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Quality of NZ Health

Quality of NZ Health

Old Feb 1st 2011, 9:59 am
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Default Quality of NZ Health

How good are the consultants in NZ public hospitals?

I miss nothing of the UK as it has become.
[ Maybe the Yorkshire Dales, maybe England as it was 15/20 years ago.]
But I do miss the consultants, who looked after me for the 7 years before coming out. Mainly because they were at the top of their field [Leeds having 2 of the best teaching hospitals]
Still proud to be British, will always be English [Yorkshire foremost- God's Own County and all that crap!] But I really am happy here and with plain glassed spectacles, I love nearly every aspect of NZ! But I am concerned about the standard of health care, having only experienced it at Primary level [GP/ Duty doctors]

I have little confidence in my GP and even though I am aware that things are going wrong with me, I don't want to visit GP, because she really is clueless! I won't go into detail here but I could compare her to a medic putting a BP cuff on a prosthetic arm!!
I am desperate not to worry OH, am hoping things will settle.
But if everything goes pear shaped and I need another major, should I look to going back to UK or feel confident with NZ health services?

Weird to use a public forum for such personal subject but the fact that no-one knows me enables me to ask advice from those of you in the know.
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Old Feb 1st 2011, 12:19 pm
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Default Re: Quality of NZ Health

Originally Posted by jennifer45
How good are the consultants in NZ public hospitals?

I miss nothing of the UK as it has become.
[ Maybe the Yorkshire Dales, maybe England as it was 15/20 years ago.]
But I do miss the consultants, who looked after me for the 7 years before coming out. Mainly because they were at the top of their field [Leeds having 2 of the best teaching hospitals]
Still proud to be British, will always be English [Yorkshire foremost- God's Own County and all that crap!] But I really am happy here and with plain glassed spectacles, I love nearly every aspect of NZ! But I am concerned about the standard of health care, having only experienced it at Primary level [GP/ Duty doctors]

I have little confidence in my GP and even though I am aware that things are going wrong with me, I don't want to visit GP, because she really is clueless! I won't go into detail here but I could compare her to a medic putting a BP cuff on a prosthetic arm!!
I am desperate not to worry OH, am hoping things will settle.
But if everything goes pear shaped and I need another major, should I look to going back to UK or feel confident with NZ health services?

Weird to use a public forum for such personal subject but the fact that no-one knows me enables me to ask advice from those of you in the know.
Why would you continue to see a dr you have no confidence in, are there a limited number in Nelsons Bay?

Id be looking for a replacement or a 2nd opinion, I dont know how it works there but maybe if you have to travel a bit further to get to someone else you may be reassured or get some peace of mind. If there is no alternate dr, what about a hospital.

I have always been happy with the medical care in Australia so cant imagine how worrying it must be to be fearful that my dr isnt capable of managing my health.

Good luck
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Old Feb 1st 2011, 12:27 pm
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Default Re: Quality of NZ Health

The standards of the consultants will be as good as the UK - but, you will likely be limited to them all living in major cities.

Auckland has some very respected cardiologists/cardiac surgeons around for example.
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Old Feb 1st 2011, 5:30 pm
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Default Re: Quality of NZ Health

The GP's I had in NZ were all British and very good.
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Old Feb 1st 2011, 5:47 pm
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Default Re: Quality of NZ Health

Having worked in a DHB in Welligton there are several excellant consultants and GPs from all over the world like the Uk, it may be worth swapping GPs. if you need really specialist caare you will need to travel perhaps more than in the UK, but thats the draw back of living in a less populated country!
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Old Feb 1st 2011, 6:48 pm
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Default Re: Quality of NZ Health

Originally Posted by GoldCoastMag
Why would you continue to see a dr you have no confidence in, are there a limited number in Nelsons Bay?

Id be looking for a replacement or a 2nd opinion, I dont know how it works there but maybe if you have to travel a bit further to get to someone else you may be reassured or get some peace of mind. If there is no alternate dr, what about a hospital.

I have always been happy with the medical care in Australia so cant imagine how worrying it must be to be fearful that my dr isnt capable of managing my health.

Good luck
It's causing me concern to say the least.
I'll sort it.
Thanks- to all of you.
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Old Feb 1st 2011, 7:56 pm
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Default Re: Quality of NZ Health

Mate. Change your GP pronto. We did that but remained within the practice. Just made our feelings known about his lackadaisical care of us as patients. He really was shocking.

