Not so good news but wonderful NHS

[blondie]

We have been back in the UK now for nearly a year and what a year it has been. We finally sold out house in Devon, bought a barn conversion in Somerset (yay), husband started new job (yay) I have been offered a full time job in local private school (yay) and then ... our darling son has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, he is 15 years old and we are gutted. This post isn't to talk about the diagnosis but to applaud the wonderful NHS system, it may be overstretched as the media reports but it came up trumps 2 weeks ago for our family. I called 111, he was seen later that day with the out of hours GP, diagnosed immediately and admitted to the local children's ward within an hour. All done calmly, professionally and with such kindness. Two days in hospital and he did so well in understanding the injections and other medical stuff he was allowed home. Follow up calls every day from the specialist diabetic team, they are going to come to our home to talk to all the extended family as to how to look after Matthew, dietician coming next week for further education for me, follow up appointment in a couple of weeks for Matthew. I know it's early days but this whole experience was made less stressful not having to think about how much all this would cost.

 

I wonder if the stress of moving back was too much for him and somehow 'caused' this but have been told no one knows what causes type 1 diabetes. Then I wonder what would have happened to us if we had stayed in Oz and he was diagnosed anyway, how much money would it cost for the prescriptions alone. We always said that Australia was a very expensive country to be ill in.

[Gough Whitlam]

Our 21 year old daughter was diagnosed Type 1 when she was 3. Since that day the last thing on our mind has been the cost of medical care, as it will be yours too. Thank goodness for that. As an Australian who is long term resident of the UK I suspect that we are far better off here in the UK with the much maligned NHS than in Australia.

[Marisawright]

We have been back in the UK now for nearly a year ....and then ... our darling son has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes

 

I wonder what would have happened to us if we had stayed in Oz and he was diagnosed anyway, how much money would it cost for the prescriptions alone. We always said that Australia was a very expensive country to be ill in.

 

It would depend what kind of visa you were on and what kind of health cover you had, and also what you chose to do. GP's in Australia often refer patients to private specialists without thinking, they're so used to people having private health cover - but if you so wished, he could've been referred to a public specialist in a public hospital and would've had just as good treatment as the NHS, free.

 

I've had treatment for my asthma in both the public and private system in Australia and frankly, I found the clinics and specialists in the public system were better!

 

Big strides are being made in the treatment of diabetes so good luck, I'd say the future is bright for your son in spite of the diagnosis.

[newjez]

We have been back in the UK now for nearly a year and what a year it has been. We finally sold out house in Devon, bought a barn conversion in Somerset (yay), husband started new job (yay) I have been offered a full time job in local private school (yay) and then ... our darling son has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, he is 15 years old and we are gutted. This post isn't to talk about the diagnosis but to applaud the wonderful NHS system, it may be overstretched as the media reports but it came up trumps 2 weeks ago for our family. I called 111, he was seen later that day with the out of hours GP, diagnosed immediately and admitted to the local children's ward within an hour. All done calmly, professionally and with such kindness. Two days in hospital and he did so well in understanding the injections and other medical stuff he was allowed home. Follow up calls every day from the specialist diabetic team, they are going to come to our home to talk to all the extended family as to how to look after Matthew, dietician coming next week for further education for me, follow up appointment in a couple of weeks for Matthew. I know it's early days but this whole experience was made less stressful not having to think about how much all this would cost.

 

I wonder if the stress of moving back was too much for him and somehow 'caused' this but have been told no one knows what causes type 1 diabetes. Then I wonder what would have happened to us if we had stayed in Oz and he was diagnosed anyway, how much money would it cost for the prescriptions alone. We always said that Australia was a very expensive country to be ill in.

 

Probably not relevant at the moment as I think prescription are free for kids, but when he reaches maturity you can buy a prescription card to limit the expense to £100 a year.

 

 

http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/1127.aspx

[Bluesky12]

Probably not relevant at the moment as I think prescription are free for kids, but when he reaches maturity you can buy a prescription card to limit the expense to £100 a year.

