Ongoing treatment when returning to UK

[Amber Snowball]

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.

[VERYSTORMY]

I can only comment on my situation, but it may help. 

We arrived back in March 2016 and I have a couple of long term health issues and stupidly didn't get medication sorted before we left Oz. 

So, we arrived and were initially in an AirBnB and I was able to register with a GP without any issues and explained when I went in that I needed medication asap. I didn't have any referral / notes from my Oz GP, just an old Oz repeat prescription for on med and the empty box for another. Wasn't an issue. I had popped in on day and explained and was given a form to fill in and to return the following day for an appointment. Had the appointment and GP went through my history as per the form and issued me a prescription. 

If you know which GP you are going to be registering with, you could speak to them in advance of the move to get them prepared. 

[Amber Snowball]

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.

[newjez]

I think the new rules are there to stop health tourism, even by UK citizens who are living abroad. If you are honestly moving back, and the staff you have been referred to are aware of this, it should make things much easier. Fingers crossed it will go smoothly.

[Amber Snowball]

Just now, newjez said:

I think the new rules are there to stop health tourism, even by UK citizens who are living abroad. If you are honestly moving back, and the staff you have been referred to are aware of this, it should make things much easier. Fingers crossed it will go smoothly.

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. 

[Quoll]

We didn’t have a problem, just rocked up and registered. Explained why we were there and it was very straightforward.

Hope your mum has her citizenship before she leaves though, you never know where life will lead you

[ali]

Is it possible for you to be supplied with an injection to travel with and a letter so that you can have it administered when you get here?

Try to register with a GP asap - whilst the respondents to the OP didn't have problems, depending on where you live the list may be closed to new patients - try to find out before you leave so you have time to find one

[Amber Snowball]

1 minute ago, Quoll said:

We didn’t have a problem, just rocked up and registered. Explained why we were there and it was very straightforward.

Hope your mum has her citizenship before she leaves though, you never know where life will lead you

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. 

[Amber Snowball]

4 minutes ago, ali said:

Is it possible for you to be supplied with an injection to travel with and a letter so that you can have it administered when you get here?

Try to register with a GP asap - whilst the respondents to the OP didn't have problems, depending on where you live the list may be closed to new patients - try to find out before you leave so you have time to find one

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.

[Guest]

GP’s should hopefully offer new patients appointments when you register. If not just make one for ASAP after you sign up. If you have all the doctors letters/notes/referrals etc re the ongoing condition and a list of medication etc you are currently on (your GP here should be able to give you that) your new GP can put it all on their database so you are in the system. As to how long a referral takes for the next injection I would have no idea. It hopefully would be in place for when it’s needed but be prepared it may not be and have your fall back plan ready to go. It may vary area to area. 

I would try to time the move to happen soon after one injection so you have say 5 weeks or so he other side to get organised. 

 

[Amber Snowball]

2 minutes ago, snifter said:

GP’s should hopefully offer new patients appointments when you register. If not just make one for ASAP after you sign up. If you have all the doctors letters/notes/referrals etc re the ongoing condition and a list of medication etc you are currently on (your GP here should be able to give you that) your new GP can put it all on their database so you are in the system. As to how long a referral takes for the next injection I would have no idea. It hopefully would be in place for when it’s needed but be prepared it may not be and have your fall back plan ready to go. It may vary area to area. 

I would try to time the move to happen soon after one injection so you have say 5 weeks or so he other side to get organised. 

 

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.

 

[VERYSTORMY]

2 hours ago, Amber Snowball said:

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.

Yep, though very similar when we moved here to Scotland- and we really are in a backwater. Village has 40 houses, no pub, no shop. Doctors is in the nearest town which is a very small town - no big supermarket and have had fantastic service. Can always get an appointment on the day except for things like a flu jab which I had a couple of weeks ago and the nurse runs a weekly clinic for them. 

