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Original poster

What’s the point in the NHS?

737 replies

younknow · 25/09/2026 23:20

I fell over at work today. My ankle was immediately black and blue and swollen, so I hobbled off to urgent care in a taxi.

I waited for four hours, I was x-rayed and told there were no breaks and a severe sprain. The doctor told me I’ve likely torn ligaments in my ankle and will be sore for three months.

I asked what sort of follow up would be given and she all but laughed at me, saying that I could get myself a support on Amazon if I wanted. I said I couldn’t even weight bear and she said I could also pick up crutches if needed. She then said I could refer to physio but “ChatGPT would give me a plan”. I asked if I’d be scanned to find out how badly damaged it is and she said there was no chance.

What is the point? Genuinely, what are we paying for when even things like this are being directed to Amazon and A.I?! I can’t believe it.

I remember 15 years ago my mum tore ligaments in her ankle and she was scanned the same day it happened, put in a boot and on crutches for six weeks, had a course of physio and consultations with an orthopaedic surgeon to discuss a plan if it didn’t improve.

What’s going on?!

OP posts:
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Original poster
younknow · Yesterday 09:51

Passaggressfedup · Yesterday 09:49

Ive self referred to physio. It’s a 12 week wait for a video consultation. So I’ll be seen just heading into the new year if at all! It’s then a further 16 weeks after that consultation for a face to face appointment. That’s 7 months to get some physio. So I’ll have to pay to go private. How is that doing what it’s meant to?!
You don't need physio! Certainly not at this stage anyway. If you did need it, it would indeed be after a few months if you haven't walked for a long time and need your muscles to work again.

If I don’t, why was I told to go to physio by the doctor at urgent care?

OP posts:
Daygloboo · Yesterday 09:52

InnermostSanctum · Yesterday 08:01

The NHS isn't without its issues as well. The NHS model sucks anyway. We need the social insurance model.

All the data shows on outcomes and results France is better

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Yes but the mindset will be american i.e do very little unless there is a big profit, whereas i suspect france being catholic , the mindset will be insurance , yes,but then do everyrhing necessary to get the person better......we need to be careful.....people are assuming if you go to an insurance model you will get better care but it might mean you just get fleeced

Girlwithavibe · Yesterday 09:52

younknow · Yesterday 09:51

To be honest if you’re going to lecture me I’d ask that you at least use correct grammar and spelling.

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No I won't use correct grammar unless U stop using the NHS for stupid reasons !

FrankAbagnalesLies · Yesterday 09:52

younknow · 25/09/2026 23:28

Proper treatment - in other countries a sprain is treated seriously and taken seriously! If you’re suspected to have torn ligaments you get a scan and proper treatment, not told to walk out and go on Amazon if needed. Even 15 years ago it was different!

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Not true. Got pretty similar advice when I sprained my ankle badly at work over 13 years ago and was transported by ambulance to A&E. Wasn't offered physio at all.

You have my sympathy, rehabbing a badly sprained ankle is no fun.Flowers

Original poster
younknow · Yesterday 09:53

Girlwithavibe · Yesterday 09:51

But that's the point it is for emergency not torn ligaments no point even replying to untbh this is why the NHS is in shreds people abusing it like u for minor injuries that common sense would be able to treat

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Going to minor injuries for a… minor injury! Shock horror! I needed an xray to check it wasn’t broken. Was I meant to do that myself? Maybe ask ChatGPT to take a look and determine with its magic eyes whether it was broken?!

OP posts:
boatyardblues · Yesterday 09:54

CleverlyBeery · 25/09/2026 23:39

I've been treated in the USA with private medical insurance and the bills to go with it, and it was not very good. When they billed me they didn't even get right what I was in for so I got a bill for treatment I'd never had.

The idea that 'private' means 'no-one ever gets anything wrong and all illnesses are cured and the doctors are all like House instead of just demanding to know what prescription you've come in for' is utterly naive.

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I’ve listened to podcasts about the US system and patients can be seeing several specialists, all of whom are treating the problem that fits with their specialism. One of the criticisms of US privatised healthcare is that its not uncommon for the bigger picture or systemic conditions to be missed. In the UK we have GPs who get info back from all the specialists and pharmacists attached to GP surgeries who do medication reviews. There’s more chance of seeing the wood for the trees.

I had close family members with life-limiting conditions whose lives were extended (with good quality of life) by excellent NHS care and were around to see my children born and grow up because of it.

Passaggressfedup · Yesterday 09:54

It’s quite funny that you’re lecturing me about thinking I know better than the professionals when a professional has told me I’ve likely torn ligaments and you’re reducing it down to a sprain!
Torn ligaments means you've stretched them, not that they are separated into two pieces!

Honestly OP, get a grip. Your injury is minor, one that a large majority of people will experience at least once in their life and recover fully from with rest alone. You'll likely experience much worse in your life and you'll be happy the NHS is not wasting its resources in minor ailments then.

Original poster
younknow · Yesterday 09:54

Passaggressfedup · Yesterday 09:54

It’s quite funny that you’re lecturing me about thinking I know better than the professionals when a professional has told me I’ve likely torn ligaments and you’re reducing it down to a sprain!
Torn ligaments means you've stretched them, not that they are separated into two pieces!

