To be disappointed at waiting list.

[NachoAddict]

First things first I am super greatful for the NHS and I do know how lucky I am to be receiving treatment for free.

BUT am I being unreasonable to be disappointed at the length of the waiting list.

I am on the list to have double jaw surgery. My teeth have been ready since the end of June and I was put on the list. Heard nothing so gave them a ring today and they have said they have my paperwork but they haven't got a date for me yet. They are currently booking January appointments so it will be at least into the new year.

I feel like crying. That is at least 7 months in braces just waiting .

Anyway I will zip up my woman suit and stop moping now, just wanted to unload how disappointed I am.

Unfortunately it seems most waiting lists are six months at least if not a year

In the nicest possible way, yes YABU especially for this type of surgery. That said, I understand why you feel the way you do and feelings are very valid.

Thanks for not ranting at me. I do know how lucky I am, just felt crushed at the wait, I will get over it and at least I wobt have to blend my Christmas dinner now.

Free treatment? The funding comes from taxation so if you are earning you have paid towards it don't forget.

You might be able to go onto a cancelation list if you can be flexible.

I feel your frustration.

I was told in May that I needed an urgent procedure that could potential kick start a certain part of my body to work again.

I have been told it is urgent by my GP, the consultant and nurse specialist yet nothing was forthcoming despite many emails and phone calls.

I have secured a date in Oct but I genuinely feel that this is because I have hounded that department.

I don't mean to sound ungrateful, the NHS staff do a great job. Admin procedures and systems just seem a little antiquated

Why are you greatful, NI is 10% or your income, with that money you could probably afford to pay for it yourself without waiting unreasonable lengths of time.

Horrific isn't it.

It's why I could never bring myself to vote Labour ever again.

Why are you greatful, NI is 10% or your income, with that money you could probably afford to pay for it yourself without waiting unreasonable lengths of time.

Lolz I wish people understood how much medical procedures cost in countries without national health care if you pay cash, and that even if you pay insurance, you still have waiting lists and incredibly expensive monthly bills as well as usually needing to pay something toward the procedure.

I feel like crying. That is at least 7 months in braces just waiting .

Unless I'm being really dumb; why is that 7 months? It's mid September. It's three months until January.

Regardless, waiting is frustrating and I hope the time goes fast for you.

whompolesaily
You're joking, right? Or do you actually believe that privatising profitable services and leaving the remainder funded is going to magically cause a reduction in waiting lists?

Ttbt you're right, 10% of the OP's income over many years could probably pay for the procedure privately. However what about all the other care that will be needed over her lifetime? Childbirth, emergency care, routine GP appointments, long term health care for any conditions?

OP, I totally get your frustration. I had major dental surgery a few years ago and waited over a year for it. As you rightly point out, you are unreasonable to be disappointed as we are so lucky to live in a country with the healthcare system that we have.

It was Labour (under Brown) which gave the NHS the massive cash increase which brought waiting lists right down.

Since 2010 and austerity it's been a funding disaster. That's why I'll never vote Tory.

It's why I could never bring myself to vote Labour ever again

What's Labour got to do with it?

Ever since 1979 UK voters have voted in a government who promised to cut public services. That's what voters wanted, that's what we've got.

They are booking January appts but the op isn't getting one so it will be in to the new year.

OP did you get a choice re jaw surgeon? Or did they automatically assign you a consultant?

I had this operation YEARS ago. My first date was cancelled at the last minute because there was a big accident and both theatres were full. I was completely devastated - I'd booked the time off work, psyched myself up, was ready to lose my braces etc. I ended up waiting about another four months which felt like torture but honestly, it'll be fine. The time will fly, and it'll all be worth it in the end.

Feel free to PM me if you want to chat about it.

Ask to go on the cancellation list.

Waiting lists seem very variable across departments and throughout the country. I needed physio for a back problem and put it off as something I'd have to live with. Mentioned it in passing to the GP who gave me a number to call. Thought the wait would be forever. They gave an appointment for five days later.

DP has some very strange pains - needs a scan. Six weeks waiting time.

My aunt needed very urgent care and the waiting list was so long the NHS basically sought out treatment for her with the same team in a private hospital.

Its crazy. Sorry for you OP.

It was Labour (under Brown) which gave the NHS the massive cash increase which brought waiting lists right down.

I had long waits for my conditions under Brown, Labour and Tories.

Many procedures cancelled

It has been the case for many many years.

The expansion of PFI by Blair's Labour were the start of the end for the NHS. £11.5Bn of projects cost over £80Bn (NHS).

That's the salaries of every member of staff in the NHS for 10 years. Well, the front line staff, not the stupid numbers of middle-management brought in by New Labour when it dismantled the NHS, destroying the wonderful economies of scale and bargaining power it with suppliers.

It costs St Barts £2m a week in interest.

Labour used PFI to pull the wool over the public's eyes, seemingly ending all woes knowing it would be future governments sorting out the mess.

Tories are currently battling £160Bn annual deficit (reduced to ~£60Bn now) paying £50Bn a year interest on debts run up by Labour!

Firstly, the NHS is not free, that aside sorry you are waiting, I think the NHS is terribly slow. I assume you can't afford to use the private sector.

How much would it be to go private

In the country I live, health insurance is taken right off your income.
We pay 12-13% of our income for health insurance, and the employer has to pay the same amount as well. So around 25% of income goes to health insurance.
Then there is additional money put into the healthcare system by the state (tax funded).
Certain groups of people are allowed to opt out of state health insurance and go private. Private patients are very sought after by everyone because they bring more money per procedure. So more money put into the healthcare system.
Our healthcare system seems to be better than the NHS but not perfect.
Glasses and everything teeth related is either not funded by the insurance at all or only partly funded, so we need to pay extra.
No way would be 10% of your income enough to pay for decent health insurance!

YANBU. I was told I needed urgent surgery in March to prevent permanent damage to my bladder.

The hospital wrote to me last month saying I might have a chance of being seen before Christmas.

Can you ask for a private referral, pay for private consultation then go NHS? One of my friend did this, referral was to same consultant (who she had already seen as NHS referral, told there was a waiting list) done by gp. The consultant saw her privately, after regular hours in nhs facilities, booked her in on his NHS list quicker than if she had just waited. It cost her about £60. Not sure if all consultants do this or if he's just dodgy.