rebeccajo

Ah me. It would all just be so very flattering if it weren't so comical.

Downton Gabby

Are you Irish then, rebeccajo? I don't understand your comment. What is comical about what was said?

Londonuck

Just try not to get ill in Ireland.

not2old

Bloody hell, what a stir up, next thing you know it'd be 'its as different as chalk & cheese'... comical, that is, which is nowt funny about it'

Rebeccajo has too be 'pulling our leg, or having a go, or just having a bit of fun', then again as an American likely she would need to get her OH to translate - he (I believe) being from Northern Ireland an all.

I just dunno if it was a waste of time posting this or as usual the thread drifts off topic

rebeccajo

Not a waste of time. Thanks for the reply.

Maybe it's just me, but the way you used 'kettle of fish' seemed a bit disparaging. I could be completely wrong though. I am a lot lately.

formula

I read the comment as a complement to the Irish. I suppose some Aussies might have taken it as a complement to the Aussies. Different people. I guess it was one of those, if the cap fits wear it, type statements i.e. no insult intended.

spreadingwings

Why's this? Is healthcare that bad in Ireland?

Moses2013

We don't have the same NHS benefits systems as the UK. It's not taken out of your salary, so it's up to each individual if they want private health care or not. The problem in recent years was or still is management of things, but that has nothing to do with quality. I pay 35 Euros a month (cheaper through work) and would have cover for private room etc. I'd have to pay the GP visit 50 Euro, but would get that money back. Never had long waiting times and found staff professional and friendly so far. Even in the UK you get people with different views (good & bad)

not2old

what happens as far as prescriptions, do you pay for those on top or is that also covered by the medical insurance?

Moses2013

Certain people would get it free of charge, but otherwise you would have to pay an amount.
Prescribed drugs and medicines
In previous years it was a lot cheaper in Northern Ireland, but that's slowly changing thanks to pharmacies such as healthwave, were prices are now on par. During the recession, there were a lot of cuts and the whole system is supposed to change to a Universal Health Insurance. I've only been to the hospital twice here, for an x-ray & check up and both times I only had to wait max 15 mins, but it probably really depends on hospital & what day you go. The few times I had to go, I always got an appointment with GP straight away.

Londonuck

You pay for private health care and they still charge you 50 to 70 Euro to see the doctor. Hospitals have closed so if you live in the west (as i used to) you have to travel far to be seen and god forbid if you should need an ambulance.

Dont get me wrong I love Ireland but I wouldn't live there again.

Moses2013

Yes. you pay for the GP, but all you have to do is send your receipt to the insurance company and you get money back. A work colleague recently went to hospital and everything was covered in private clinic Galway. The only thing she had to pay in advance was the GP. If you live in Connemara, you have to go to Galway and of course an ambulance would need longer to get to remote areas or places with a small population. It's the same in Scotland and you can't compare to London, however I've seen improvements and it will only get better. Health is always an issue in every country and just because something appears good today, doesn't mean it will be great in a few years time. Lived in Germany and everyone was boasting about health system, but now you have to pay for things that used to be "free". Well nothing is free, because it's taken out of your salary each month.

not2old

Londonuck & Moses by what you've posted, I wouldn't want to have to deal with a serious health condition to depend on quick quality attention in Ireland, unless I was across the road from a Hospital

For the OP, a consideration factor is that maybe Australia & its healthcare system is better/safest for you than what is available in the Republic of Ireland

OZ, somewhat appears to mirrors the NHS in the UK

We lived in OZ & found the care quality excellent. My sister lives there now & says its only got better over the years

Medicare services

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

Moses2013

It's not a 3rd world country, just a different system. The NHS doesn't guarantee you good treatment and depends on the doctor & hospital, so no different. There are actually very good hospitals/clinics in Ireland. Even people from London would come to Dublin for treatment (especially a famous sports injury clinic), so don't understand the comment. You just have to pick an insurance, rather than the system in the UK where it's taken directly out of your salary.

not2old

of course