AJ Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 (edited) Your as old as you feel.We are returning to the Uk.I'm 78 and my wife is 75. We have decided we can't afford to live in Australia.As far as Health Care Goes, you are better off in the Uk,the older you get the more your health deteriorates.The Health care in Australia isn't as good as the UK.Plus it's a fact that aged people are dying in Australia waiting on long long waiting lists.It's a long wait even to see a specialist. I was told when i went to the Dentists,that i should get a pallet made.But the wait was 5 years.I was lucky i only waited 4 years.Now my wife and i have to have our cateracts done,There's a waiting list of 7 years,or pay $6000 for each eye,we may be both dead by then.Friends in the UK ,say come back and get it done for free in 6 weeks,another friend has just had a hip replaced for free, very little waiting time.We arrived in Australia in 1986,it's gone on a steady down hill trend. Now that the mining boom is over,Things here are going to get really bad.The Liberals wasted the Countries wealth,they never diversified. Now they are borrowing $100 million a day to stay afloat.And Spending like drunken Sailors.What on Earth do the Liberals want to Spend $448 Billion On Submarines and a few boats for?They could never defend Australia.Besides who wants it? When the Housing Market crashes here,it will be Armageddon.It's time to go before the $ crashes. Can you imagine the state of the NHS if we all decided to return and use the health facilities in a country that we havent contributed to for 30 years? Edited May 20, 2016 by AJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith and Linda Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 In previous generations it was a lot easier to survive on one wage with one parent able to stay at home. In lots of countries that's a luxury now, hence the importance of affordable childcare. . Not sure which generations you refer to, but as I am only one generation back from my children so not too long ago really, I can tell you it was not easier to survive on one wage it was more that we had to survive, and I know for sure that the same applied to my parents generation too. Also the reason for having children in previous generations was not dictated by finances but out of love, and childcare was the parents love. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussiederek Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 Your as old as you feel.We are returning to the Uk.I'm 78 and my wife is 75. We have decided we can't afford to live in Australia.As far as Health Care Goes, you are better off in the Uk,the older you get the more your health deteriorates.The Health care in Australia isn't as good as the UK.Plus it's a fact that aged people are dying in Australia waiting on long long waiting lists.It's a long wait even to see a specialist. I was told when i went to the Dentists,that i should get a pallet made.But the wait was 5 years.I was lucky i only waited 4 years.Now my wife and i have to have our cateracts done,There's a waiting list of 7 years,or pay $6000 for each eye,we may be both dead by then.Friends in the UK ,say come back and get it done for free in 6 weeks,another friend has just had a hip replaced for free, very little waiting time.We arrived in Australia in 1986,it's gone on a steady down hill trend. Now that the mining boom is over,Things here are going to get really bad.The Liberals wasted the Countries wealth,they never diversified. Now they are borrowing $100 million a day to stay afloat.And Spending like drunken Sailors.What on Earth do the Liberals want to Spend $448 Billion On Submarines and a few boats for?They could never defend Australia.Besides who wants it? When the Housing Market crashes here,it will be Armageddon.It's time to go before the $ crashes. Zack, I can't believe it is Australia's health system you are talking about. Sounds more like the UK's NHS!! Like you, we also came here in 1986 and joined a health fund like every sensible person does. I have had a couple of operations and my wife several major operations, some in recent years, with very short waiting times. By short I mean literally a week or two. Quick access to top consultants and treatment in top hospitals the like of which the NHS could only dream about. Our out of pocket expenses have been minimal. On the other hand, I have a close relative in the UK who is in dire straits waiting for bowel cancer to be dealt with. The NHS can't even get the required expertise together to do an operation, despite numerous tests and procedures over many months. Also mixed messages regarding the whole thing. This is not an isolated case because we have friends experiencing the same thing with the sacred cow known as the NHS. We would love to retire back in the UK, Northern Ireland to be specific, but what we are seeing happening to our aging relatives and friends rules this out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith and Linda Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 Can you imagine the state of the NHS if we all decided to return and use the health facilities in a country that we havent contributed to for 30 years? I am sure we have had posts on this forum where returnees have said they were not able/allowed to get NHS treatment. at least not