A bouquet to the NHS
 

Scouse registered with a GP last week. On Tuesday his shoulder was playing up again, he's had bursitis for a few months.

He got an appointment with the doctor for the same day. She spent 20 minutes with him, and as well as giving him a prescription for anti-inflammatories and pain killers, she wanted to listen to his chest as she noted on his medical history that he has bronchiectasis. At that, he remembered to tell her that he's been coughing a bit. She said his chest was rattling, which is dangerous for Scouse, so she prescribed a course of antibiotics.

He asked her, without much hope, about the possibility of getting a steroid injection in his shoulder, as they've worked really well in the past. The 'not much hope' came from being told by various people that procedures such as joint injections have long waiting periods under the NHS.

It wasn't a problem, the surgery runs a joint clinic and he got his injection today, 2 days after seeing his doctor. The doctor giving the injection was equally as patient, concerned and professional as his regular GP.

Total cost, including prescriptions - nil (he's just over 65). I think the care, time and treatment he received is remarkable.

Re: A bouquet to the NHS
 

Wonderful to hear your anecdote! Three cheers for the (underated) NHS! :thumbsup:

Re: A bouquet to the NHS
 

Very good SoS, glad to hear that went well for Scouse. I had bursitis in an elbow for a year or so, then it miraculously just went away, that was strange.

I registered with my doctor in Norfolk in June or July, and had a few appointments already - everything smooth, no waits, super friendly staff! Hope all continues smoothly for you guys.

Re: A bouquet to the NHS
 

We too have had great experiences with the NHS! Same day appointments. Referrals when necessary. Cannot complain at all!

Re: A bouquet to the NHS
 

Indeed.....I have been very impressed since we returned.

Same day appointments are easy to get here and referrals to specialists very speedy....Had a phone call from a consultant Gastroenterologist a few weeks ago to arrange an appointment and to discuss my options.

In fact, as one of the referrals was for a colonoscopy:unsure: the appointment came a bit too quick for my liking:o:lol:

Re: A bouquet to the NHS
 

We also had positive experience as OH had cough which was bad and he gets this everytime he has a cold. Got same day appointment, not with his allocated doctor but another one at surgery, they have a scheme where same day appointments are done between 2.30 and 3.30 when it is quieter and you wait in line while 3 doctors on duty and two nurses. He also got antibiotics as he has a weak chest and it was also gurgling and also no cost. I got a letter from NHS yesterday advising me to make appointment for woman stuff as preventative measure. I am impressed because in Canada I had to ask my gp for that.

Re: A bouquet to the NHS
 

We can see a doctor any day, well mon to fri, as the surgery run a 'drop in clinic' evey morning, you can either pick a doctor out of the ones on duty, or just go with the one with the shortest list, OK you may have to sit for an hour, but you do get to see a doctor on the day. Appointments can be quite a lengthy wait, so this overcomes that.

Re: A bouquet to the NHS
 

Another thumbs up for the NHS, both for GP and hospital outpatient services.

Excellent, efficient, professional folk doing great work.

Re: A bouquet to the NHS
 

I had some female issues last year. Saw my doctor right away. She was concerned something serious could be going on, so sent me to a specialist. Got in to see him within 10 days and had tests that showed no cancer (phew!). He recommended a minor surgery, which I had within 2 months and which has totally resolved the issue.

What's more, everyone I dealt with was kind, professional and reassuring. Had a minor surgery in the US a few years ago and just found the whole experience terrifying. Here people were so lovely and cosy that I just didn't have the same fear at all.

I couldn't be happier with the care I received.

Re: A bouquet to the NHS
 

So great to hear such good experiences with the NHS and I'm glad that all of you who needed treatment are doing well.

Re: A bouquet to the NHS
 

+1 :nod:

Re: A bouquet to the NHS
 

Just saw this article
You’ve been asked to have your say on the NHS. You just don’t know about it | Ann Robinson | Comment is free | The Guardian

Re: A bouquet to the NHS
 

State of US healthcare. I am in process of enrolling in Obamacare. I paid $70 this year with tax credits. I am now earning more money (not great amount) and my rates are shooting up past $200 per month. With student loan debt this will cripple me.

Re: A bouquet to the NHS
 

So sorry to hear this fulwood. I have had this happen twice now - my insurance company will say they no longer write my policy and will "suggest" a more expensive plan. Can you shop other plans?

My health care is our biggest monthly cost, as OH is on Medicare and we have no mortgage. I work a second job just so I can pay that bill. Regardless, with Obamacare, I am still paying half what I used to, and can shop plans without worrying about my preexisting conditions. So I do appreciate it.

I think if people in the UK understood just how terrifying it is to live in a country with privatized healthcare, they would cherish and protect what they have more than they are now.

Re: A bouquet to the NHS
 

Been back since July 2015.

Signed up with local GP 3 days after return and given health check and blood tests with Nurse 3 days later. PSA levels high so meeting with doctor within 3 days (which I wouldn't have been aware of if not for the blood test). Referred for Biopsy - done within week. Results 4 days later (no problems thank God).

2 weeks ago - realised I have had Tinnitus for a long time. Doc checked and gave ear drops and referral to Tinnitus clinic at QE hospital within week. Left ear deafness. Went for clinic appointment with TWO specialists who chatted with me for 5 minutes and sent for ear clean and hearing test. Deafness resolved. Tinnitus lowered/quieter. Given option of further help with Tinnitus but opted to leave it a month to see if it becomes less prominent.

So far? great level of service - quick, comprehensive and efficient. :thumbsup: