Is the NHS just a postcode lottery now?

[Celibin]

From reading here and elsewhere it appears the NHS service now depends on where you live. Hearing about people waiting 2 whole weeks to see a Gp seems incredible . Then what about seeing a Specialist? Any views or experiences?

Geographic variation is a problem with all healthcare systems all over the world.

With centrally mandated guidelines and increased funding the variation in NHS practice had been improving.
It was a long way from perfect.

The NHS white paper if it becomes law will massively increase variation between areas.

Access to a GP seems a common problem for everyone I work with and people are living all over in London or the Home Counties. Our workplace is near one of the NHS walk in commuter centres and a chain of private GPs so it's common that people work a longer day so they can have a longer lunch break to go to the former or just pay to go private. For the latter you can phone up at 7 pm, speak to a friendly receptionist and see a GP at 9 am the next morning. It is a shame the NHS cannot aspire to similar service levels.

My and my families experience of the NHS has been largely positive. The phrase postcode lottery is used a lot (I live in Berkshire btw - not sure if relevant) but surely it is inevitable? People seem to want more local accountability and less centralisation in general - surely postcode lottery is the less attractive description of that concept?

We can't have it both ways.

In answer to your specialist query I think it depends too much on the individual doctor rather than guidance. A few years ago I had a mole on my back that was growing. As it approached penny size my doctor was still suggesting just to monitor it. I do wonder how big it would have got before he actually did anything but I paid to have it privately removed and the doctor was in disbelief that I hadn't been referred before. On the other hand when I was pregnant another doctor at the same surgery referred me instantly to a consultant as my bump was slightly on the smaller side and I had consultant care for several months which was excellent.

Absolutely .That is why when we went to a Well-known London hospital recently it was packed with people who had come up against probs with their local serices/doctors and so had travelled all the way there.It was well worth the journey.The staff were faultless and so up to date. Their attitude and understanding was formidable. Clearly a hospital with high standards and a reputation to keep hence no complaints.

I thoroughly agree wasabipeanut.

The "choice" agenda also seems to completely ignore the lack of certainty of making the right choice and also the responsibility that making a wrong (even in hindsight).