Consultants. Have you private health care ? We don't & wouldn't be covered for some stuff anyway. Some consultants have extremely long waiting lists and you need to be in dire straits before you will get to see one unless you pay the fee to see them privately.

Also, that consultant may well not be based in Nelson. I've had to fly to Christchurch for follow up stuff . A neighbour here flies to Wellington.

Are you talking about returning to the UK permanently because of possible complications with your health J45?

Change your GP.
Go see the new GP and lay it right on the line.
If you have the $$$ ask for a referral to discuss your concerns direct with the main consultant in the area. The GP will write a letter for you and you will get an appointment.
If you have symptoms of some sort, do what the Kiwis do, bypass the GP and head for A&E at the hospital.

I can relate to your concerns J45. Been there and done that here in NZ.

.
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Old Feb 1st 2011, 9:10 pm
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Default Re: Quality of NZ Health

Originally Posted by sr71
The standards of the consultants will be as good as the UK - but, you will likely be limited to them all living in major cities.

Auckland has some very respected cardiologists/cardiac surgeons around for example.
not too sure...

if it was good enough then theres no reason I had to go to overseas to consult other (better) specialists. and quitting my serious job. I hear NZ Medical standard is 10 years behind Asia and USA.

I must confess Gynecologist in Wellington (public) is pretty no good. Sorry.

My GP is great ever. though she doesn't know everything. ~ she's lovely. I've been known her since I was a teen girl. ~

overall its not too bad but if you have something serious - like cancer, or anything complicated diesease then NZ is not a place to be.

Last edited by crap coffee; Feb 1st 2011 at 9:38 pm.
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Old Feb 1st 2011, 9:32 pm
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Default Re: Quality of NZ Health

Get a good GP - you pay for the consultation so change if your not happy.

I've had a number of medical issues in last 5 years, all dealt with very well.
Private medical insurance definitely helps and means you can get an appointment tomorrow to see a specialist, else you could be waiting 6 months - though I have been treated and had ops both privately and through public health service.

I've had more blood test and scans here than in my whole life back in UK, my GP is very much in the early detection camp and will test for all nasties and be over cautious - just the way it should be!
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Old Feb 2nd 2011, 4:31 am
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Default Re: Quality of NZ Health

Originally Posted by P18PPS
.
Private medical insurance definitely helps and means you can get an appointment tomorrow to see a specialist, else you could be waiting 6 months - though I have been treated and had ops both privately and through public health service.
Not true in our experience....there are waits of a few weeks to see private specialists sometimes...but your GP will work with either sector and like in UK they tend to work in both sectors so the overall quality of both should be similar. This doesn't mean NZ attracts the best in the world though..the salaries aren't competitive with even Australia to do that. There are some procedures that simply aren't commonly done here or done at all.

Jennifer I expect private care premiums are extortionate if you are retirement age, so it could be that UK NHS-style care would make more sense for you depending on what you think may be the problem and how permanent it may be.

Definitely change your GP...best wishes.
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Old Feb 2nd 2011, 4:39 am
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Default Re: Quality of NZ Health

Originally Posted by luvwelly
This doesn't mean NZ attracts the best in the world though..the salaries aren't competitive with even Australia to do that. There are some procedures that simply aren't commonly done here or done at all.
That is an issue, but surprisingly many in the medical profession are extremely dedicated to their profession and their patients. So offering highest salary doesn't always equate to getting the best.
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Old Feb 2nd 2011, 5:43 am
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Default Re: Quality of NZ Health

Firstly, if you are unhappy with your GP, change to another one. You need not give a reason, you just register somewhere else. Best way to find a GP is word of mouth, so ask around your friends/colleagues for a recommendation. You need someone you "gel with" who you feel you can trust.

As for specialist level/consultant care, those that do private work invariably also work for the DHB too. If you need a specialist referral then your GP will refer you to the most appropriate consultant. This may be out of the area, or you may have a visiting consultant come to your area on a fortnightly/monthly basis, depending on the demand.

Having worked in a senior nursing position for a DHB (hubby still does) I've worked with some brilliant consultants, (also one of my closest friends is a consultant) and I've also had some excellent medical care in NZ too. Some highly respected and very experienced consultants from all around the world come here for the lifestyle and the slower pace as they head to retirement. Many of the Kiwi SMO's have had international experience as part of their OE's.

