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Original poster

NHS - anyone else scared about getting sick?!

31 replies

Hertsdad5 · 16/01/2023 23:04

I have seen firsthand how underfunded and at breaking point the NHS is and getting seriously worried if myself or family were urgently ill or it was something serious. My last trip to A&E was just horrific - it genuinely felt like I was in a bad episode of ER..no care or empathy anywhere.I have lived in 3 different countries but I honestly fear for my wellbeing in the UK right now. It’s silly but I’m tempted to move away again it’s so bad esp as I get older. Anyone else feel like this?

OP posts:
MintJulia · 17/01/2023 14:46

4thonthe4th · 16/01/2023 23:06

No. Have had to use GP, walk in and A&E during the past 2 months and had no issues.

This.

I'm half way through cancer treatment and the NHS has kept to all the planned schedules.

I also needed to see a GP on a completely unrelated issue last week, called at 11am and was seen at 3.20. Tests completed and antibiotics prescribed by 6.30pm, collected from the pharmacy at 8am the following morning.

So no complaints from me. The NHS is fabulous !! 😊

amylou8 · 17/01/2023 15:10

Yes, I'm not an anxious person, and maybe I've been listening to the news too much, but I took out private health insurance last week. I'm mid 40s and in good health, but I'm worried about being in pain and being left for months or even years waiting for tests and treatment. I know not everyone can afford it and I'm fortunate that a bit of juggling the finances means I can. It doesn't cover emergency care, so even with Bupa you still end up in A&E for hours.

RainbowCat26 · 17/01/2023 15:16

No, my DH recently needed to attend A&E then have numerous follow up appointments in the hospital, the experience was excellent, couldn’t fault it at all. And only waiting an hour or so in A&E. appreciate he was probably very fortunate/right place right time but based on our experience medical help was there when we needed it.

beezlebubnicky · 17/01/2023 16:19

To the posters who have cancer, the NHS does tend to prioritise cancer treatment even when things are really up the shitter. My older brother had fab cancer care in very early days of Blair govt when the NHS was in a pretty dreadful state. I'm pleased you are all getting good and timely care, though.

It doesn't mean there isn't a massive crisis and that people's anxiety about getting sick isn't warranted. I would be terrified if I or a loved one had an acute problem such as a stroke or heart attack where outcomes are measured in the minutes and hours it takes to get treatment. All my local hospitals have 'requires improvement' from the CQC and serious concerns about patient safety due to lack of beds and low staffing levels.

We can make healthy lifestyle choices and it's great to do that, but a lot of health is down to luck (genetics, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, etc). Those who are unlucky with their health will suffer the most as the NHS continues to go down the drain.

MissyB1 · 17/01/2023 16:58

beezlebubnicky · 17/01/2023 16:19

To the posters who have cancer, the NHS does tend to prioritise cancer treatment even when things are really up the shitter. My older brother had fab cancer care in very early days of Blair govt when the NHS was in a pretty dreadful state. I'm pleased you are all getting good and timely care, though.

It doesn't mean there isn't a massive crisis and that people's anxiety about getting sick isn't warranted. I would be terrified if I or a loved one had an acute problem such as a stroke or heart attack where outcomes are measured in the minutes and hours it takes to get treatment. All my local hospitals have 'requires improvement' from the CQC and serious concerns about patient safety due to lack of beds and low staffing levels.

We can make healthy lifestyle choices and it's great to do that, but a lot of health is down to luck (genetics, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, etc). Those who are unlucky with their health will suffer the most as the NHS continues to go down the drain.

Totally correct.

Original poster
Hertsdad5 · 17/01/2023 17:40

Agree - I’ve been to a&e maybe 4 times in 2 years and every time without fail it has been utterly horrible with not one even slight positive. Everyone has there own experiences but I have literally 0% faith in NHS I really hope it doesn’t offend NHS staff but it’s my personal experience - I cannot deny what I have seen and experienced. I really wish I could say otherwise but I can’t. From the nurses to the doctors to the receptionists - they are either too busy or just don’t care. GP will barely see anyone face to face. And then only spend maybe 5/6 mins - it’s a diff dr every time so no continuity at all. This has meant things were missed and I was much sicker as a result. I also had a consultant cancelled the day before having waited for 3 months. They also ‘lost’ my daughters info on broken arm then had to guess if it was healed. as there are no private a&e’s you literally have no option. I am 100% sure i would have got better treatment in the other countries I’ve lived in (Australia, france, us). Ok I’ve probably been unlucky but my 2 nearest hospitals look like unhabitable building sites with very little seating (why? Surely sick people need at least some normal comfy seats), utter chaos at reception and drs that only have time to focus on life or death patients. Again I am very tempted to just move again to get away from it all - how can I rely on it when I get older?

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