 

 

http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/1127.aspx

 

 

 

I do believe you can apply for a Medical Exemption Certificate if you are living in England...and then get your medication for Diabetes free on the NHS

....but if you live in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland you don't need a MEC..to apply it's already free on the NHS....

[jbirdmoose]

We have been back in the UK now for nearly a year and what a year it has been. We finally sold out house in Devon, bought a barn conversion in Somerset (yay), husband started new job (yay) I have been offered a full time job in local private school (yay) and then ... our darling son has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, he is 15 years old and we are gutted. This post isn't to talk about the diagnosis but to applaud the wonderful NHS system, it may be overstretched as the media reports but it came up trumps 2 weeks ago for our family. I called 111, he was seen later that day with the out of hours GP, diagnosed immediately and admitted to the local children's ward within an hour. All done calmly, professionally and with such kindness. Two days in hospital and he did so well in understanding the injections and other medical stuff he was allowed home. Follow up calls every day from the specialist diabetic team, they are going to come to our home to talk to all the extended family as to how to look after Matthew, dietician coming next week for further education for me, follow up appointment in a couple of weeks for Matthew. I know it's early days but this whole experience was made less stressful not having to think about how much all this would cost.

 

I wonder if the stress of moving back was too much for him and somehow 'caused' this but have been told no one knows what causes type 1 diabetes. Then I wonder what would have happened to us if we had stayed in Oz and he was diagnosed anyway, how much money would it cost for the prescriptions alone. We always said that Australia was a very expensive country to be ill in.

 

Sorry to hear this @blondie. It's a horrible disease. As a diabetic myself I can tell you it's not cheap here in Oz and yet another reason we are moving back to the UK. I am on two difference types of insulin and 2 different tablets so that's 4 prescriptions. Current cost of scripts is $38.30 but of course the meds all run out at different times, some within the month, some after 2-3 months. The needles are free with my card but have to pay for test strips - yes it's a reduced cost at approx $16.50 for 100 but if I tested the recommended 6+ times a day those 100 strips only last 16 days...... So the costs mounts up. If I thought about how much money I don't have today because I've had to pay for all these the for past 7 years... well I don't want to say what I would want to do.

 

Some point to note: In the UK your son will not have to worry about the cost of prescriptions at any point, ever.

Firstly

You do not have to pay for prescriptions if you:• are under 16 years old;• are 16, 17 or 18 in full-time education; • have a valid medical exemption certificate...

People with certain medical conditions

If you have one of the following medicalconditions, you can apply for an NHS medicalexemption certificate that will entitle you toreceive NHS prescriptions free of charge: • Diabetes insipidus and other forms ofhypopituitarism (where the body does not produceenough of one or more pituitary hormones); • Diabetes mellitus, except where treatment is bydiet alone.

Edited February 5, 2016 by jbirdmoose

[Petals]

We have been back in the UK now for nearly a year and what a year it has been. We finally sold out house in Devon, bought a barn conversion in Somerset (yay), husband started new job (yay) I have been offered a full time job in local private school (yay) and then ... our darling son has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, he is 15 years old and we are gutted. This post isn't to talk about the diagnosis but to applaud the wonderful NHS system, it may be overstretched as the media reports but it came up trumps 2 weeks ago for our family. I called 111, he was seen later that day with the out of hours GP, diagnosed immediately and admitted to the local children's ward within an hour. All done calmly, professionally and with such kindness. Two days in hospital and he did so well in understanding the injections and other medical stuff he was allowed home. Follow up calls every day from the specialist diabetic team, they are going to come to our home to talk to all the extended family as to how to look after Matthew, dietician coming next week for further education for me, follow up appointment in a couple of weeks for Matthew. I know it's early days but this whole experience was made less stressful not having to think about how much all this would cost.

 

I wonder if the stress of moving back was too much for him and somehow 'caused' this but have been told no one knows what causes type 1 diabetes. Then I wonder what would have happened to us if we had stayed in Oz and he was diagnosed anyway, how much money would it cost for the prescriptions alone. We always said that Australia was a very expensive country to be ill in.

