NHS Failings

[Richard]

Time and again we hear of NHS failures (often on a daily basis) where our beloved relatives are gradually allowed to die in bed when instead they should be coming home after some good nursing.
This may be an inevitable consequence of old age in some obvious cases, but would not Florence Nightingale have turned in her grave to hear of the basic failures present in the system today and suggest a radical overhaul of the management which, like the BBC has become "Top-Heavy" and unable to do its job because it is receiving tax-payers money and operating without due and proper controls?




Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.

[Olly]

I can't decide if the front-line nursing staff have become demoralised because of shortages in their number so they've given up trying, or like everything else in this country has become institutionally dysfunctional (although I suspect the latter!!). I strongly advise anyone who doesn't have/can't afford private health insurance to start saving up for future health care, because until the Great and the Gormless have to depend on the NHS, it ain't gonna improve any time soon.

[Richard]

Changing tack slightly -what worried me lately when I went to the G.P. in the old town (it could have been anywhere) was the question I was asked before the Doctor prescribed me medication.

Are you currently working?
It seems on the face of it that there is a list of medicines they can prescribe for those who are paying with some exclusions for those who do not pay for prescriptions.
Now I thought that the NHS was for everyone and not split along those lines.
I also understand that if you are paying privately there is a different 'ball-game' but a two-tier prescription system for employed and unemployed seems a little outside the spirit of the endeavour of the NHS for medicine.






Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.

[Derek Jempson]

If there is indeed a two-tier system for prescriptions based upon the employment status of the patient, then that's an utter disgrace! Add to that, the apparent age discrimination against the oldest patients then we have come a long way since 1948 when the NHS was founded upon the principle of health care for all based upon need and not wealth, or status.

[Olly]

[quoted]
Derek Jempson wrote:
If there is indeed a two-tier system for prescriptions based upon the employment status of the patient, then that's an utter disgrace! Add to that, the apparent age discrimination against the oldest patients then we have come a long way since 1948 when the NHS was founded upon the principle of health care for all based upon need and not wealth, or status.
[/quoted]

Until 'The Great and the Gormless' (I'm pleased to use that soubriquet for the ruling elite - and they're certainly gormless!!) are forced to use the NHS, rather than have their private health schemes (paid for by us!! >:( ) nothing will change other than the NHS will deteriorate further and further until it's 'unfit for purpose'. Me? When I began the realise the NHS was in meltdown I signed up to AXA/PPP, so I'm alright Jack!! :whistle:

[Mymblesdaughter]

I think sometimes doctors ask this as it can be cheaper to buy some of the medicine rather that pay the prescription charge. This used to happen with my hayfever medication. It was much cheaper to buy off the shelf. Obviously if you aren't working then the prescription is paid so that's always the cheapest way to go.

Don't feel too safe with your private health insurance. My Father and his friend had exactly the same operation within weeks of each other. My Father received much better treatment with the NHS than his friend who went private. My Father also had a nurse visit at home.

[Olly]

[quoted]
Mymblesdaughter wrote:
I think sometimes doctors ask this as it can be cheaper to buy some of the medicine rather that pay the prescription charge. This used to happen with my hayfever medication. It was much cheaper to buy off the shelf. Obviously if you aren't working then the prescription is paid so that's always the cheapest way to go.

Don't feel too safe with your private health insurance. My Father and his friend had exactly the same operation within weeks of each other. My Father received much better treatment with the NHS than his friend who went private. My Father also had a nurse visit at home.
[/quoted]

Roughly how long ago was it?

So no reply then: well I'd guess it was way back in the mists of time, when we all believed in the NHS, and took it for granted that we could depend upon it and its dedicated staff - in other words, before it became institutionally dysfunctional, and top heavy with pen-pushing, box-ticking. self-serving bureaucrats, and bone-idle nurses who just want to natter away at their station about who will be 'voted out' next whilst looking forward to their paycheques at the end of the month. How times change!

[Olly]

Updated.

[Richard]

Private insurance companies vary, but most bump up the charges masively at just the age when you are most likely to need treatment and so people stop paying.
Private companies will often at first refuse to fund expensive medication unless you are determined and can argue your case effectively and don't take 'NO' for an answer_ _ _






Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.

[Olly]

[quoted]
Richard wrote:
Private insurance companies vary, but most bump up the charges masively at just the age when you are most likely to need treatment and so people stop paying.
Private companies will often at first refuse to fund expensive medication unless you are determined and can argue your case effectively and don't take 'NO' for an answer_ _ _



[/quoted]

Exactly. From personal experience I can confirm they are very er, accommodating', and open to 'suggestions'!!