Amber Snowball

I'll have a look at the link. It really does seem to be area/GP dependent as @VeryStormy and @Marissawright's experiences have indicated. Getting a prescription for meds without even meeting the GP?? I don't know whether to be impressed or terrified! But forewarned is forearmed and I have only joined PIO now because I wanted info on this specific issue, so thanks to everyone for their thoughts/warnings/experiences. I was a Health Visitor prior to moving to Aus so the NHS and all it's foibles are a sort of known entity, but recent experience is crucial. So thanks again.

Well that's interesting if it is still the same. I bet your wife gave it to you, I studied my book for a week to make sure I passed. Took the test at Geelong Medicare wedged in the cleaning cupboard with the mops and brooms. I spoke with my mum and she is adamant if she goes back she's not coming back here again. Can't stand the journey. I'll get a RRV anyway. She might change her mind.

That’s great service! It really is area dependent I think, although you have successfully sampled both extremes of area. It’s good to hear this sort of experience given all the negative press about the NHS recently, although the core issues are long standing and unlikely to be resolved any time soon. The staff on the ground really make the difference. Fingers crossed we have a similar experience. Thanks VS.

Thanks snifter, yes I was wondering if I was organised enough to plan the move straight after an injection. It may be that the injections will be moved even further apart which would be good, both for planning and my mum’s eyeball! Really appreciate everyone’s thoughts. Been out of the UK for so long it feels like migrating again, but strangely worse than when I merrily upped sticks to move here into the unknown. Ignorance was probably bliss and because I know the downsides to the UK I am more circumspect. Anyhoo, hopefully I can control/plan as much as possible and all will be well. Got a house to sell first.

Thanks Ali, good point about closed lists. Doesn’ t happen in my part of Aus, you forget what it’s like in the UK. No I don’t think they’ll give us the drugs to travel with, can ask though. Cheers.

Thanks Quoll. No she doesn’t have citizenship but we will get a RRV, should get 5 Years and that will be enough if needed. She’s unlikely to want to do that journey in her 80’s to be honest. Not to mention she has no idea how to use a computer to take the test and no patience to learn....... Good to know you had no issues. Just concerned that where we start off when arriving in temp accommodation may not be the area we end up in. Work being the obvious deciding factor. I will try to get a job before we leave, that will help.

Excellent! I used to use South Geelong as well if I travelled into the city.

Yes, it was on their radio show. Made me laugh anyway. I agree, Geelong has a lot of plus points.

I think it was James Brayshaw who said “ Geelong is an hour and 15 years down the highway from Melbourne”. ?

Thanks Newjez. I hope it goes smoothly as well. Been a bit spoilt here with access to healthcare! As I say, we can do a private appt if needed but certainly not ongoing at that cost. Everything feels a bit overwhelming when planning a move this big . Taking one step at a time.

Thanks VS. That sounds hopeful. Probably GP dependent. I recall you were in Windsor, not a quiet village backwater by any stretch so great you got sorted out that quickly. Contacting the GP in advance is a good idea. Once we get a short stay booked will let the ophthalmologist here know and he will probably contact directly. Doctor to doctor might be the way to go. Thanks for that.

I lived in the Geelong area for about 7 years, left in 2013 and liked it. We were on the Bellarine Peninsular. My son was 11 when we arrived there and I found it a great place to raise a family. Might be a bit quiet once your children get older but if they are still littlies I would recommend it. Safe bayside beaches, surf beaches, shops, cafes, sports clubs, gyms, clubs etc. I found the schools good. My son attended catholic schools and they were great. Inclusive, not purely academic, focussed on the whole person not just exam results. Once you get to university it all changes a bit, but you sound as though that is a way off! If you can work down there all the better. The Princes is a soul sucking road. Trains are fine but not that frequent, I am in patient though!?

Hi all, I have been lurking as a guest on this site for a couple of years now. Really since I started to feel unsettled in Australia. I have been here just over 12 years. My mum came over on a CPV (143) back in 2009. I am planning to return to the UK June time, with Mum in tow. My question is, how hard/long does it take to get registered with a GP, get an appointment, get referral and start treatment. She has 6 weekly injections for macular degeneration which will obviously need to continue as per the current timetable and are time sensitive, so we can’t just leave it for 3 months whilst we get settled. Her opthalmologist here trained in the UK (went to the secondary school round the corner from me in West London, can you believe it) and is going to do a referral as soon as we have a departure date. He is of the opinion it could take weeks to get it in place. We are not returning to the area we left and no family in the area we are thinking of heading to, so no interim address. My current plan is; book holiday let, use that as a temp address, register with GP and hope that as our Aus ophthalmologist trained in the area we are heading to (Shropshire/Cheshire) he can use his contacts to get her onto a treatment program ASAP. Alternative is to pay privately for the first jab and hope NHS is in place for the rest. Not cheap, 1200-2000 per injection. Bit specific I know but thought plenty of diverse people on here, might have some insight on the current NHS system. Thanks for reading and any thoughts.