To give you an idea of service. This time last year my wife noticed an odd looking mole on my back. Went to the docs next morning and although he didn't think it was anything he said to get it looked at. I was in the hospital the same day! Within two weeks I was in surgery to have it removed and was given a choice of hospital based on what was more convenient- was able to chose one next to work so I didn't need to take the entire day off. 

[Amber Snowball]

1 minute ago, VERYSTORMY said:

Yep, though very similar when we moved here to Scotland- and we really are in a backwater. Village has 40 houses, no pub, no shop. Doctors is in the nearest town which is a very small town - no big supermarket and have had fantastic service. Can always get an appointment on the day except for things like a flu jab which I had a couple of weeks ago and the nurse runs a weekly clinic for them. 

To give you an idea of service. This time last year my wife noticed an odd looking mole on my back. Went to the docs next morning and although he didn't think it was anything he said to get it looked at. I was in the hospital the same day! Within two weeks I was in surgery to have it removed and was given a choice of hospital based on what was more convenient- was able to chose one next to work so I didn't need to take the entire day off. 

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.

[Marisawright]

1 hour ago, snifter said:

GP’s should hopefully offer new patients appointments when you register.

I think it depends on the area and the GP.   Neither my oh nor I ever got to see a doctor once, the whole year we were in the UK. As an asthmatic, I assumed the GP would insist on seeing me before writing a prescription for my asthma drugs, so I asked for an appointment on registration.  The receptionist declined (politely) and said I'd get a phone call.   The GP rang me two days later, asked me for a list what drugs I needed, and then said there would be a prescription at the counter the next day.   I was given access to their online system to request repeat prescriptions as often as I liked, and that was that.

This was a big city where most of the practices weren't even taking any new patients, it would probably be much better in a smaller place.

Edited January 7, 2018 by Marisawright

[BacktoDemocracy]

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.nrpfnetwork.org.uk/Documents/NHS-healthcare.pdf&ved=0ahUKEwjw0fa328XYAhWBJsAKHUQPAOgQFgguMAY&usg=AOvVaw2SYAErS7FFryaqCkfB3GLX

I think this will be helpful, I think the issue will be about proving you are ordinarily resident and a holiday let might not cut it as a permanent  address, the press here are mounting a campaign about NHS tourism, finding a GP near where you are going and finding out what they will need to treat you as permanently residing in the UK might be the way to go, especially as the treatment is high cost.

 

[BacktoDemocracy]

5 hours ago, Amber Snowball said:

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. 

I'm not sure it is still the same but when I applied for citizenship I didn't have to sit the test because I was 60 plus, my wife who was younger had to and bent my ear for months over it. 

[BacktoDemocracy]

Unfortunately this may be relevant to your situation, you have to scroll right down to find the article, I hope it's not too difficult for you, The Sun, Express and Daily Mail are pressuring the govt to tackle something which is a non issue but will cause problems for people in your situation.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-migrants-nhs-treatment-pay-upfront-fees-hospital-charge-date-when-a7833111.html

[VERYSTORMY]

3 hours ago, BacktoDemocracy said:

Unfortunately this may be relevant to your situation, you have to scroll right down to find the article, I hope it's not too difficult for you, The Sun, Express and Daily Mail are pressuring the govt to tackle something which is a non issue but will cause problems for people in your situation.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-migrants-nhs-treatment-pay-upfront-fees-hospital-charge-date-when-a7833111.html

No it doesn't as the article - even the crap Indi - points out that costs will only be recovered against people not actually resident in the UK. 

[BacktoDemocracy]

58 minutes ago, VERYSTORMY said:

No it doesn't as the article - even the crap Indi - points out that costs will only be recovered against people not actually resident in the UK. 

It says you will need a passport AND A UTILITY BILL, which you cannot obtain in temporary accommodation, don't just keep on telling people who have to make life changing decisions that it's all fine here in the UK land of milk and honey, and if you look even a bit more closely the report quotes that paragon' The Sun'.