Honestly OP, get a grip. Your injury is minor, one that a large majority of people will experience at least once in their life and recover fully from with rest alone. You'll likely experience much worse in your life and you'll be happy the NHS is not wasting its resources in minor ailments then.

Ummm, again, no. You’re wrong.

OP posts:
Girlwithavibe · Yesterday 09:55

Not much riles me but you are unbelievable 😡

Original poster
younknow · Yesterday 09:55

boatyardblues · Yesterday 09:54

I’ve listened to podcasts about the US system and patients can be seeing several specialists, all of whom are treating the problem that fits with their specialism. One of the criticisms of US privatised healthcare is that its not uncommon for the bigger picture or systemic conditions to be missed. In the UK we have GPs who get info back from all the specialists and pharmacists attached to GP surgeries who do medication reviews. There’s more chance of seeing the wood for the trees.

I had close family members with life-limiting conditions whose lives were extended (with good quality of life) by excellent NHS care and were around to see my children born and grow up because of it.

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GPs are woeful in this country. Good luck trying to get an appointment!

OP posts:
MyEasterBonnet · Yesterday 09:55

I got an on the day appt for the Drs, who referred me for a CT scan, which I had within the week. I can’t knock the NHS.

BurnoutGP · Yesterday 09:55

Selfish and entitled much. Its a sprained ankle. Get a bloody grip. You, you are the problem with the NHS

Original poster
younknow · Yesterday 09:55

Girlwithavibe · Yesterday 09:55

Not much riles me but you are unbelievable 😡

Edited

I’m unbelievable because I went to an urgent treatment/minor injuries centre for a minor injury?

I strongly suspect that you actually get angry quite easily n

OP posts:
pattercare · Yesterday 09:57

LakieLady · Yesterday 09:47

When did they stop bothering with joint replacements?

I had a partial knee replacement less than 5 years ago.

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The NHS will do them eventually but if you want one quickly you would have to pay. I would use my savings for stuff like this though fortunately apart from a couple of BCC I haven't had to go to the GP for years

RubyHiker · Yesterday 09:58

Put your feet up and have a cup of tea. All this ridiculous faffing can't be good for your blood pressure. Wouldn't want you getting a serious injury that might actually require the NHS

myjamisbetterthanyours · Yesterday 09:58

Girlwithavibe · Yesterday 09:55

Not much riles me but you are unbelievable 😡

Edited

The cheek of OP expecting medical help by the NHS!

I can hardly believe it either.

pattercare · Yesterday 09:58

On other threads people are told to go to the GP or A&E for the slightest thing

Original poster
younknow · Yesterday 09:58

Only on Mumsnet can you be told you’re the problem for wanting appropriate care!

OP posts:
AStonedRose · Yesterday 09:58

FrankAbagnalesLies · Yesterday 09:52

Not true. Got pretty similar advice when I sprained my ankle badly at work over 13 years ago and was transported by ambulance to A&E. Wasn't offered physio at all.

You have my sympathy, rehabbing a badly sprained ankle is no fun.Flowers

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I'm sorry, you called an ambulance for a sprained ankle?

You rang 999 for a sprained ankle?

Flashing blue lights? A sprained ankle?

This is why the NHS is fucked. It's nothing to do with funding, or immigration, or whatever else. Like anything else that's set up for the common good, the main problem is people abusing the system.

AStonedRose · Yesterday 09:59

younknow · Yesterday 09:58

Only on Mumsnet can you be told you’re the problem for wanting appropriate care!

For the last time OP, you've had appropriate care.

What makes you think you know better than the doctors?

Original poster
younknow · Yesterday 09:59

pattercare · Yesterday 09:57

The NHS will do them eventually but if you want one quickly you would have to pay. I would use my savings for stuff like this though fortunately apart from a couple of BCC I haven't had to go to the GP for years

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The standard for joint replacements now is basically that you’re bed bound by your arthritis, by which point you’re going to be made much much worse by such a large operation! It’s a joke

OP posts:
Original poster
younknow · Yesterday 10:00

AStonedRose · Yesterday 09:59

For the last time OP, you've had appropriate care.

What makes you think you know better than the doctors?

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Well I did what the doctor told me and asked ChatGPT, which told me that I need a scan, a support and crutches! So it seems the doctor was incorrect in her treatment?

OP posts:
Passaggressfedup · Yesterday 10:00

All the data shows on outcomes and results France is better
And all data shows french people look after themselves much better too. Considering obesity is the highest risk factor for poor health, it's not surprising the UK would not be too of the league.

Girlwithavibe · Yesterday 10:00

younknow · Yesterday 09:55

I’m unbelievable because I went to an urgent treatment/minor injuries centre for a minor injury?

I strongly suspect that you actually get angry quite easily n

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No I don't actually! I am under nhs consultant for psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyarthris!
And just been referred for surgery on my finger the NHS is an absolute godsend because I would dread to think how much id be paying in insurance if I lived in France or the USA ! Or any country that has to pay NHS is free but it should never be criticised by someone like u for being told U have a torn ligaments and u didn't get what u thought you was entitled to !

Original poster
younknow · Yesterday 10:01

pattercare · Yesterday 09:58

On other threads people are told to go to the GP or A&E for the slightest thing

Yep. Any minor infection is sepsis and you must go immediately!! One woman was told to take her son to a&e because he was thirsty. In a heatwave.

OP posts: