Healthcare - NHS/Private

[mos]

One of my mates explained in leafy Surrey they don't discharge patients who in Croydon (which is actually in Greater London) wouldn't even have been in-patients.

I had really dreadful experience when I was needlessly admitted on A&E and then subject to "first time" trainees from the Imperial College. They kept me for hours doing completely pointless tests, clearly just for the sake of training.
Felt like XIXth century operating theatre ....

[woohoo]

I've had several people close to me very badly let down by the NHS. One is permanently disabled due to the refusal of his GP to refer him for an MRI scan.

I've got basic BUPA cover in which I fork out for any private consultations during the diagniosis phase & I'm covered for all subsequent treatment.

Problem is, you still have to see an NHS dr to get a referral. My missus has been in agony with what turns out to be suspected gallstones. She rings drs surgery on Friday & they tell her nothing avalable until 13 Feb. If it gets any worse over the weekend, they say, go to A&E.
Simply not good enough.

Been in exactly the same situation as you, we ended up paying £90 to see a Bupa GP who then referred the missus to a surgeon. Done and dusted in two days. BUPA have just started a GP scheme as part of their health coverage. So in theory you should be able to bypass your normal GP.

[minestrone]

The reception staff get some amount of abuse it has to be said, they grow into that attitude due to the crap they take and they morph into these people. I'm not excusing their attitude but you have to realise that the average doctor's surgery reception gets bombarded with abuse from junkies, alkies, angry people working the benefit system and the mentally unstable every day. They are more like night club bouncers than health professionals.

[SueEllen]

They are more like night club bouncers than health professionals.

Receptionists are NOT health professionals they are administrators.

This is why people get upset when they have to explain their confidential medical problem to them and are refused an appointment.

The way to get round them is to explain your problem in very graphical details, or to assertively ask them about their medical training and membership of an appropriate association.

[lilelvis2000]

I live close to one of the greatest metropolises in the world, you live in the arse end of nowhere.
That probably explains it.

You live near Accrington?

[minestrone]

Receptionists are NOT health professionals they are administrators.

Jeez, I never said they were.

You need to take a seat love and the doctor will be out soon to take care of your anger problems.

[formant]

Receptionists are NOT health professionals they are administrators.

Indeed.

At my GP's practice they basically don't answer the phone. I mean, they do, sometimes - just takes a good 15 mins to get through, and it's not because they're on another call.

I've started to just drive down there to make appointments. It's quicker. Once there, they can't ignore you the way they ignore the phone...

[minestrone]

Is anyone on this forum not unwell?

Seems to me that you are all unfit, unwell and in constant need of wet nursing and demand a cuddle from the NHS.

[d000hg]

I'm fairly fit apart from a bit of a paunch developing.

[Cliphead]

I'm lucky enough to live in a village with an excellent surgery. Appointments the same day or the next are the norm and the receptionists can tell who you are just by your voice. GP's on a first name basis and plenty of time to talk through issues.

This is how it should be but for the majority it's just a dream. How to fix it?