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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Let's turn the ( usual) NHS negativity around with your positive experiences

250 replies

Tiredallthetimeneedsleep · 19/02/2024 07:52

Fed up with the latest negative NHS 'headline' so I thought I'd start a thread to share my positive experiences.

Had MRI booked within 2 weeks of seeing DR. Was seen on time and the staff were brilliant.

What are YOUR NHS positive stories?

OP posts:
NeedToChangeName · 19/02/2024 09:31

GP appointment within 24 hours. Referred to hospital for same day scan. Results back within 48 hours. Very happy with that

Staff at our GP surgery are kind and compassionate

EBearhug · 19/02/2024 09:36

Flowerfairie · 19/02/2024 09:27

Is the Tory PR machine kicking in pre-election?

Absolutely not. NHS staff are still offering a good service despite the lack of funding etc from the government.

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 19/02/2024 09:38

Almost a year ago now, horrible bug for over 10 days, then hit like an express train with pneumonia, followed almost immediately by pleurisy.

111, ambulance, blue-lighted to hospital (heart rate in the stratosphere) was in for 3 weeks, 5 weeks of ABs.

I could not fault the care I received. Dh and I both so grateful.

And with the exception of one snippy little HCA just once, all nurses, doctors and other staff were extremely kind.

I dare say I was very lucky - local hospital is rated ‘outstanding’.

RoomOfRequirement · 19/02/2024 09:38

There are 750 negative NHS threads a day. OP starts ONE asking for positives - of which yes there are still many - and the moaning twats can't make it past the first page without whining about being silenced as if they can't create their own thread or join one of the hundreds of others.

DFOD. It's not about you.

DistingusedSocialCommentator · 19/02/2024 09:41

Allfur · 19/02/2024 08:16

If hearing about positive nhs stories gives people a boost, then that's a good thing. It's not denying there is a problem.

Thank you

Lets keep it real

No one I've seen is saying that NHS is total rubbish.

I too have had good experiences as has my family, but we've had poor experiences via a mass of waiting lists. We've been lucky on the whole as once they get hold of us, they do often speed thengs up, but its often getting that first appointment which could be longer than NICE guidelines for some!!

We've also read about people having their cancer treatments delayed and that is a sad fact of events but no one is denying there is a lot of good things in the NHS

It's no good burying ones head in the sand as millions complain about not being able to get hold of a gP, EG, you are not well, cant go into work, need the money but many spend a long, long time on the phone trying to get through and when they do, told to call tomorrow as all appts booked

No one I've read on a forums has ever said its all bad but we need to akcnwodlge there are massive problems. Most of us acknowledge that most of the staff are good but appointments at GP and hospital waiting times need improving along with some streamlining when you see a hospital doctor after weeks and then you wait for a test, then you wait for another test, then another test, then a doctors appointment then you get a date to start treatment etc - more streamlining required

Yes, a lot of NHS experiences are good once you get in there but a lot to improved as above and in A&E

Guttedme · 19/02/2024 09:44

Surgery down from 12 months to 4 months. I am extremely grateful.

At a time when Benenden Health are raising their help time apparently from 6 months of paying in to 2 years as of today. Anyone signing up as of today are in for a long wait.

Brotherlove · 19/02/2024 09:48

My GP is absolutely brilliant.
If I ring about my disabled child they always always ring back to check they are ok.
And when we've rocked up at A&E they have always showed care & compassion no matter how busy they are are.

Hippyhippybake · 19/02/2024 09:52

It’s just a bit depressing that positive experiences are seen as noteworthy, it should be the norm.

Like most people our family have had a mix of positive and negative experiences with the NHS but some of the negatives have been truly shocking.

MaloneMeadow · 19/02/2024 09:54

Hippyhippybake · 19/02/2024 09:52

It’s just a bit depressing that positive experiences are seen as noteworthy, it should be the norm.

Like most people our family have had a mix of positive and negative experiences with the NHS but some of the negatives have been truly shocking.

Yep.. it’s alarming the amount of awful treatment that people just accept because it’s the NHS.

