Filipinos and the NHS

So, the wife gets a skin problem and needs to go to the doctor. She's registered with a GP, so no problems there. We go see the doctor. He gives her a prescription for some pills, much to her bemusement.

A month later, after taking the pills, nothing happens. Very frustrated, she paid herself to go and see a dermatologist and got things sorted. It cost her nearly £200 but she was happy with the service and it was no big deal for her to pay because she was used to that.

So, her basic opinion now is that the NHS is a load of rubbish because you can't easily get what you want done without a lot of effort.

I thought this was interesting. A constant gripe about immigrants is that they supposedly come here and take advantage of the NHS, but maybe it's not all it's cracked up to be by some people.

For her, going to the doctor was like going to get a hair cut. Just go to a clinic and get whatever you want done done, pay your money and your sorted.

Maybe we expect to much from the NHS which, in my opinion and based on experiences of myself and family in UK, is not all it's cracked-up to be. As a patch-up service, it's probably second to none. But beyond that, it's a lottery.

It's true. I think it's great for things like emercencies, but when you just want something small done you can be chasing your tail for ages just to be able to see someone.

That's what I told her. She reckoned it was too much hassle. To be fair, the private doctor we went to was a lot more impressive and put a lot more effort int things than a GP. It also had nice music playing in the waiting room.

My mum has dialysis 3 times a week. Try affording that in private health. Or if you have cancer.

I know GPs can be frustrating sometimes, but I'd take our system any day. But maybe it's not such a big deal with immigrants as people like to make out.

In her mind she wanted to see a Dermatologist. Not a GP and then, hopefully, get referred to a Dermatologist. So she put convenience before the fact that there was a cost involved. That's what I thought was interesting, because for me I'll moan and moan about t a GP, but would avoid private health.

Really, It took two years of going back to see the doctor after wrong diagnosis. First time it was the nurse, she give me ointment to rub on. No luck, second time it was a doctor, he blamed me for shaving the scab off and it kept coming back. Eventually I was referred to, see a dermatologist. I had skin cancer. They cut it out and now I have another showing its ugly head. No problem its benign.

I think it can be a bit pot luck when it comes to GP's, my folks one who they had for 30 odd years and I had for a good number of years was we now realise fairly poor. The guy we're registered to now in the uk is pretty good and gets to other specialists quickly as required. The problem people forget about GP's is they have a very difficult job under trying conditions. They get limited time with patients to meet targets and in that time they have to diagnose what's up with you and decide if you need to go onto someone with more specific knowledge of that area. Doctors generally are jack of all and very nearly master of all. You ask any specialist in a hospital about anything outside of their area and you'll get a blank look. I know some doctors aren't great but on the whole I think they do a very good job

Filipinos are used to pay for medical consultations and services as it is the norm here. We go straight to a specialist depending on what we need and if you have the money, you can have the best doctors and expect results. I guess we are just a bit iffy with GP's as they are too general or too broad in their scope or that it takes more time and effort for them to find out what is wrong or would take time to refer you to a specialist.

I think it's fine if you have a bit of cash to go private for convenience with small problems. However, the real issue for me comes if you get a serious, long-term illness.

For me, that one issue prevents me considering living in The Philippines.

I think it depends on the GP. My GP is brilliant. In my initial blood test, he saw that my liver has more "enzymes" than normal and had immediately referred me to a specialist. He schedules me for regular check-ups that I am actually fed up with blood tests. My veins are probably tired of it too. I think it's because we are sooo used to just go to a doctor and pay for it that we cannot see the beauty of NHS. I also made it a point that I do my own research first and not rely on what my GP tells me. Maybe it also helped me to have relatives back home who are doctors. In my experience, NHS is brilliant.. especially when I was pregnant... and when I had a fall...

I have have been informed about the "enzymes" thing on my liver very recently, how long did it take to be referred?

i got the letter within a month from my (GP) visit.

Ahh ok, thanks. As far as I'm aware the doc isn't referring me to a specialist but to have a scan (ultrasound I think). I yet have to see the doc for a second time round yet though!

i had that as well.. blood test.. then a fibroscan.. then more blood tests.. then they had a liver biopsy.. now, I'm waiting for a schedule on ultrasound... nothing's really wrong with my liver (yet).. so most of my visits and blood tests are for monitoring purposes...

Glad to hear it's nothing serious. The doc mentioned some level being twice what it should be which sort of concerned me. Regard blood tests, I've visited the nurse 3 times so far. I'm hoping it's going to be fine. The liver is the only self repairing organ in the human body I believe.

Can't say I've really heard much about "immigrants" upsetting the NHS. Oh there's the thing about health tourism, but apart from this.
The news stories seem to be more about benefit abuse, but that's a whole different story. I'd say it's because it doesn't matter if you're an "immigrant" or your great x 35 grandfather came on the boat with King Olaf the Fat 1400 years ago, NHS doctors are busy, stressed, and "go away and take an asprin" is just as likely to be told to you whoever you are.

It's as said, if Filipinos are used to go and pay, then that attitude will carry on here. The NHS though just can't be underestimated of its value. We have a lot to be proud of there.

i have to say ive had excellent service from the NHS--including dentistry. my dentist--a well-liked polish chap--is easily the best ive ever had.

as for GP's---ive had good--and some not so-----but--remember--they are not mind-readers...so--in the few minutes you get with one--you must explain exactly whats wrong with you. with me--its a menu.