 

What would have happened in Aus well he would have had a blood test with his symptoms the gp would have rung you that day and said there was a problem and you needed to see a paediatrician the next day, you would have done this and he would have been admitted to hospital and kept there for a week whilst they educated you and your son on what was required being a diabetic. Also specialists would have had tutorials with you to teach you how to handle his condition. You would then have taken him home with ongoing support and appointments at a diabetic clinic for children and young ones at the hospital. He would attend there till he `16 and then he would me moved to the adolescent clinic until he was 25. He would continue to get all the dietitians and specialists at the clinic each time he attended and the blood work.

 

How do I know this my daughter became type 1 at 12 and that is what they did for us, no health insurance no payments. We also got a diabetic card so she got all her paraphanalia cheaper, yes we do have to pay something but that is not a problem. My daughter is now 35. I remember when visiting the UK with her when she was 14 and already on a pen I was amazed at the time that pens were not in use then in 1994 in the UK unless you had private. Aus health is excellent. My daughter went on to get brain cancer at 24 and I am so pleased she was here in Aus, scan in emergenccy, operation next day and on going care for the last 11 years and she never has to do anything. When she visits the hospital her surgeon, her radio oncologist and her oncologist are all present at her consultations. That is good care and its available. I worried when she went to France whilst on chemo that she would have to go to hospital away from Aus.

[Bound4Tassie]

Whereas my daughter was supposed to have an NHS appt with a dietician re her peanut allergy.We waited 3 months from her 'episode' to see the consultant for tests to confirm the allergy then We waited over 3 months for the dietician appointment to come through. We couldn't attend so with more than a weeks notice I tried to cancel. 5 calls and 3 answer phone messages (as nobody picked up the phone) saying we needed to cancel. We got a "You failed to attend, you've been discharged" letter. So I rang up again ...again could only get the answerphone so I vented my anger on there ! Someone did ring me back after that one saying "sorry I don't normally work here but we will make u a new appointment". Well that was November so I'm not holding my breath! It'll all be because of cuts in funding and can't afford a receptionist full time...and when they are there they're probably so busy they forget people/ make mistakes. Just lucky I suppose we're motivated enough parents to research her condition ourselves. I don't really blame the staff at the hospital. They do the best in an under funded , under resourced situation.

Edited February 5, 2016 by Bound4Tassie

[bristolman]

We have been back in the UK now for nearly a year and what a year it has been. We finally sold out house in Devon, bought a barn conversion in Somerset (yay), husband started new job (yay) I have been offered a full time job in local private school (yay) and then ... our darling son has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, he is 15 years old and we are gutted. This post isn't to talk about the diagnosis but to applaud the wonderful NHS system, it may be overstretched as the media reports but it came up trumps 2 weeks ago for our family. I called 111, he was seen later that day with the out of hours GP, diagnosed immediately and admitted to the local children's ward within an hour. All done calmly, professionally and with such kindness. Two days in hospital and he did so well in understanding the injections and other medical stuff he was allowed home. Follow up calls every day from the specialist diabetic team, they are going to come to our home to talk to all the extended family as to how to look after Matthew, dietician coming next week for further education for me, follow up appointment in a couple of weeks for Matthew. I know it's early days but this whole experience was made less stressful not having to think about how much all this would cost.

 

I wonder if the stress of moving back was too much for him and somehow 'caused' this but have been told no one knows what causes type 1 diabetes. Then I wonder what would have happened to us if we had stayed in Oz and he was diagnosed anyway, how much money would it cost for the prescriptions alone. We always said that Australia was a very expensive country to be ill in.

 

We have had fantastic 'service' from the NHS since being back. Ironically both our twins broke an arm in recent years, one in Australia and one here, the simple fact is that the experience in Australia was quite frankly a nightmare and here was a dream. That's not to say people don't have good experiences in Australia of course.

[JockinTas]

We have had fantastic 'service' from the NHS since being back. Ironically both our twins broke an arm in recent years, one in Australia and one here, the simple fact is that the experience in Australia was quite frankly a nightmare and here was a dream. That's not to say people don't have good experiences in Australia of course.

