry, that's an inane remark. We take nothing for granted.what sane person does. There are stupid people in every Society. When it comes to health, it's usually men, I don't know why? Generally it's drinking too much alcohol, binge drinking, etc. Which can have an adverse effect later in life.I'm not talking about alcoholics, ,which obviously can be male or female.As women tend to live longer, and ,end up as pseudo, nurses, I think they look after their health a little better than men do.
Paying for parking at hospitals came about because selfish people used free hospital car parks whilst they went to work all day blocking those spaces for patients and visitors. In the hospital where I worked I couldn’t believe how empty the car park was at 8am the day they introduced parking fees. The money at least is kept by the hospital and doesn’t go to the treasury.
I have recently moved, and have changed my GP. I’m 69 with cancer and chronic heart failure. Apart from that I’m in rude good health. If anything I’m now over treated. Constant phone calls off my surgery to change medication and have tests…… I’m not complaining…… it’s great!
Good to hear you're being taken care of. I know they keep on at me too, so we're lucky we have someone to nag us into health! :)
I agree the NHS is amazing 🌹
The NHS has saved my life more than once. In my view, it is one of the few things left in the UK that we can still take pride in. I'm glad to hear that it worked well for you too.
Bless the NHS
Hi H O F, thank ou for doing this video about your own experience, it is very similar to my own recent adventures which started last November with a slight case of haematuria, this stopped after half a day and it was not until the middle of December when another short episode that provoked a call to my doctor, after providing samples of urine for testing I was told nothing untoward was showing but a referral to the hospital urologist was on the cards, I heard nothing more but in the middle of March it started again and continued which set off another round of consultations which very rapidly evolved into an appointment at the local hospital day clinic for a cytoscopy exam which revealed a bladder tumour.
Within three weeks I was booked in for a minor procedure to remove as much of the tumour as possible which had me under general anaesthetic for about an hour and am now in gradual recovery.
This clinical background is simple enough, what I really want to describe is the almost incredible standard of care and consideration I received!, each and every member of the medical staff who had to deal with a tense anxious old man was so calm, so kind and so patient that it still brings tears to my eyes!.
While it is perfectly clear that the health care system as a whole is under the most severe strain, administration and management almost completely out of touch with reality the medical staff continue to work in the same traditional style of putting the patients first, second and third!, not one word of complaint or sign of stress from any of them just busy busy busy people getting the job done, working together helping each other and doing what all good people actually do all the time, just make the best of it!.
Cheers, Richard.
So glad you were seen to and it sounds like a good outcome. You are absolutely right, I can't fault the medical staff as they go above and beyond. It must be such a challenging profession and I'm grateful there are those who choose it!
I'm pleased to hear it was nothing serious.
It's good that people share positive experiences, since horror stories always seem more popular- well done. I always write to companies who give outstanding service as well as those with unacceptable service- in the interests of balance, both for the companies and yourself.
We’re of the same mind …I think it’s easy to only focus on the negative the positives are there!
Also important to note, for those watching from the US, that cost was £0. No having to go to a doctor/hospital in the Network of an insurance provider, no considering whether your insurance will cover the illness or if it's a pre-existing condition, no "Co-pay" arriving in the post later on. Yes it's paid for in taxes, but it's less than the US pays in taxes for healthcare and that's without insurance on top. In the UK the NHS is also not your only choice. If you can afford to you can "Go private" and pay for private healthcare for that 'premium' experience. Just some additional points to raise. I hope you're well, Tessa.
I may do another video on this at some point as there are a lot of ins and outs to cover! And I am well, thank you.
I never take the NHS for granted. It's the best health system in the world. Is there room for improvement, yes, but I'd rather have a free system that's not perfect, than a healthcare system that charges you thousands and thousands of dollars.
Exactly.
i worked in the NHS, through covid, Im not a doctor or male nurse, i was a cleaner keeping everyhting clean and sanitised, even after covid, we still do the same,
but during covid, no one wanted to come to A&E, because of the fear of covid, once covid finished, the flood doors opened again.
people coming, which was no emergency, drug and alcohol dependant people, its a bed for the night, come into A&E, get a drip for few hours, back in to do that same, frequent slyers we called them,
that aside, no one is ever turned away, i worked nightshift, and you see people that are abusing the system, that to be honest, do not need to bethere, im not medial trained, just an opinion. lets keep if for those in need, i have seen things no one wants to see, not just trauma, mental health and alsorts
Glad you made this video. It confirmed some of our understanding about the NHS system… it is going to be a big deal for us if we ever move there!