Pumpkinpie1 · 19/02/2024 09:55

I would have died if it wasn’t for the nhs! My husband also would not be here to care for our eldest after numerous battles with cancers and complications
We as a family owe everything to nhs & frankly I’m disgusted how selective some peoples memories are.

Bobskeleton · 19/02/2024 09:57

Yesterday, for my unwell nan, it took a pretty impressive 3 hours to go through 111 process, have an emergency Dr sent out and assess her and have an urgent carers team come out to see and assess her for ongoing support. All in all I thought this was very good.

MaloneMeadow · 19/02/2024 10:01

Pumpkinpie1 · 19/02/2024 09:55

I would have died if it wasn’t for the nhs! My husband also would not be here to care for our eldest after numerous battles with cancers and complications
We as a family owe everything to nhs & frankly I’m disgusted how selective some peoples memories are.

That’s right.. my memory is so selective that I’ve felt the need to take out private health insurance for genuine fear of my family not being able to get the treatment that they need within a reasonable time frame. I should be so grateful that my DD had to deteriorate for 6 months waiting on major surgery

Teddleshon · 19/02/2024 10:06

@Pumpkinpie1 that’s what a health service is supposed to do, save lives.

5128gap · 19/02/2024 10:07

When my relative recently had emergency surgery, due to a problem undiagnosed despite repeated GP visits that had reached a life threatening stage, the skill of the surgical team saved their life.
I was in awe of the skill and dedication of the young paramedics and crash team who saved their life a second time when a failure to provide aftercare to my relative resulted in further crisis.
Some of the staff were cheerful and kind. When a naked man ran screaming down the ward one night (my relative was on a dementia ward due to lack of beds) security dealt with it quickly and a nurse sat by my frightened and vulnerable relative to calm her.
The cleaners worked very hard to keep the run down ward as hygienic as possible.
The food my relative was offered looked nice enough, but can't tell you if it tasted good because it wasn't the diet they were meant to have, which luckily we spotted in time. The staff were kind enough to let us use their microwave to heat up the food we had to bring from home.
A nice doctor gave a sincere and empathic apology for mistakes made in my relatives care.
The PALs team were fantastic in helping us reduce the impact of various instances of maladministration and in getting us essential information we were unable to obtain via the proper channels.

ChardonnaysBeastlyCat · 19/02/2024 10:09

It only took 18 months to be seen by a consultant! I didn’t die! Yay NHS.

MrsLeonFarrell · 19/02/2024 10:10

I have always had positive, fast and efficient experiences with serious things. With less urgent stuff the wait can be long but with all the cuts and lack of staff that is only to be expected. My GP is fabulous but I know that other surgeries are less responsive. I wish it wasn't such a lottery.

I think that giving a range of experiences is always helpful, because very little is all good or all bad.

Mushroo · 19/02/2024 10:11

I’m normally quite critical of the NHS but my postnatal care has been great.

I called about breastfeeding hurting, was seen the next day for a feeding assessment with a specialist midwife and have an appointment for tongue tie next week.

Had to go to A&E with the LO and was in and out within the hour.

Can always get a same day GP appointment as well. Very lucky where I am.

(other parts of the NHS are crap but I’ll remain positive for the thread!)

StarsGuitars · 19/02/2024 10:16

Once I was referred and my condition diagnosed, the consultant care I received was great. He was kind and explained everything thoroughly. Unfortunately the poor GP care and delay in referrals means I have organ damage that could have been avoided.

Autism assessment appointment came through after 3 years instead of the expected 4 years.

That's as positive as I have. It’s not great reading it back.

LiveOutLoudRose · 19/02/2024 10:19

I take medication for a skin condition (not serious) and have to have 6 monthly blood tests. I’m generally fit and healthy and rarely see my GP.

My Father died last year. I was due a blood test and had to delay because I was up North.

I needed a repeat prescription did online and just wrote that I had to delay blood tests as father died (but could I please have prescription).

The next day I got a call from my GP (I thought it was going to be “sorry can’t issue meds without blood test). No, she had seen my note and she was calling to check how I was and was there anything she could do. She spent 15 mins on the phone to me as I talked about how ill he had been. She ended the call reminding me she was there and if I needed more time off work to let her know:

Losing a parent is a life changing event. There are people and moments that you will remember (both bad and good) and I will always remember her kindness.

