Tweedpipe

That tale of your doctor made me cringe.
My doctor's brilliant, only downside being the interminable wait on arrival, even with an appointment. Perhaps a victim of his own popularity. I once asked for the first appointment slot in the morning, at 9:00. He arrived at 9:45, and apologised - which I appreciated. From years of experience I always now arrive about 30min after the appointment time, knowing that then I'll only have a wait of about 30-45 mins. But once in to see him, any examination is first class, with no time spared to explain all medical matters in great detail - then as he's a great rugby fan - to go into detail about a recent French rugby win or defeat - usually the latter. And I never miss the opportunity to wind him up whenever France gets thrashed by England or another in the 5 nations tournement. Always an enjoyable visit, despite the circumstances.

Lion in Winter

This is why it's called "the health care industry" here. It's a profit-making business for all concerned - except the patient.

macliam

It always was....... remember, in the UK most doctors resisted the creation of the NHS and GP partnerships, dentists and consultants are still private companies funded by the NHS. That's why it's difficult to defend against creeping privatisation of the NHS, because some private enterprise is an integral part of the system.....

Lion in Winter

The foundational principles are still different, however, in particular that of universal access and not based on the ability to pay at the point of delivery. There really is nothing like taking your child to hospital with a concussion and/or dislocated shoulder (my experiences) and the first questions are not about his injury but about my credit card. Kind of sets the tone, you know?

macliam

Agreed, but there are those here who'd like to see you prove your residency instead........

BuckinghamshireBoy

From Sis-in-law...

When one gets old, three things happen.

First, your memory goes.

And the other two escape me for the moment...

macliam

........ and there are three types of people in the world
Those who can count
and those who can't.

Octang Frye

I smile every time I remember I'm not circumcised. Or Belgian.

chawkins99

My colleague who got a new grandson on Sunday, announced this morning that the baby was circumcised yesterday. He seemed genuinely surprised when I asked why. He said 'it's just what we do.' When I asked why again, he clammed up and said we shouldn't be discussing that sort of thing.

BuckinghamshireBoy

I'm not circumcised, nor Belgian - yet - 4 years 10 months to go.

Not for the circumcision, obviously.

scrubbedexpat097

I had to assist with many newborn circumcision procedures when I worked for a pediatrician. It was probably the most traumatic and unnecessary minor surgeries I have ever seen. I would seriously be in tears when it was over and the most annoying part was the newborns dad's. They were the ones wanting it performed but they were also the ones not wanting to be in the surgery room to help with the baby because it was too upsetting!

It is barbaric, in my opinion. If there is no medical reason for this procedure then it shouldn't be done.

moneypenny20

Totally barbaric. People are (understandably and correctly) totally against female circumcision yet they have no problem unnecessarily chopping of a piece of little Jimmy's penis. Unfathomable.

macliam

We must all abide by the laws of the desert tribes....... or maybe not.
Supposedly about 33% of males worldwide are circumcised and 2/3 of those are Muslims, so discounting Jewish males and those few circumcised for medical reasons, a tiny minority go "under the knife" for any other reason. The USA is an anomaly in the Western World with almost 60% undergoing the operation for reasons that can only be classed as "cosmetic". Odd - most cosmetic surgery is elective, but this is one where the parents decide.
The very thought brings tears to my eyes.......

scrubbedexpat097

And even odder is insurance companies usually cover this procedure without any problems of proving it is medically necessary.

Anyway, this is what made you smile. I guess we need to change the conversation...

007Steve

Bullseye !!! - The filthy lucre is always, and solely, British Insurers' interest in anything like this.