Glad it was helpful! IMO the NHS is priceless. Hope you're able to find a way.
Your experience with the NHS is typical. I was diagnosed with a life-threatening cancer. Operation occurred within 6 weeks from diagnosis. The consultant apologised for delay as he had his 2 week holiday but I was first on his list.
Glad you got seen quickly! Stay well.
NHS is AMAZING! The peace of mind it brings never worrying that a medical emergency may bankrupt you gives you freedom to live your life without fear. When you do need it (which i and my children have have several times and quite urgently) they have worked quickly professionally and with due diligence. You will take the NHS from me over my cold DE@d BODY.
I would agree totally. The peace of mind is priceless.
Good to hear your NHS experience went well enjoy our unique island try visiting the Yorkshire coast one day
Thank you. I’ve been to Yorkshire but the coast is on my list to see!
Owe my life on more than one occasion to the NHS. Last year I suffered a major heart attack and the ambulance crew were there in 6 minutes. I know there have been really long response times up and down the country and I was really lucky. Had CPR in the ambulance , 2 stents fitted and recovering in a ward 2 hours from start to finish.
And you’ll keep on ticking over just like the NHS 👍🏻😁
@@HipOverFifty Fingers crossed 😊
There are occasions that some people because it free some people abuse the NHS service like going to A&E with a graced knee or a minor sore throat.
I think we brits have got so used to the fact the NHS will help us out and no one is turned away some people do over use the system.
You may be right. We don't always appreciate what we take for granted.
Grazed not graced.
@fionagregory9376 Would you interject in a conversation between two people you don't know to point out shortcomings.
I think I do rather well after having a brain injury and having to learn to read and write again, especially as i have limited short-term memory.
Before you make comments again, remember you have no knowledge of whom you are addressing
Personally I think you are very lucky. One thing you didn't mention was that ALL the treatment you had was free at the point of use. My experiences have been somewhat different. Getting an appointment to see a GP is almost impossible. This is mainly due to the lack of GP's due to vast underfunding of the NHS. I have a Heart problem and if I have chest pains I have been instructed to call for an Emergency Ambulance to go to A&E. The Ambulance (with a Paramedic) came very quickly. Did some preliminary tests (ECG etc) and then took me to Hospital. At A&E I waited over 8 hours before seeing a Doctor. Most of the problems are due to shortages of staff because of poor pay rates and general underfunding. Doctors and Nurses are leaving the NHS in large numbers for Australia and other places where they can earn twice as much and have a better work life balance. The NHS was the jewel in the UK but is now being strangled to death. The staff are generally committed and dedicated but are under so much pressure the are cracking up.
@@pamelacole2756 Your very lucky. Next to no chance of getting a Doctors appointment here, even though I have a flag against me for quick response. The last two occasions of ordering my repeat prescription the Pharmacy didn't have supplies and I had to wait at least 3 days to get them. I had a nurses appointment for my annual review. Despite having a message from the Surgery to book an appointment for the review it took three weeks to get an appointment. The Nurse said that on an average day they have at least 80 new requests for appointments and it is impossible to fit more than half in. That means the backlog goes up by over 20 requests per day. There are two complete practices where I am (plus a Pharmacy) with 12 or so Doctors. Recruitment is almost impossible. That is one reason why A&E is so overloaded, last time I had to use A&E I waited over 8 hours to se a Doctor. That is at one of the UK's top research Hospitals. Don't get me wrong the staff are brilliant but with such underfunding and staff shortage they are under so much pressure they can barely manage.
When I was young and you wanted to see your GP, you just went to the surgery, sat down in the waiting room and when it was your turn you went in to see him. He did not even have a receptionist. It is all very different now. With much greater demand and years of underfunding, that is no longer possible. But at least we do not have to pay. I have seven items on prescription every month. But because of my age and illness, it is all free.
I watched a UA-cam video about this couple in America. The wife was having a baby and even though they had insurance, they still ended up shelling out thousands of dollars.
Yes it may not work the way it used to but if you are used to paying and paying in the US system it seems a wonderful treasure!
Thanks for the video. It's interesting to get a view from (pardon the terminology) an outsider looking in.
You do realise that you are going against the accepted narrative that the NHS (along with everything else) is falling apart and about to disappear down a black hole!😊
My own experiences of the NHS have also generally been positive.
I am no longer young and have a worrying health issue. I cannot fault the care I have been given.
I can’t fault it either. It’s too east to look for what’s wrong and I’m happy I have the option of the NHS!
Hello, what you did not say is that all of the day's visit cost nothing. No co-pay and even a prescription would gave been about £9. Thanks for your video.
Oh I may have implied it but yes at no cost but a good experience at any price. :)
My wife is an A&E nurse. She's regularly working triage and has told me that as many as a third of the walk-in patients she sees in one shift can be time wasters. Either they should have gone elsewhere: minor injuries, GP, even a phrmacist, or they come in claiming chest pains knowing that this means they cannot be redirected and have to be kept in to be seen by a doctor, and in the meanwhile they get a warm bed, food & drink. When test results come back and the doctors (who also know the score) have told them there is nothing wrong with them and they can leave, they complain and cause all sort of problems. This costs the NHS HUGE amounts of money.
Gosh that's awful to hear. I'm also shocked at the number of people who apparently don't either show up for appointments or cancel.
@@HipOverFifty Cancelling isn't a huge issue provided they cancel with enough notice. It's when a cancellation is done so late that someone else cannot be booked in instead that it becomes an issue.
I have to agree with you as I've heard this before, some people feel its their right as its paid for out of their taxes, If only people would consider others who really need the help, then the wait times for everyone would be shorter.
About 3 weeks ago I woke up with severe chest pains. My wife called the ambulance and it arrived about 10 minutes later. We live in a small country town. I was taken to hospital. I thought I was having a heart attack. The paramedics assured me I wasn't but insisted I go to hospital. I won't go into detail, except to say that the care and attention I received was faultless. I have a surgeons appointment tomorrow and expect that I will be booked in for an operation very soon. I have already spent some time in hospital, however I have been assured not to worry and that I should be fit and well in a matter of weeks. No complaints from me. The NHS does a fantastic job against the odds.
wow that’s really good to hear and I’m so glad you’re feeling positive about it all. Well done you and the NHS 👏
Londoner here who relies on the nhs& thinks it’s amazing …. It’s a shame it’s been starved for funds needed for over a decade and we don’t pay the staff/training enough - it it wasn’t for austerity we wouldn’t risk losing it. You’re so right it should be cherished. 💙
Thanks for your comment. I agree the NHS shouldn't be taken for granted. You don't know what you got til it's gone!
My only problems with the nhs are the multitudes of unessential managers, the lax procurement and i would like to see tourists to the UK having medical insurance, like i had to have when I visited the USA.
Interesting. In the last 4 years, I have been through heart surgery, prostate surgery, and hip replacement through the NHS. My older brother living in the US had to pay for a knee repair, which cost him a lot. Hear in the uk is all covered. The NHS is the best thing in the UK. It is a shame the government doesn't invest in the system.
Glad to hear the NHS came through for you it’s a great asset for the UK
It is the doctors, nurses, therapists etc. who treat patients and save lives. It is easy to confuse the institution with those who work in it. The Aussies, French, Germans and other Europeans have far better health care than we do in the UK. I spent 38 years of my life working within the NHS and one year in Australia. It was obvious which country had the best healthcare system, and it wasn't the UK.
Thanks for sharing your perspective
The NHS is constantly bouncing between two objectives, equality of access and local decision making. Trouble is these often clash. Hence the headlines of "postcode prescribing" we see so often. It is a proper puzzle.
Did you mention to your USA friends how much we charged compared the US.
I wouldn’t want to brag ☺️
You were lucky to get an appointment on the same day. When I phone my GP I usually get offered an appointment in a week's time or even two weeks time, unless you can convince them it may be something serious.
In my area you can ONLY get a same day appointment!
I think the NHS is fantastic. Sadly, many people in the UK don't fully appreciate it. The biggest issue for the NHS is that for decades it has been underfunded by consecutive governments, both red and blue. It is this factor, not the staff or the service we receive that is the cause of many of the peoples anger when they talk about their bad impressions of the NHS, like waiting times or the difficulty in getting appointments. If it was properly funded it would be the best service in the world!!!!
Its nice to think you have come home,have you relitives over here?
I agree and thank you. Yes all my family is here... what's left!
Still free at the point of use... For now.. I have no idea how much longer though, successive governments have driven the NHS down to the bone and now we're stuck in limbo of privatisation - US insurance companies taking over.
I've hardly ever used the NHS (I'm 60). Covid jab, a shoulder injury years ago. I don't even know the name of my Doctor, I went there once for a flu vaccine. Worth every penny of my taxes to know it's there if I ever do need it, and I'm very happy to pay for anyone who needs it now.
Glad to hear you have been in tip top health Yes it's nice to know it's there as a backstop :)
Yes, it is such a pity she never compared the total comparative costs of her treatment in the UK v the US.
Good to get your view.
Thanks 👍
if we want our NHS to be better, shorter waiting times for surgery, more hospital beds, more and better paid staff - we as taxpayers must be prepared to pay for those improvements
Pre 2018 I really appreciated the NHS , nowadays I do not .
Unfortunately their misdiagnosis & neglect caused my injury to worsen to the point I have lost my career .
I had a severed finger ( top portion ) , I was sent home with a bandage .
I advocated for medical help for almost a year until they discovered the top of my bone had been chipped .
Sad to say I no longer trust the nhs
Having said that it’s lovely to hear people’s good experiences:)
Sorry to hear about your injury.
Up until only perhaps 5 years ago one could easily book an appointment to see a GP ( even given it was by then rarely ones own GP that would see you ) a week or more in advance.
The last time I got to see a GP at the practice I am registered with was about 7 months ago and that was the first GP I had the opportunity to actually see in 3 years.
I was amazed that during the phone call, the Receptionist said that I could see a GP that very morning. As soon as I walked into that Doctor`s Office I knew why I had been given access to see a GP in person, as she turned to me and introduced the Medical Student beside her. I was not there for my benefit, but for the benefit of this Medical Student.
I was furious.
I am a Qualified Nurse with an HND in Nursing, notwithstanding I am no longer Registered since I allowed my registration to lapse. I was originally diagnosed with Gout ( following a blood test which showed raised serum uric - acid levels ), three years ago, and have been taking the prescribed pain killers, uric - acid lowering medicines, ect since.
At the end of last year an x radiograph showed that I have End Stage Avascular Osteonecropathy in my hip. Americans will know what this means but for the benefit of my fellows it means that my hip is essentially dead as a result of it having no blood supply ( whilst nothing feels more alive than my hip ).
I am now in hell fire pain every waking moment of every day and waiting to have my hip replaced in some ethereal future.
My GP surgery better be right in this condition being a result of gout. Even if it is, I have had no information from the surgery as to how I should adjust my lifestyle to manage the gout. They don`t know that I am a trained Nurse.
Don`t get me wrong, I have known some fabulous Doctors over here. But it seems to me that my surgery, the place where my GP works, now runs in time that is convenient for the staff - not their patients. I`m going to let lawyers argue that one out, if and when I get my hip replaced.
I had a stroke 3 years ago, my wife phoned for an ambulànce which càme within 10 mins and had mè àtJames Cook hospitaĺ 45 mins lateŕ, we live in à village on the coast in North Yorkshire. The hospitàl is 40 miles away. The amulance driver threw the ambulance around along country roads at night. My neighbour is a retired doctor
said that the speed at which the ambulance crew got me to hospital was the reason i didnt suffer permanent brain damage
So grateful to those boys one of which lives opposite me
What a great story thank you for sharing and glad you survived!
I am reposting this comment from the previous healthcare video mentioned in the video, because I know there are interests in the UK that are trying to dismantle the NHS bit by bit.
The number one cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States is due to medical debt.