Trinity65 · 19/02/2024 10:26

LammasEve · 19/02/2024 08:47

My DP - seen by a consultant the same day as his GP appt, got into the 2 week cancer pathway immediately, scans done quickly and surgery within 6 weeks of seeing GP. Touch wood, all clear over 12 months on but has regular appointments with various departments and all very efficient and helpful. Have had a few emergency situations where he's been prioritised too, even in a busy A&E.

Me - rang 111 for non emergency (I thought). Told a 6-8 hour wait for non emergency ambulance, fine I thought as wasn't expecting to go to hospital. 4 hours later, ambulance arrived, got me to hospital and queue jumped to get me admitted straight away. So much for me thinking "ah, it's nothing much"! Seen quickly, admitted early evening and the rest is a blur of pain and morphine. Couldn't complain once about the whole process, everyone was brilliant.

Really pleased for your DH..

Speaking of the 2 week cancer pathway, that is when the NHS came into their own with Me

3 weeks ago I went to the doctors with abdominal and stomach pain and bloating in the upper digestive area (below the boobs) and no to little appetite.
This was on a Tuesday
By the following Wednesday I was in having an Endoscopy, things found and biopsies taken.
Was told to make a appointment for a CT Scan and I told them I had one booked for 29th February. Friday I got a text. CT Scan has now been moved forward to Thursday 22nd.
I cannot fault them at all.

AnnieBuddyHere · 19/02/2024 10:30

My GP surgery went into special measures about a year ago, and now it's absolutely amazing.

I no longer have to take a half hour bus ride to have my 3-monthly blood tests, and my son rang this morning and got an appointment for 9pm tonight as they've extended their opening hours!

Residentevil · 19/02/2024 10:32

It was worth a try op. There are probably 50+ negative threads people could go on to post their negative experiences, instead they choose to post them on a thread asking for positives. Standard mumsnet 👍. The care I received on maternity unit was great, complications quickly identified and dealt with efficiently.

AnnieBuddyHere · 19/02/2024 10:35

Residentevil · 19/02/2024 10:32

It was worth a try op. There are probably 50+ negative threads people could go on to post their negative experiences, instead they choose to post them on a thread asking for positives. Standard mumsnet 👍. The care I received on maternity unit was great, complications quickly identified and dealt with efficiently.

Exactly, it's not rocket science is it?

The clue is in the word 'positive' 🤦‍♀️

TigerRag · 19/02/2024 10:37

Went out for a run and fell over. Hobbled home showered and went to minor injuries as I'd head butted the pavement.

In and out within 30 minutes

(I was ok, given advice and told to speak to my GP if I had any problems. Unfortunately I did and still 7 years later trying to find something that helps with the vertigo)

Lostinthoughtlessness · 19/02/2024 10:44

MacaroonMacaron · 19/02/2024 08:14

Exactly!

The NHS is not exempt from criticism as an organisation. People are allowed to voice their negative experiences and say it's not good enough. Most of us will have good experiences, OK experiences, and bad experiences.

Some people have a total blind spot when it comes to the NHS, which should never be criticised, ever. Or think that every single person working for it is an "angel".

Personally I think the NHS has had it, it needs a total top to bottom reform and the sooner we adopt a system of insurance like they have in all of western Europe the better.

I agree with this, especially the last paragraph, that's as someone who worked in the NHS for almost 30 years.

That said, we had a brilliant NHS experience a couple of weeks ago. DH was referred to our local hospital for an out patient appointment. He was called with a cancellation and was seen within 2 weeks.

The visit included multiple tests, which were all done rapidly, followed by a consultation. The registrar spent ages showing us the scans/tests, explaining options, confirmed a further referral was necessary and finally prescribing medication. He walked to the drug cupboard and handed the medication to DH, so no need to go to a pharmacy.

Whist in the waiting area, an HCA came by and asked if anyone waiting would like a glass of water! I've never experienced anything like that in the UK before. France yes, but not the UK.