 

I very rarely went to a doctor in the UK and was never in hospital myself but friends and family who did received very good care. Here in Australia I had first class care in a public hospital for the births of my babies. I would say it depends which part of the UK or Australia you live in. I've also heard some horror stories about hospital treatment in both countries.

 

Which hospital was your child treated at Bristolman? Goodness knows, my two lads were always getting stitched up in emergency as they were a couple of little ruffians - always falling off skateboard or out of high trees. Always received fantastic fast treatment at hospitals. Royal North Shore and Royal Prince Alfred, both in Sydney and both public.

[bristolman]

I very rarely went to a doctor in the UK and was never in hospital myself but friends and family who did received very good care. Here in Australia I had first class care in a public hospital for the births of my babies. I would say it depends which part of the UK or Australia you live in. I've also heard some horror stories about hospital treatment in both countries.

 

Which hospital was your child treated at Bristolman? Goodness knows, my two lads were always getting stitched up in emergency as they were a couple of little ruffians - always falling off skateboard or out of high trees. Always received fantastic fast treatment at hospitals. Royal North Shore and Royal Prince Alfred, both in Sydney and both public.

 

Bugger, now you are asking me to rely on a dodgy memory. It was in Brisbane lol. Bearing in mind he was a young boy, about 8 as I recall with a arm that looked like a banana. He was on a trolley literally for hours and I had to just about grab a doctor to see to him and then I got quite a rude response. That was just the start of it, as I said a nightmare experience. The thing is we can only make judgement based on our own experiences. Because it happens ed at school an ambulance was called, when I asked whether he would be taken to Logan Hospital the paramedic said 'oh god no, we won't take him there' lol

[JockinTas]

Bugger, now you are asking me to rely on a dodgy memory. It was in Brisbane lol. Bearing in mind he was a young boy, about 8 as I recall with a arm that looked like a banana. He was on a trolley literally for hours and I had to just about grab a doctor to see to him and then I got quite a rude response. That was just the start of it, as I said a nightmare experience. The thing is we can only make judgement based on our own experiences. Because it happens ed at school an ambulance was called, when I asked whether he would be taken to Logan Hospital the paramedic said 'oh god no, we won't take him there' lol

 

Is his arm alright now? My OH had stomach ops also at Royal Prince Alfred. He couldn't have received better care and that was on the public system. As you say, you can only judge by your personal experience.

[bristolman]

Is his arm alright now? My OH had stomach ops also at Royal Prince Alfred. He couldn't have received better care and that was on the public system. As you say, you can only judge by your personal experience.

 

Oh yes it's fine now, there isn't even a lump where it broke.

[Bound4Tassie]

For the most part people in the UK as patients don't notice the strain the system is under. Most nhs staff will bust a gut to give you the best care. But how long that can/will continue with lack of resources/funding ? Why are the doctors on strike if everything in the nhs is hunky dory? I had 2 good experiences giving birth in nhs hospitals except for waiting 7 hours to be taken from the delivery room to the ward. Again that was lack of staff. In my situation , not the end of the world but indicative of a system not coping.

[bristolman]

For the most part people in the UK as patients don't notice the strain the system is under. Most nhs staff will bust a gut to give you the best care. But how long that can/will continue with lack of resources/funding ? Why are the doctors on strike if everything in the nhs is hunky dory? I had 2 good experiences giving birth in nhs hospitals except for waiting 7 hours to be taken from the delivery room to the ward. Again that was lack of staff. In my situation , not the end of the world but indicative of a system not coping.

 

Yes true in both countries of course, both systems under a great deal of strain. Who has said everything is hunky dory ? The NHS is actually receiving increased funding but what they need to do is cut down on wastage. I think the time has come to stop literally everything being free.

[Bound4Tassie]

I agree. I would be happy to pay something towards a better system. ( for staff and patients)

[lp77]

@blondie so sorry to hear about your son. Feel free to pm if. You want. My dd was diagnosed in dec 2013 and huge shock etc... But nhs fantastic. It's funny cos we came to oz the man after she was diagnosed and seeing her out n about was what prompted U.S. To actually move.. We had. Talked about it for. Years...

we know we will need to pay and it was such a stress giving up all the support we had at home...