What part of England are you in?
I believe one of the reasons why we don't allow appointments for the future is because I believe people were not turning up.
I read that 650,000 appts are missed a month which is hard to believe. I think the letter system can be improved, and I opted out so I now get appts via email and text!
It's probably worth noting in your comment about appreciating the NHS because it's special, that the UK is not the outlier in having universal health care. The US is the exception in failing to offer it. Absolutely agree we should show appreciation of the NHS, but perhaps by paying its staff properly and properly funding it rather than just paying lip service to it.
Well said and I agree!
I object to have to wait so long on the phone to get an appointment. My GP has an online triage system which tends to work ok if you start the process early in the day. I find it very impersonal and slow. Don’t get me wrong I appreciate the NHS & I’ve had great service but it needs a lot of money put into it and all the NHS workers need a lot more respect from the government and general public
My GP was the same. The one I have now you just email or request online which is fine with me.
did you mention it was all free?
What about the cost of dentistry in the US? I'm at my NHS dentist so often I'm surprised they don't invite me to their Xmas party.
Assuming you can actually find an NHS dentist.
ha ha. Well I have to admit I've gone private on dental care here.
Its not cheap, you can buy insurance but its not much help, its better to forget the insurance and deal with the dentist direct, I get 5 % off for cash or 12 months same as cash, I sit in the waiting room listening to the office staff calling and begging people to pay off their debt, once they have their teeth fixed paying off the debt is the last thing on their minds, over the years I've had two brilliant caring dentists, I couldn't speak high enough about their care.
@@rbnhd1144 Yes Denplan is a waste of time. You still need to pay a certain amount as it doesn't cover everything.
@@HipOverFifty So have I, but not through choice as I had no option.
I think Americans get the words "Socialist" and "Social" mixed up. I saw a video in defence of the American health care system where they used the word "socialist" in it and that the Government is in charge of what treatments you can have, well it is "social" and it is up to the health care Doctors and Nurses what treatment you have, the Government just pays for it. Well we pay for it in "National Insurance" which also covers other benefits like unemployment, but it costs nowhere near American insurance costs and all treatment is free, including ambulance's, no one is made bankrupt due to a visit to the hospital.
hmmm... not sure I've ever noticed anyone mixing up Socialist and social as those are two very different concepts! I wouldn't agree that the US govt' is in charge, more like the insurance companies but I do agree you get more for what you pay for here!
I don't want to lose the N H S think it's great. But different areas of the country are not the same. You can have a problem just seeing a GP. It took me 5 days to final get an appointment. I'll leave it there.
I have a friend hes 94 years old and complains if the nurse who comes to dress his leg isn't there by 10am she comes every alternate day to do this and its free including the creams bandages dressings and pills. any idea how much this would cost in the usa? I know we pay for it in our taxes
That's a complicated question because it would depend on what his insurance would pay for in the US. But I imagine it would run to hundreds per week. Tell him to quit whinging and be grateful! ;)
@@HipOverFifty I'll try but at his age he might come back and haunt me😅
@@geoffpriestley7310 🤣😉
NHS is a marvellous creation - has its faults but what large organisation hasn't? . The forces that are trying to replace it with a US style system will never win as all layers of UK society use it !
sometimes people dont appreciate free services ( even if they pay via tax)
True.
You were lucky to get such quick treatment, getting even a blood test takes weeks usually. We Brits hate when our NHS is so abused, tourists coming over from other countries for a ‘holiday’ knowing full well they need expensive treatment then suddenly taken ill and getting it. When asked to pay for it they declare ‘well NHS is free’. Oh no it’s not!
The NHS isn't perfect, but you're not made bankrupt because you're ill.
Very true.
That's been my biggest fear for decades, and it really happens, at one point there were a million people per year going medically bankrupt in America, add that worry to your sickness and its hard to get better, its a stressful life, stress is a killer.
@@rbnhd1144 It's just not right.