Whether it is right or wrong the poster now knows that there are possible difficulties which she  can focus on getting answers to rather than being glibly told turn up with your 80 year old mother who will loose her sight if she doesn't get her injection on the day appointed.

You may believe that the Tories love everyone and  you may decide to never disclose their generic name of "The Nasty Party".

You have a responsibility to people coming on this site to tell them correct information or to qualify your statements.

[Tulip1]

There certainly is a lot about NHS tourism at the moment. I recently took a family member to our local hospital and whilst in the waiting room I saw a few large posters clearly stating about it not being free and you will have to pay. The bit that stood out was it stated uk passport holders not resident have to pay so I wouldn't assume it will all be handed to you in arrival. 

[Nemesis]

1 hour ago, Tulip1 said:

There certainly is a lot about NHS tourism at the moment. I recently took a family member to our local hospital and whilst in the waiting room I saw a few large posters clearly stating about it not being free and you will have to pay. The bit that stood out was it stated uk passport holders not resident have to pay so I wouldn't assume it will all be handed to you in arrival. 

If you can show that you have moved back and are UK resident again you qualify for NHS. I moved back, showed that I had resigned from my job in oz, and cancelled my rental there. I showed a UK passport, electoral roll registration and my NI number. No problem. Full NHS, You just have to show you are resident again. .  

[Amber Snowball]

17 hours ago, BacktoDemocracy said:

I'm not sure it is still the same but when I applied for citizenship I didn't have to sit the test because I was 60 plus, my wife who was younger had to and bent my ear for months over it. 

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.

[Amber Snowball]

12 hours ago, BacktoDemocracy said:

It says you will need a passport AND A UTILITY BILL, which you cannot obtain in temporary accommodation, don't just keep on telling people who have to make life changing decisions that it's all fine here in the UK land of milk and honey, and if you look even a bit more closely the report quotes that paragon' The Sun'.

Whether it is right or wrong the poster now knows that there are possible difficulties which she  can focus on getting answers to rather than being glibly told turn up with your 80 year old mother who will loose her sight if she doesn't get her injection on the day appointed.

You may believe that the Tories love everyone and  you may decide to never disclose their generic name of "The Nasty Party".

You have a responsibility to people coming on this site to tell them correct information or to qualify your statements.

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.

[Amber Snowball]

7 hours ago, Nemesis said:

If you can show that you have moved back and are UK resident again you qualify for NHS. I moved back, showed that I had resigned from my job in oz, and cancelled my rental there. I showed a UK passport, electoral roll registration and my NI number. No problem. Full NHS, You just have to show you are resident again. .  

Thanks, we should be able to produce some docs that show we are back. When she was travelling back and forth prior to getting her 143 she registered as a temp patient in whatever area she happened to be in at the time. The GP surgeries were understanding and helped her with prescriptions etc.

8 hours ago, Tulip1 said:

There certainly is a lot about NHS tourism at the moment. I recently took a family member to our local hospital and whilst in the waiting room I saw a few large posters clearly stating about it not being free and you will have to pay. The bit that stood out was it stated uk passport holders not resident have to pay so I wouldn't assume it will all be handed to you in arrival. 

Thanks Tulip. I remember those posters starting to appear back in the 2000's about not coming to the UK to have your baby etc. I can use this info to try and make sure I have as much "proof" of residence as possible and failing that I'll be 2000 GBP out of pocket for the first injection. Cheaper than going blind.

 

Cheers,

 

[Amber Snowball]

19 hours ago, BacktoDemocracy said:

I'm not sure it is still the same but when I applied for citizenship I didn't have to sit the test because I was 60 plus, my wife who was younger had to and bent my ear for months over it. 

I had a look at this and it looks like it is still the same. Under 18 or over 60 no test.  There is a citizenship wizard tool on the home affairs website. Good info! Thanks B2D. ?