Yes australian healthcare will be interesting but schools so switched on and proactive about her care...

yes I love the nhs but it cannot continue in its current state.

hugs xx

[lp77]

@blondie so sorry to hear about your son. Feel free to pm if. You want. My dd was diagnosed in dec 2013 and huge shock etc... But nhs fantastic. It's funny cos we came to oz the jan after she was diagnosed and seeing her out n about was what prompted Us To actually move.. We had Talked about it for.Years...

we know we will need to pay and it was such a stress giving up all the support we had at home...

Yes australian healthcare will be interesting but schools so switched on and proactive about her care...

yes I love the nhs but it cannot continue in its current state.

hugs xx

[Danny81]

I'm a GP, worked in the NHS for 10 years and now here in Aus. Sorry to hear about your son. Diabetes care is improving all the time with better patient training, and new technology - it's not as scary as it used to be, just very tough for a teen to adapt to.

Both systems want to get the management of childhood diabetes right - for compassionate reasons of course and the huge savings for the system in the long run. Everyone can sympathise with a kid having to face this diagnosis, so I hope you continue to get great care.

The next few years will sadly see the NHS break up, and the care of 'private' and 'public' patients will be different - much like the Australian system. Don't be fooled by the Torys promise of 'increased funding' in the UK. Relative amount of money going into the NHS is falling, whilst demand and costs are rising. Funny how they don't think making £22 billion pounds of 'efficiency savings' counts as a cut. Just a government of spin and no substance.

Work as a doctor in the NHS is damn tough and demoralising at the moment. Not a day goes by that the press don't publish an anti-doctor/nurse story, or the government don't try and blame us for their shortcomings. If you think you're getting good care, let staff know. A thank you after a long day on the front-line makes it all worthwhile.

[Phoenix16]

I have to say you've had an awesome response from the NHS and it's really lovely to hear that. I'm disappointed reading replies commenting about how much it would have cost them if they lived in Australia....I actually respect the Australian system and appreciate that whilst I might have to pay a fee to see my GP, I can actually log on to their website at 7am and book myself an appointment to see my GP later that morning, I appreciate the fact that if I need a scan I can usually get it done within a day or so, yes I pay a contribution and I get a contribution back from Medicare. I believe the way forward for the NHS is a similar system whereby the public make a contribution towards their own healthcare, it's become quite normal for me as a POM to now expect to pay a contribution towards my consultations, treatment and drugs, it actually makes sense.

[Que Sera Sera]

Two new Medical Centres have opened up near us in the last few months and they both do bulk billing for all so not even a cost for a GP visit if you chose not to. Personally I'd rather pay the nominal amount and see the GP of my choice but there's completely free medical care there if you want it. I too believe the Australian Medicare system is a really good one. I've had such great completely free care on recent tests, operations and hospital admissions. No complaints at all.

[bristolman]

I have to say you've had an awesome response from the NHS and it's really lovely to hear that. I'm disappointed reading replies commenting about how much it would have cost them if they lived in Australia....I actually respect the Australian system and appreciate that whilst I might have to pay a fee to see my GP, I can actually log on to their website at 7am and book myself an appointment to see my GP later that morning, I appreciate the fact that if I need a scan I can usually get it done within a day or so, yes I pay a contribution and I get a contribution back from Medicare. I believe the way forward for the NHS is a similar system whereby the public make a contribution towards their own healthcare, it's become quite normal for me as a POM to now expect to pay a contribution towards my consultations, treatment and drugs, it actually makes sense.

 

Yes as I said I don't think the NHS can continue to provide everything free, I'm all in favour of paying for a GP visit for example. Both systems are under increasing strain and changes need to be made.

[Petals]

Interesting, if you need treatment for a condition and its urgent in Australia you will get it. We forget that we can live with a lot of conditions and therefore we have to wait and this is fine. Conditions that my daughter has and other people get priority as they should, they are life threatening. I am amazed at the number of people who go and sit in the emergency department for hours overnight say and whine about it. If you can sit all night you can stay home and wait to see a gp in the morning and there are so many bulk billing clinics here now in Aus that seeing a GP is very easy.

