dlmckay

My son was seen on 2 August and we've just been given a date for grommitts of 24 September - not too bad a wait

I could have gone privately, but they wanted $500 for the excess

Liz & Co

My son needed stitches in his lip. He cut his lip at 3:40pm and we were back from the doctors at 4:15pm, having paid $31. The service was fantastic and I'm sure I would have paid that for Hospital carparking fees, in the UK.

weebossyboots

The last 2 posts are much more positive - so putting my mind at ease ( a little - emigrating stress getting to me!)

Liz & Co

Just been back to the doctors for the stitches to be removed. There was no charge for this visit. While I was there I mentioned sons sore throat and was given a prescription for antibiotics, which cost me $3.

SarahB

I have had a baby in the UK and a baby here. The UK experience was horrific and left me swearing Id never have another baby after what they did to me. I risked it here and said from the start I wanted a c-section and the reasons why... the midwives... the specialist and everyone in hospital and maternity unit were just great. It all went really well and was a very positive experience. So a thumbs up from me so far.

Eternal Howl

As an NZ born citizen, here's my take on the healthcare:

If you're relying on public health, be prepared to wait - and sometimes rediculously long times for certain specialists like neurologists. If you have a life threatening illness and you are either entitled to use the public health system or have private medical care, the biggest concern will be: is there an anaesthetist available and when between the emergencies can they fit me in?

I had a major operation in 2005. The doctors weren't sure what to expect but it turns out I had ovarian cancer (I was 27 at the time). From my presentation of my symptoms to my doctor, to paying full price for the ultrasound, after that I was slotted into public health and scheduled for surgery in a matter of 3 weeks. Due to their rapid action, not only was my life spared, but so was my hair and having to go through chemo.

Neurologists? In the public sector, be prepared to wait up to 2 years for a non-urgent or semi-urgent visit. Privately you may wait up to 3 months.

An average doctor's visit for someone who doesn't come under special criteria will range between $40-$60 a shot during normal hours and can go up to $80 during nights and public holidays.

Dentistry: the further south you go, the cheaper it becomes. My dentist told me that in Auckland it can be 3 times the price for the same job done in Christchurch.

Prescriptions are generally around $15 per person if the drug is semi-subsidised by the government. If it's not, you will pay - but you probably still won't pay as much as say getting the same stuff in the US. It's hard to average out a doc visit, but I would just hazard a guess that if you have an ailment that requires a prescription that day's visit will cost you around $70-$90 (for the consult and prescription - this will include blood testing if required, we aren't charged for blood tests).

The fact is, we do have a serious shortage of doctors, nurses and particularly specialists. It is a serious problem and some people will grizzle and moan about it, while others dying on the waiting lists say nothing. I've been incredibly looked after in the public health system and yes, I do have insurance, but as I say, I paid for the first test and they slotted me straight into the system to fix me up. I reflect on that experience as my tax dollar being refunded back to me and am quite happy to pay taxes to help fund other people's health - as long as that's what it does!!!!

mickey_d

They need to pay them more, a lot come & work here from the UK but go back because of the pay.
My OH works 10 hours a month more here & her take home pay is exactly 1/2 of what she was earning before we came.

dlmckay

Update on this appointment - I got the appointment date in the post on Thursday and on Friday, I got a letter confirming we were on a list!