Thanks this is useful info to know.
Saartjie when we first got here many years ago the NHS was a good system.
For the last few years it has steadily gone downhill imo. Might just be my area - it's a postcode lottery. Just trying to get to see my GP is a mission - at least 20mins on the phone to get hold of a receptionist. Another half hour and the GP rings us back to determine if we actually do need an appointment on the day. It's like an interrogation. Try to book in advance and this presents all sorts of problems like they will only take bookings for a certain doctor in two weeks time - well thank you!
Once one is through this hoop it is a long wait in the waiting room while a screen flashes how many missed appointments they had that week and how inconvieninced they are.
I have a surgery that I live with - not one of the GP's knows zip about it & they have little interest. A physical check up - I can't remember when they last listened to my pulse or heart. My GP is a nice person - I like him (when I get to see him and not a stand in) but I go in - tell them what is wrong - argue my case while asking for meds I know will help me(so draining!) ...
After much thought we now have private health here. It costs the earth but it is chalk and cheese compared to the NHS. I am seen the next day by a specialist.(Instead of a 6 week week wait). I go for a diagnostic and it is so thorough (30-40mins of proper investigation) I was shocked as a year previous I had the same one on the NHS - it was all of 5 mins max.
Focus of late is on emergencies only. Chronic conditions - well, it can take an age to get treated. Even for cancer .
Eeeeish now I have gone on & on!
The only good thing about it is the price of meds. I think I'll miss that.