Not usual nhs service
It's not as straight forward as you make out, if its a minor test such as an ecg or blood pressure or bloods, then a gp can do these, with bloods it may take a week to get the results. If you need to be referred on to secondary care with a hospital or consultant then it could take 20+ weeks for your appointment if its not life threatening, it really depends on the health problem and condition. Unfortunately our nurses and junior doctors are striking and pushing the waiting lists even higher which currently stand at over 7 million people waiting to be seen/treated. Not all NHS services are free,.dentists are impossible to find and you will pay between £30 and £306 for dental treatment, prescriptions are also not free unless you have medical exemption, we pay for nhs through taxation. It basically offers care to a high level but some treatments or drugs may not always be funded by the NHS. Its of course still cheaper than the ludicrous cost of treatment in the US
You forgot at the end of it all you don't get a bill to pay.
What you may not know is that NHS staff get cast iron guaranteed retail price indexed government pensions (as do a large number of other groups such as Firemen/women, local government workers etc. People who work in the rest of the economy have generally much poorer, less secure recompense in retirement; look up 'Equitable Life' private pensions disaster, the Steel Workers and many more. I am very grateful for the NHS. As a 70 yo I am unfortunately a frequent visitor all of a sudden, but no charges for doctor/nurses/tests/procedures/medicines etc.
What about the proof of insurance and them copying your card, what about the co pays and you being in Network.
None of this applies in the UK. We don't know what 'being in Network ' means.
What's a copay ?
Exactly. It sets the tone for the care right there! In network means you have to see a care provider that your insurance company will pay for and co-pay is the additional cost you pay on top of your insurance. An average amount might be 30% for example, so you would pay 30% of the charge and the insurance company pays 70%. But first you have to meet your deductible!!
I'm sorry, I have no idea what you are on about. Is this all about paying?
In the UK we know nothing of what Americans have to endure by way of payment: endless bills, every doctor who said, "Hi, how are you?" sends an invoice; physios who wake you up at any hour because if you don't get physio they don't get paid.
It was a even better 13 years ago
Wasn’t everything? 😂
The NHS is fantastic.... unfortunately successive government penny pinching is destroying this amazing institution....shame on you British government
Ignore my previous question, I thought you were born in the US, apologies.
The fundamental difference between US healthcare and that found in most Western industrialised countries is that in the US it’s run as a big profit making business with everything being billable. Outside the US (in general) it’s a service. I lived and worked in the US for 4 years and was fortunate to have complete health cover from my U.K. company, but the impact of the poor cartel like system between insurers/pharma/health business on citizenry was astonishing.
Want health cover? Get a second job that supplies it (eg driving the school bus). Break your collar bone? That’ll be $5k to see the Doctor to be told there’s nothing to be done as it will heal itself, oh and you need to pay the $3k of the $5k yourself, despite paying $1,600 a month to your insurers.
TV ads tell you to ask your Dr for a particular brand of drug, despite the vast majority of viewers having no medical qualifications whatsoever. Drs often do so because it’s all chargeable, so what the heck?
About 1/3 of US citizens have no health cover. The biggest single cause of people losing their homes in the US is medical bills.
It is a barbaric system and is contributing to a decline in US life expectancy as well as the ongoing detrimental impact on people’s quality of life.
So wherever you are, I hope you have a state funded healthcare system that looks after all of you collectively. The alternative is a horror story.
Agree with you. 🥲
The NHS provides for most people, most issues, free of charge through taxation. If you want private healthcare in the UK, it's available. At least we have the option. I'm into my elderly years and have never found the need to go beyond the NHS for medical care or for dentistry. What I can't understand is why Americans are so wedded to private care.
I read recently that the "Obamacare" or Affordable Care Act is hanging in there and even my Republican ex boyfriend was happy to have it!
You forget to mention that everything was free!
Oh that's the best part isn't it :)
But it's not free is it? We pay through NI. Its free for those who have never contributed.
@@ashleighhogan941 there's always someone who wants to see the cloud in the silver lining 😒 "The NHS is funded mainly from general taxation supplemented by NIC contributions." So technically it's not "free" to anyone if you use that logic.
@HipOverFifty isn't that exactly my point? It was always meant to be free at point of service, from cradle to grave. There's a huge misconception about it being free and it isn't. Your remark about seeing the cloud in the silver lining made me laugh. Is the cloud the fact of pointing out that millions pay for the service?
The NHS has many faults, but overall it's a very good thing.