Please don't be put off about NZ health care merely by one GP.
If you've any specific questions, send me a PM.

Cheers Gill
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Old Feb 2nd 2011, 6:06 am
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Default Re: Quality of NZ Health

Originally Posted by Gill and Rob
As for specialist level/consultant care, those that do private work invariably also work for the DHB too.
Couldnt agree more, we recently had someone 'demanding' we found her a private obstetrician as she 'knew' their care would be far superior to a DHB one...how surprised was she when she realised that the private Obs she was paying for was exactly the same person she would have been looked after for free if she'd stayed within the DHB.

To the OP, definitely find a new GP, ask around if you can as word of mouth can be invaluable. In my opinion consultant led care is just as good if not better than consultant care in the UK, if nothing else because they tend to be less stressed with a lower patient load to manage.
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Old Feb 2nd 2011, 9:43 pm
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Default Re: Quality of NZ Health

Originally Posted by BEVS
......

Are you talking about returning to the UK permanently because of possible complications with your health J45?

Change your GP.
Go see the new GP and lay it right on the line.
If you have the $$$ ask for a referral to discuss your concerns direct with the main consultant in the area. The GP will write a letter for you and you will get an appointment.
If you have symptoms of some sort, do what the Kiwis do, bypass the GP and head for A&E at the hospital.

I can relate to your concerns J45. Been there and done that here in NZ.

.
Gosh, NO Bevs! Even the thought of going back for medical treatment, was me grasping at straws.
I love it here but it is the laid back- 'oops a daisy'- give it a couple of weeks- attitude that seems to highlight lack of knowledge/understanding of anything but basic day to day problems and even then mistakes have been made.
They lost the comprehensive reports both my consultants had drawn up to give to future medics.
Fortunately I'd made copies.
I was worried, if I sought to change my GP/ practice - it would be difficult to get accepted by another one, but It seems quite a lot do.
I can get private health but the premiums are exorbitant and won't cover pre-existing conditions for 3 years.
There doesn't seem to be much difference other than private room and less waiting time.
When I'm ill I just want to get better. I'm not bothered about frills and 6 months waiting is nothing compared to UK!
My consultant arranged me to have my last op in Nuffield paid for by NHS because time was at a premium and the NHS was responsible for that many mix-ups -it beggared belief.
So once I sort a new GP out, I'm content to travel anywhere in NZ to see a consultant, who specialises in my area of treatment.

Thank you all again.
I'm sure all will be well.
I'm off to see 'the Hollies tonight- so there can't be that much wrong with me!
Pardon? did someone pass comment
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Old Feb 2nd 2011, 10:24 pm
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Default Re: Quality of NZ Health

Originally Posted by jennifer45
Gosh, NO Bevs! Even the thought of going back for medical treatment, was me grasping at straws.
I love it here but it is the laid back- 'oops a daisy'- give it a couple of weeks- attitude that seems to highlight lack of knowledge/understanding of anything but basic day to day problems and even then mistakes have been made.
They lost the comprehensive reports both my consultants had drawn up to give to future medics.
Fortunately I'd made copies.
I was worried, if I sought to change my GP/ practice - it would be difficult to get accepted by another one, but It seems quite a lot do.
I can get private health but the premiums are exorbitant and won't cover pre-existing conditions for 3 years.
There doesn't seem to be much difference other than private room and less waiting time.
When I'm ill I just want to get better. I'm not bothered about frills and 6 months waiting is nothing compared to UK!
My consultant arranged me to have my last op in Nuffield paid for by NHS because time was at a premium and the NHS was responsible for that many mix-ups -it beggared belief.
So once I sort a new GP out, I'm content to travel anywhere in NZ to see a consultant, who specialises in my area of treatment.

Thank you all again.
I'm sure all will be well.
I'm off to see 'the Hollies tonight- so there can't be that much wrong with me!
Pardon? did someone pass comment
Glad to hear you sounding so much more positive, personally I know a lot of my ailments will be better in a couple of weeks whether I see a health practitioner or not and I rarely want to risk poisoning my body with drugs.

But thats me, and I certainly wouldnt put any trust in a Dr I felt negative about, luckily here we can change doctors at will,

ymmv, but good luck
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