on first returning not sure what the time limits if any are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amibovered Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 I am sure we have had posts on this forum where returnees have said they were not able/allowed to get NHS treatment. at least not on first returning not sure what the time limits if any are. No time limits, you may be asked to show that you're a permanent resident and not visiting, tenancy agreement or utility bill, that kind of thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patphillips47 Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 We have found waiting lists on both the NHS and Medicare practically the same Hubby waited 12 months for first hip op in Oz 12 months for 3rd hip op in UK Difference was we had paid to see the orthopedic surgeon in the UK who then put him on th waiting list but said by paying the 90 quid fee to see him we had circumnavigated a 9 month wait to see him - then it would have been a 12 month wait on the operation list Hubby was treated at a BUPA hospital on the Uk under the NHS what we did find was the wait for an X-ray scan etc in the UK was quite a long wait here in Oz we get a referal from the GP phone for an appointments qnd normally get seen for scan or X-ray in a day or two Seeing a GP in the uk was a lot longer wait if we wanted a specific doctor or take pot luck by turning up at 8 am and sitting for 3 hours Never had to have a waiting period to us the NHS though we simply registered at a GP and got new national health cards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bristolman Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 Zack, I can't believe it is Australia's health system you are talking about. Sounds more like the UK's NHS!! Like you, we also came here in 1986 and joined a health fund like every sensible person does. I have had a couple of operations and my wife several major operations, some in recent years, with very short waiting times. By short I mean literally a week or two. Quick access to top consultants and treatment in top hospitals the like of which the NHS could only dream about. Our out of pocket expenses have been minimal. On the other hand, I have a close relative in the UK who is in dire straits waiting for bowel cancer to be dealt with. The NHS can't even get the required expertise together to do an operation, despite numerous tests and procedures over many months. Also mixed messages regarding the whole thing. This is not an isolated case because we have friends experiencing the same thing with the sacred cow known as the NHS. We would love to retire back in the UK, Northern Ireland to be specific, but what we are seeing happening to our aging relatives and friends rules this out! There you are you see, I can't believe you are talking about the NHS but that is not our experience's at all. The only post operation infections I have ever had were in Australia, one time when I had a titanium rod in my leg removed they released me with the wound bleeding heavily, the solution to this was to wrap more bandages around it. Our son broke his arm in Brisbane and spent hours lying on a trolley in a corridor just waiting for a doctor to look at him, he was 6 years old so obviously very scared by the whole thing, then they wouldn't let him eat of drink for close to 2 days as they kept delaying his operation. I would personally be loathed to tell anyone moving to Australia they could possibly get better care. All it means is different people in different areas get different treatment regardless of what country. I can see a GP same day without waiting hours, I recently got x rays next day and got to see a skin specialist within a few weeks. I'm sorry that others in the UK don't have the same experiences but equally that applies to Australia as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussiederek Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 There you are you see, I can't believe you are talking about the NHS but that is not our experience's at all. The only post operation infections I have ever had were in Australia, one time when I had a titanium rod in my leg removed they released me with the wound bleeding heavily, the solution to this was to wrap more bandages around it. Our son broke his arm in Brisbane and spent hours lying on a trolley in a corridor just waiting for a doctor to look at him, he was 6 years old so obviously very scared by the whole thing, then they wouldn't let him eat of drink for close to 2 days as they kept delaying his operation. I would personally be loathed to tell anyone moving to Australia they could possibly get better care. All it means is different people in different areas get different treatment regardless of what country. I can see a GP same day without waiting hours, I recently got x rays next day and got to see a skin specialist within a few weeks. I'm sorry that others in the UK don't have the same experiences but equally that applies to Australia as well. We live in Perth where I'm told by friends over east that we are very fortunate in WA. Nevertheless, I think that what makes our system work so well is having private insurance, which dovetails nicely in with Medicare. We think it is very good value for money and the Government pay 40% of the premium for pensioners (30% for pre-pensioners). Quite frankly I find it hard to understand why so many people don't see the need for private insurance in Australia! They think nothing of insuring their house, contents, boat, caravan car etc., but don't insure the most important thing of all .... their health. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bristolman Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 (edited) We live in Perth where I'm told by friends over east that we are very fortunate in WA. Nevertheless, I think that what makes our system work so well is having private insurance, which dovetails nicely in with Medicare. We think it is very good value for money and the Government pay 40% of the premium for pensioners (30% for pre-pensioners). Quite frankly I find it hard to understand why so many people don't see the need for private insurance in Australia! They think nothing of insuring their house, contents, boat, caravan car etc., but don't insure the most important thing of all .... their health. Many can't afford it and also don't insure their cars, house etc. It's not a case of not seeing the need. Edited May 20, 2016 by bristolman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussiederek Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 I understand what you're saying bristolman, there are indeed many people who are struggling financially. Nevertheless, there are many who could afford some cover and many low cost options are available. On the whole I don't think there is any need for most people in Australia to have some health insurance, thus avoiding long waiting times and having access to the best hospitals and specialists. Being pensioners, we are not well off, but we live a simple life and the last thing I will let go is our health insurance. I think that for many it is a matter of priority, and a lot don't seem to see health insurance as a priority. It is the number of people who don't see health insurance as a priority, believing that it is the Government's responsibility to look after their health, that leaves me bewildered! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bristolman Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 I understand what you're saying bristolman, there are indeed many people who are struggling financially. Nevertheless, there are many who could afford some cover and many low cost options are available. On the whole I don't think there is any need for most people in Australia to have some health insurance, thus avoiding long waiting times and having access to the best hospitals and specialists. Being pensioners, we are not well off, but we live a simple life and the last thing I will let go is our health insurance. I think that for many it is a matter of priority, and a lot don't seem to see health insurance as a priority. It is the number of people who don't see health insurance as a priority, believing that it is the Government's responsibility to look after their health, that leaves me bewildered! We have never had health insurance in all our years, it's just not something we have every thought about. I do see Australia in years to come as following more and more the American model. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VERYSTORMY Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 I have had wonderful care in both and some crap care in both. When I had a camera down the throat in the UK last, it was terrible - the consultant was in a rush and didn't bother with any form of anaesthetic - as a result I vomited all over him - serves him right. When I had kidney stones in Oz, the consultant forgot to remove the stent and it only got removed when I ended up in casualty a week later crying with pain. At the same time, a couple of weeks ago, I pulled an injury here in the UK and was seen by my GP that day, referred to the hospital the same day and tested and treated. The last time I had a camera inserted in Oz - both ways - I could not have asked for better treatment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussiederek Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 It is of course a personal matter of choice whether to have some form of health insurance or not. It's just not the norm to be without it here in Western Australia. We have family in America and know how that system works. The Australian system is nothing like theirs and never will be! In America you pay for everything and the mighty dollar rules. But to bring this discussion into perspective, from what I'm reading and know from others, attitudes to many things differ greatly between Australia's Eastern States and Western Australia. Health service is clearly one of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussiederek Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 I have had wonderful care in both and some crap care in both. When I had a camera down the throat in the UK last, it was terrible - the consultant was in a rush and didn't bother with any form of anaesthetic - as a result I vomited all over him - serves him right. When I had kidney stones in Oz, the consultant forgot to remove the stent and it only got removed when I ended up in casualty a week later crying with pain. At the same time, a couple of weeks ago, I pulled an injury here in the UK and was seen by my GP that day, referred to the hospital the same day and tested and treated. The last time I had a camera inserted in Oz - both ways - I could not have asked for better treatment. Yes, the old camera down the throat without an anaesthetic seems to be the norm with the NHS. My brother and several friends have all had the camera down without anaesthetic in Northern Ireland ..... how barbaric! I think it's a matter of cost. I've had it three times and my wife once here in Perth and we both were given anaesthetic. Actually, it's a heavy sedation, but a lovely sensation as you drift off. (One could easily become addicted to that stuff, but shouldn't jest.) All so different from what I know from my family and friends back in the old country! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bristolman Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 Yes, the old camera down the throat without an anaesthetic seems to be the norm with the NHS. My brother and several friends have all had the camera down without anaesthetic in Northern Ireland ..... how barbaric! I think it's a matter of cost. I've had it three times and my wife once here in Perth and we both were given anaesthetic. Actually, it's a heavy sedation, but a lovely sensation as you drift off. (One could easily become addicted to that stuff, but shouldn't jest.) All so different from what I know from my family and friends back in the old country! Wow, I don't know anyone who has had that procedure at all. I don't think you will find it is the norm at all. A quick search tells me it isn't the norm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bristolman Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 It is of course a personal matter of choice whether to have some form of health insurance or not. It's just not the norm to be without it here in Western Australia. We have family in America and know how that system works. The Australian system is nothing like theirs and never will be! In America you pay for everything and the mighty dollar rules. But to bring this discussion into perspective, from what I'm reading and know from others, attitudes to many things differ greatly between Australia's Eastern States and Western Australia. Health service is clearly one of them. Oh I think it will become more and more like the American system, the Government is already removing procedures or charging for procedures, taking things off the bulk billing lists. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussiederek Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 Oh I think it will become more and more like the American system, the Government is already removing procedures or charging for procedures, taking things off the bulk billing lists. I think we'll have to agree to differ on this. The Aussie health system works very well for us. It could not be more different to the American health system that our son and Grandchildren have to live with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussiederek Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 Wow, I don't know anyone who has had that procedure at all. I don't think you will find it is the norm at all. A quick search tells me it isn't the norm. It certainly is the norm with the NHS Trusts in Northern Ireland, I can assure you. I know too many people who have experienced this to think differently. The way the NHS operates around the UK seems to vary a lot. My feeling is that it is so bad in Northern Ireland because the local Assembly is strapped for cash ... just my opinion. However, I can't see how the excellent NHS concept introduced in 1948 can continue to provide an adequate free medical service in this day and age. Considering the complexity and advances in medical science and ability to do such marvelous things, it is surely unreasonable to expect the Government to provide this without some contribution from the population. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tea4too Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 Yes, the old camera down the throat without an anaesthetic seems to be the norm with the NHS. My brother and several friends have all had the camera down without anaesthetic in Northern Ireland ..... how barbaric! I think it's a matter of cost. I've had it three times and my wife once here in Perth and we both were given anaesthetic. Actually, it's a heavy sedation, but a lovely sensation as you drift off. (One could easily become addicted to that stuff, but shouldn't jest.) All so different from what I know from my family and friends back in the old country! I know for certain that a local anaesthetic is available on the NHS for endoscopy procedures in England as my mum was offered one and the NHS website confirms it. T x www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Endoscopy/Pages/Introduction.aspx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patphillips47 Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 I have had wonderful care in both and some crap care in both. When I had a camera down the throat in the UK last, it was terrible - the consultant was in a rush and didn't bother with any form of anaesthetic - as a result I vomited all over him - serves him right. When I had kidney stones in Oz, the consultant forgot to remove the stent and it only got removed when I ended up in casualty a week later crying with pain. At the same