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Original poster

Which would you chooose 6 weeks wait on NHS or next week private?

38 replies

Katymac · 06/12/2007 22:39

DH has chronic asthma

In 1993 he had his first & worst asthma attack and was very ill for 15-18 months then gradually got better until he had about half of his lung function

He has been medically retired since and has had better bits (very few) and worse bits (very few) - it's just been nice & the same with an occasional chest infection.

But this last year it has been bizarre - he has now had 12 lots of a/b's & 3 lots of steroids in 12 months

So we are off to see a consultant - which way?

OP posts:
CloudAtlas · 06/12/2007 22:40

private I reckon, although it goes against all my socialist principles, they always go out of the window when these sort of issues turn from concept to reality.

Original poster
Katymac · 06/12/2007 22:41

Yep - I think 6 weeks = another 1 or 2 lots of a/b's and that has to be bad doesn't it?

OP posts:
CloudAtlas · 06/12/2007 23:19

definitely. Sounds like a nightmare. I do hope he's OK. keep posting

southeastastra · 06/12/2007 23:20

6 weeks on nhs you pay for it. the more people switch to private the quicker the death of the nhs

WHEELYbahhumBUG · 06/12/2007 23:23

private - principles are great but its not worth risking your health over it.

CloudAtlas · 06/12/2007 23:24

I completely agree southeastastra..........in theory!

WHEELYbahhumBUG · 06/12/2007 23:25

I should say though - not if you have to live on bread and water to afford it.

Original poster
Katymac · 06/12/2007 23:26

The chorus of the middle classes - 'Mummy & Daddy will pay for it'

OP posts:
yurt1 · 06/12/2007 23:27

next week private- you will (ime) get a better quality appointment iif you go private. Wrong isn't it.

WHEELYbahhumBUG · 06/12/2007 23:28

Well then Katymac - go for it.

southeastastra · 06/12/2007 23:28

if you can afford private care - good for you. i hope you sleep soundly....

anyway it's only a matter of time until we become like the US health insurance system.

humanity is nice in theory but in practice people are far to selfish

CloudAtlas · 06/12/2007 23:30

bloody hell southeastastra, her sodding husband is very ill, and you're laying a guilt trip on her! Don't be so ................hideous!!!

CloudAtlas · 06/12/2007 23:31

sorry katymav, didn't mean toi refer to your husband as sodding husband, was a bit that's all.

CloudAtlas · 06/12/2007 23:31

Katymac!! sorry again! not been drinking, honest

Original poster
Katymac · 06/12/2007 23:32

S'OK he is a sodding husband on occasions - he just isn't well enough to be one atm

OP posts:
nooka · 06/12/2007 23:33

I don't think there is necessarily any moral right or wrong to it (and I work for the NHS). But you should consider quality of care issues (for both options). If you go private will they have his medical records to hand, and then what happens if you have the consultation and further action is required, will you be able to get back into the NHS easily (if you want to that is) or where will you be referred. My mother uses BUPA, and although I'm sure there are many advantages (it was certainly a nice hospital last time she went in) it has meant that she has a long way to go to see her consultant, and he is not connected into the rest of her care at all. I do wonder if she'd waited a bit whether she might not have got in to see the excellent NHS specialist clinic that is the normal specialist refrral centre and had all her care from the same centre (she has very bad arthritis). However when speed is what matters most private is the way to go (except emergencies, when the NHS is generally faster).

nooka · 06/12/2007 23:34

Oh, and a few individuals going private isn't a problem for the NHS, it's when the trickle becomes a flood and no one wants to pay taxes to support it anymore that there is a problem.

Original poster
Katymac · 06/12/2007 23:36

I understand (tho' I could be wrong) it's the same consultant and once he has been seen (& hopefully diagnosed) he goes back to the nhs for treatment (& at the bottom of the waiting list)- but at least we would know what is going on

OP posts:
EmsMum · 06/12/2007 23:36

If you can afford it, why not? You'd pay to have your car serviced, makes no sense not to be able to use your money for whats really important. Its not like you are opting out of taxes, can't see its anyones business except you and your DHs if you choose to pay twice over.

southeastastra · 06/12/2007 23:36

sorry if i sounded 'hideous' katymac

expatinscotland · 06/12/2007 23:36

private.

sad, but true.

it's Christmas. he deserves to breathe properly.

crunchie · 06/12/2007 23:38

IMHO for medical cases such as this I would stick NHS. Private healcare is great for specific one of issues which can be treated/operated and it is gone. A long lasting chronic condition is better served by the NHS.

To give n example my mum has cancer, her and my dad have enough money to get private treatment, BUT she is better served by teh NHS as it is an ongoing issue where she will get the best possible treatment. She has enquired about her options and the Drs have suggested that she stay NHS - NOT To use up funds, but because it is ongoing and private medincine cannot cope with that.

Sorry but this is what they are better at, OK takes a bit longer but ultimately it is better care for the long term,

crunchie · 06/12/2007 23:38

IMHO for medical cases such as this I would stick NHS. Private healcare is great for specific one of issues which can be treated/operated and it is gone. A long lasting chronic condition is better served by the NHS.

To give n example my mum has cancer, her and my dad have enough money to get private treatment, BUT she is better served by teh NHS as it is an ongoing issue where she will get the best possible treatment. She has enquired about her options and the Drs have suggested that she stay NHS - NOT To use up funds, but because it is ongoing and private medincine cannot cope with that.

Sorry but this is what they are better at, OK takes a bit longer but ultimately it is better care for the long term,

Original poster
Katymac · 06/12/2007 23:38

Southeastastra - if it were someone else's husband I might agreed with you

But I nearly lost him once
He nearly lost me once

& I'm scared

OP posts:
crunchie · 06/12/2007 23:40

KM just seen your last post re being teh same consultant. THEN it make sense as like Nooka says he will still have his history/undrestandng of the case. Expat in your situ absoluely (one off situ, so private makes sense) BUT usually for loiing term chronic conditions NHS is beter

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