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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think that the NHS is a wonderful institution

57 replies

OrmIrian · 03/12/2009 20:03

As some of you may know (I have banged on about it for long enough) my dad was taken into hospital 3 weeks ago chest pains and breathlessness. Found out he had a leaking valve in his heart. On investigation they told him he needed a valve replacement and a bypass. 2 weeks in a cardiac ward being looked after, then off to BRI for the op and 4 days of round the clock care. The wards were spotlessly clean, staff were all without fail competent and friendly. Food was, surprisingly good. He is now back home with nothing to show for the op but an impressive scar and an annoying sense of entitlement

I know that things aren't perfect all the time and I know that many people have legitimate gripes, it is after all a massive organisation and differs hugely. But I just want to say to anyone who works in BRI and Weston general, thankyou for looking after my dad And anyone else working in the NHS who does their very best in difficult circumstances. You are much appreciated by this family.

OP posts:
StealthPolarBear · 04/12/2009 07:31

glad your dad is doing well
agree you can;'t beat the nhs in an emergency - wouldn't want anyone else
my 2 labours were excellent too
i do work for thewm, but not frontlinr

MamaLazarou · 04/12/2009 08:32

YANBU - the NHS is a wonderful institution and we are very lucky to have it.

Great news about the OP's pa.

BouncingTurtle · 04/12/2009 08:44

I think we should be grateful that we have what we have, and not have what they have in the US - where the treatment you get depends on the ability to pay!

2shoes · 04/12/2009 09:18

yanbu and yabu
it is great and I have had occasions to be very grateful to it. but when I look at dd and know that she has cp because of the nhs..

gagamama · 04/12/2009 09:26

YANBU. It's not perfect, but the NHS is one of Britain's great instututions. Far fewer people suffer from when the NHS gets it wrong than would suffer if everyone had to pay for healthcare out of our own pockets at the point of delivery. Of that I am certain.

gagamama · 04/12/2009 09:29

Sorry, 2shoes, I cross posted with you there. I hope you don't think that I am implying that your daughter having CP is favourable to you having to pay for healthcare. Of course, on a case-by-case basis what I said might not be true.

pigletmania · 04/12/2009 09:39

I love the NHS and so thankful we have one unlike some Countries. Yes things do go wrong somethimes and nothing is perfect, but the alternative??????

pigletmania · 04/12/2009 09:43

At least when we go in for treatment we dont have to worry how many tens of thousands of pounds our treatment is going to cost or insurance like the US

Original poster
OrmIrian · 04/12/2009 10:04

Funnily enough a few days back when I was fretting about dad's blood pressure I had a google on the subject of post-bypass blood pressure. One of the links lead me to a US forum. There was a question on there from a man asking about his elderly father who's bp stayed alarmingly low and hadn't been able to leave ICU and clearly he was worried. Not least because 'the costs are escalating'. I found that chilling. At least we didn't have that concern.

OP posts:
Original poster
OrmIrian · 04/12/2009 10:05

2shoes - very sorry about your DD. I know that things aren't always good

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gagamama · 04/12/2009 10:10

I know, it's a real eye-opener, isn't it? I know when I've googled various ailments in the past, there's always been someone asking how to treat it without seeing a GP because they can't afford to go.

PeachyDrapedInSparklyTinsel · 04/12/2009 10:15

So glad Orm

FIL's investigations went well Wdnesdaya s well and whilst he does have a heart issue they caught it early and can treat it surgically next month with no significant risk.

The NHS saved my life and that of DS1 (and obv.the otehrs by default).It can go wrong of course with terribly sad results, but even then they mostly pick up the pieces in a way patients in other countries wouldn't get.

When ds4wasa day old he spent a day in NICU, as they thought he ahd heart probs. Seeing the work being done there with incredibly sick babies will never go from my mind.

Original poster
OrmIrian · 04/12/2009 10:37

Good news about FIL peachy. I was very scared about the op - seemed so drastic. But they aren't the big deal they were 20yrs ago. Hope it goes well!

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LilRedWG · 04/12/2009 10:44

Orm, I'm so glad that your Dad is on the mend.

I agree that, by and large, the NHS do a stirling job. In their final months, the care both my Mum and Dad received was outstanding, as was the care shown to us by the nursing staff.

I know that there are tragic screw ups and really feel for those involved, especially with mismanaged births, but on the whole I feel blessed that we have the NHS.

Ixia · 04/12/2009 10:53

Glad your Dad is on the mend.

My Dad had cancer and the quality of his treatment was fab. He later went on to have a knee replacement and again fab treatment.

I had a complicated pregnacy and had surgery and a 5day stay, 15wks into my pregnancy. The staff at Lincoln County were fab and the treatment I had for the rest of my pregnancy was outstanding.

Rafi · 04/12/2009 11:29

YANBU. DP has thyroid problems & severe allergies, DD seems to have inherited them. We'd be in huge trouble without the NHS.

Original poster
OrmIrian · 04/12/2009 16:15

AND GP popped round today and apologised to my parents for being a bit off with my mum when she rang to say dad was in hospital. He also regretted not sending off the letter to the consultant earlier - but in the end things moved quicker this way so I guess it makes no odds.

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KurriKurri · 04/12/2009 17:19

OrmIrian, very pleased your dad is doing well.

The NHS is fabulous, they have saved my life in the last couple of years. And without exception the staff I have met have been dedicated, devoted people. I've felt not only cared for, but cared about.

queenofdenial2009 · 04/12/2009 17:42

OrmIrian, thank you for saying that. Having worked at the BRI for a number of years and now doing lots of work with cardiac disease, it's really positive to hear.

I'm glad they wrote a letter to say they were happy as this will be shared with the ward staff and they will be so pleased.

If you're in N Somerset you should come and meet us for coffee on the 18th at the museum in Bristol.

Original poster
OrmIrian · 04/12/2009 20:15

Do you still work there queen? If so you are my hero!

I will be working on the 18th otherwise I would love to. I'm in Sedgemoor but not too far from Brizzle.

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HeadFairy · 04/12/2009 20:18

YANBU... I'd be in a wheelchair if it weren't for them, they are indeed marvellous. I'd pay 50% income tax if I knew they'd actually get it to spend on helping people rather than paying too many managers and business consultants!

Original poster
OrmIrian · 04/12/2009 20:21

Agreed headfairy. It is expensive and it is bothersome to think money might not get to the sharp end.

queen - actually you my hero even if you don't still work there I am worshipping anyone with medical experience atm.

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ohdearwhathappened · 04/12/2009 20:30

glad all went well I've wondered

agree with others write a little letter of thanks

queenofdenial2009 · 04/12/2009 20:35

Didn't say I had medical experience! My clinical experience is long left behind and I'm one of those awful managers! I, not surprisingly, have a different view of managers... Not even sure I want to try and defend myself though .

LentilsRoastingOnAnOpenFire · 04/12/2009 20:49

Great news about your dad Ormirian.

A catastrophic two-tier health system here in Ireland means that the thing I miss most about the uk is the nhs.