 

In England and here in Aus we are going to have to pay more for health. We already pay so why have people got this feeling its free. Its not free we all pay whether we notice the payments or not.

 

I have health insurance but I did not take it out until I was older why because I can get sorted quick and I do not know how much longer I will be on this mortal coil. I have just been in hospital and I am to head off there again in a few months. I have control of my health and I like that. No-one tells us here in Aus you can and cannot have this because its possible to have it.

 

The problem areas are in old age health due to numbers and given that most elderly will be on pension its a universal problem. Then there are the disadvantaged these people are entitled to good outcomes as well. So if we can afford to pay a little we should as we never know when we may need it free.

 

Because our doctors in Aus are self employed unless they work for a hospital the system is different and they are in control of their preferred way of charging. Therefore most procedures in clinics here in Aus are carried out by doctors because they are paid per service by Medibank. I love it that the doc takes my stitches out and that see the doc for most things after all they spent many years learning to be a doctor. In fact they stop learning.

 

Aus for me all the way.

[caramac]

I'm sorry to hear about your son, Blondie, but I'm glad you and he are having a good experience with the NHS. You'll probably find he has a multidisciplinary team looking after him - specialist nurses, dieticians, his GP plus a consultant if and when he needs it.

Ive had a good experience with the NHS this week too. Phoned the surgery on Thursday, appt Friday morning with bloods taken at the appointment, told I needed some scans. The radiography dept phoned me this morning and I'm having the scans on Tuesday.

The pressure the system, and the people who work in it, are under at the moment is mad, but everyone I've come into contact with so far has been friendly, helpful and professional.

We are very lucky to have the NHS and we should be fighting to keep it public, not swallowing the spin the government is feeding us. This govt want to make it look unaffordable so they can sell more and more of it off to private companies (which several of them have financial interests in, just like the companies taking over schools to make them academies) who need to make a profit above anything else. Yes, we have an ageing population, but cutting £Billions from the social care budget impacts on the NHS. Vulnerable, elderly people are stuck in hospital beds because there's nowhere else to send them and no money to support them in their own homes which is cheapest and, in many cases, the preferable option.

http://www.kingsfund.org.uk/press/press-releases/social-care-budget-cuts-damaging-nhs-latest-quarterly-monitoring-report-finds

 

We have 'the most impressive healthcare system' in terms of value for money and safe, coordinated, patient centred care, according to the commonwealth fund in 2014 and it costs around 8% of GDP. I think that's pretty good value for money when compared with some other countries.

[tea4too]

I'm sorry to hear about your son, Blondie, but I'm glad you and he are having a good experience with the NHS. You'll probably find he has a multidisciplinary team looking after him - specialist nurses, dieticians, his GP plus a consultant if and when he needs it.

Ive had a good experience with the NHS this week too. Phoned the surgery on Thursday, appt Friday morning with bloods taken at the appointment, told I needed some scans. The radiography dept phoned me this morning and I'm having the scans on Tuesday.

The pressure the system, and the people who work in it, are under at the moment is mad, but everyone I've come into contact with so far has been friendly, helpful and professional.

We are very lucky to have the NHS and we should be fighting to keep it public, not swallowing the spin the government is feeding us. This govt want to make it look unaffordable so they can sell more and more of it off to private companies (which several of them have financial interests in, just like the companies taking over schools to make them academies) who need to make a profit above anything else. Yes, we have an ageing population, but cutting £Billions from the social care budget impacts on the NHS. Vulnerable, elderly people are stuck in hospital beds because there's nowhere else to send them and no money to support them in their own homes which is cheapest and, in many cases, the preferable option.

http://www.kingsfund.org.uk/press/press-releases/social-care-budget-cuts-damaging-nhs-latest-quarterly-monitoring-report-finds

 

We have 'the most impressive healthcare system' in terms of value for money and safe, coordinated, patient centred care, according to the commonwealth fund in 2014 and it costs around 8% of GDP. I think that's pretty good value for money when compared with some other countries.

 

 

:yes:........:yes::yes:..... T x