NHS How fortunate we are?

[marina]

Mercury - really sorry to hear about your husband.  Hope he continues to make a full and speedy recovery. 

I do think that, on the whole, most of us on here have been grateful for the NHS at some point.

[Menthol]

Wishing you and Barrie all the very, very best, Mercury. So pleased to hear that he received such an excellent service.

And Angela, how could you EVER feel ashamed to be a nurse! I don't believe in angels, but you guys are the closest we'll ever get.

I've just spent 10 mins with the practice nurse at my GP's today. The wonderful Maxine - always cheery, always attentive and very efficient. Wonderful woman.

[loz]

Anne (mercury) now I understand your message on FB, so pleased that you and Barrie are OK wishing Barrie well.

I have nothing but praise and admiration for our UK doctors and Nurses, I say this every time I hear or read a damning report regarding the NHS, you will never fully appreciate it until it is not available to you, going to the GP appointment or not is a luxury that we did not have when living in Turkey, also, appointments come through the post frequently when men and women reach a certain age for free checks, including an eye service.

[Colwyn]

There has been a lot of discussion on the news media today about increasing pressure on A&E hospital departments. A frequent theme has been the length of time to see a GP so people go to A&E. Frequently people say there is a two week waiting period to see a GP - one bloke from Scotland actually apologized for complaining about a two week wait because he had heard it was a lot worse in England.


I am signed up to a clinic practice that has, maybe, a dozen practitioners comprising of partners, seniors, juniors and locums. Their policy, whichI have never known to fail, is that if you phone reception first thing in the morning (8.30) you will be seen by one of the doctors on that day. If you want to see your own doctor (mine is excellent) you have to wait longer but not usually as long as two weeks (except for holidays) but for some some quick advice you can usually get a telephone consultation with your own doctor within a couple of days. For face-to-face meetings with your own doctor you can pre-book at a time convenient to you by phone or on the web (my preferred method).


I think this is excellent service (and as you might guess I am a frequent user). Am I really lucky to enjoy this level of service? How common is it? What is your experience?

[Ian]

Colwyn - we have an identical system in Rochdale.

Coincidentally I rang late afternoon on Friday to book an appointment for Gill - she initially wanted to see her own doctor - automated booking system said 8 working days - went back through menu and selected "any lady doctor" option - result 3 days.

I suspect if we selected "any doctor" we would have got one/two days.

Very satisfied with our local practice which again operates with about 12 GP's - a couple of clinics for "tests" - and also has one late night opening.

Not sure how hard it is to get a doctor out to see you in the home as we have never needed to - but I hear people (generally - not just in our area)  complaining most about this option.