time, a couple of weeks ago, I pulled an injury here in the UK and was seen by my GP that day, referred to the hospital the same day and tested and treated. The last time I had a camera inserted in Oz - both ways - I could not have asked for better treatment. That's the nail right on the head -you win some you loose some and we have had both good and not so good treatment in both countries I have had endoscopies in both countries and yes serves the surgeon right no way could I have had it done without knock out drops lol Hubby has had kidney stones a few times -ouch you have my sympathy there too as they are so painful We have private insurance years ago in Oz when we worked but to be honest I often think the final bill gets whacked up because the hospital clinics etc know you have insurance I have had dental treatment at the Dental hospital in Adelaide -never again as its so time consuming and draining We plan to go with a company called Smile where you pay a one off fee annually ,can only go to certain dentists but get dental work done at a reasonable price Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patphillips47 Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 Yes, the old camera down the throat without an anaesthetic seems to be the norm with the NHS. My brother and several friends have all had the camera down without anaesthetic in Northern Ireland ..... how barbaric! I think it's a matter of cost. I've had it three times and my wife once here in Perth and we both were given anaesthetic. Actually, it's a heavy sedation, but a lovely sensation as you drift off. (One could easily become addicted to that stuff, but shouldn't jest.) All so different from what I know from my family and friends back in the old country! I have had both endoscopies and panendoscopies under the NHS never ever without anaesthetic that's in north east England though I had really bad reflux and heartburn which was treated in Oz -could not have faulted the care I got all under Medicare Swings and roundabouts syndrome again I guess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bristolman Posted May 21, 2016 Share Posted May 21, 2016 I think we'll have to agree to differ on this. The Aussie health system works very well for us. It could not be more different to the American health system that our son and Grandchildren have to live with. I think you are missing what I am saying, it will BECOME more and more like the American system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calNgary Posted May 22, 2016 Share Posted May 22, 2016 I have had both endoscopies and panendoscopies under the NHS never ever without anaesthetic that's in north east England though I had really bad reflux and heartburn which was treated in Oz -could not have faulted the care I got all under Medicare Swings and roundabouts syndrome again I guess I've had 2 in the UK (North West) and 2 here (Brisbane), only here was i knocked out. In the UK i had my throat sprayed to numb it up, dont get me wrong, it didn't hurt and the staff were fab, i wasn't even in that long ,cannot fault them at all, but now i've experienced the other way i do prefer to be knocked out and know nothing about it. lol but thats just me and i prefer not to know whats going on, be it Dr ,hospital or dentist,lol. Cal x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bristolman Posted May 22, 2016 Share Posted May 22, 2016 It is much much more dangerous to put someone under general anaesthetic and I'm surprised it is considered worth the risk for a procedure of that type. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newjez Posted May 22, 2016 Share Posted May 22, 2016 (edited) Zack, I can't believe it is Australia's health system you are talking about. Sounds more like the UK's NHS!! Like you, we also came here in 1986 and joined a health fund like every sensible person does. I have had a couple of operations and my wife several major operations, some in recent years, with very short waiting times. By short I mean literally a week or two. Quick access to top consultants and treatment in top hospitals the like of which the NHS could only dream about. Our out of pocket expenses have been minimal. On the other hand, I have a close relative in the UK who is in dire straits waiting for bowel cancer to be dealt with. The NHS can't even get the required expertise together to do an operation, despite numerous tests and procedures over many months. Also mixed messages regarding the whole thing. This is not an isolated case because we have friends experiencing the same thing with the sacred cow known as the NHS. We would love to retire back in the UK, Northern Ireland to be specific, but what we are seeing happening to our aging relatives and friends rules this out! Cancer patients are a priority in the NHS. You don't wait around for cancer treatment. Saying that, it is possible for operations to be cancelled for many reasons, mainly involving the patient health,. But also if emergency cases arrive. This happened with my uncle. They had to reschedule his bowel cancer several times because his bloods weren't right, and once there was an admin cockup. But cancer is a priority. You don't go on a waiting list. Edited May 22, 2016 by newjez Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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