In praise of...

[Tichtheid]

We, well I, am/are very quick to complain or moan our faces off about things, here's a chance for positivity.

I had to cancel a blood test appointment today. I rang the surgery and it was a simple case of choosing option 1 and leaving a message.

A few minutes later I was sent a text offering a chance to reschedule, I clicked the link and made another appointment for a week later, I had the choice of several days after my initial appointment or the following week.

That is how it all should work, Dog Bless the NHS.

[tc27]

Strangely enough I just had a really smooth experience getting my passport renewed.

Also always found the DVLA web services really easy to use and quick.

[Sandstorm]

You must have a very good GP service. Lucky bastard.

Mine is a rude, money-grabbing, "Sorry the doctor can't see you this year..." or "Why are you calling us about your health.....?" nightmare from start to finish.

[Ymx]

Strangely enough I just had a really smooth experience getting my passport renewed.

Also always found the DVLA web services really easy to use and quick.

DVLA might do a better job than the home office issuing passports then ??

[Sandstorm]

Strangely enough I just had a really smooth experience getting my passport renewed.

Also always found the DVLA web services really easy to use and quick.

DVLA might do a better job than the home office issuing passports then ??

I think those are two different examples.

[Ymx]

Actually I had to renew my passport before summer hols.

There were stark warnings of 12 week delays.

It took two weeks.

Online process was easy. I say this as I thought I’d use the post office who charged for it, and then just filled in the online form for me very quickly.

Think it would have been even faster had I not needed to issue an extra photo (head was slightly leaning). But even that was efficient and easy.

[dpedin]

Actually I had to renew my passport before summer hols.

There were stark warnings of 12 week delays.

It took two weeks.

Online process was easy. I say this as I thought I’d use the post office who charged for it, and then just filled in the online form for me very quickly.

Think it would have been even faster had I not needed to issue an extra photo (head was slightly leaning). But even that was efficient and easy.

Just applied online yesterday and sent off old passport by registered delivery this morning. I will be so so pleased if I get my new (shitty blue/black one!) back within 2-3 weeks.

[Dinsdale Piranha]

You must have a very good GP service. Lucky bastard.

Mine is a rude, money-grabbing, "Sorry the doctor can't see you this year..." or "Why are you calling us about your health.....?" nightmare from start to finish.

Online automation in the NHS is somewhat dependent on how automated your GP practice is. My GP practice was an early adopter of technology so is very well integrated with the NHS services - so text notifications, all my medical records online etc.

On the downside, they don't like seeing sick people and getting an appointment is a lottery.

[dpedin]

We, well I, am/are very quick to complain or moan our faces off about things, here's a chance for positivity.

I had to cancel a blood test appointment today. I rang the surgery and it was a simple case of choosing option 1 and leaving a message.

A few minutes later I was sent a text offering a chance to reschedule, I clicked the link and made another appointment for a week later, I had the choice of several days after my initial appointment or the following week.

That is how it all should work, Dog Bless the NHS.

I order repeat prescriptions online from GP who approve and then send it direct to local pharmacy who then text me when ready with a code so I can pick it up anytime 24/7 from their equivalent of the 'hole in the wall' self service machine. Rarely takes more than a couple of working days and never a problem.

[petej]

You must have a very good GP service. Lucky bastard.

Mine is a rude, money-grabbing, "Sorry the doctor can't see you this year..." or "Why are you calling us about your health.....?" nightmare from start to finish.

Online automation in the NHS is somewhat dependent on how automated your GP practice is. My GP practice was an early adopter of technology so is very well integrated with the NHS services - so text notifications, all my medical records online etc.

On the downside, they don't like seeing sick people and getting an appointment is a lottery.

My GP practice is very well integrated and getting appointments is good. GP services are a lottery.

[Gumboot]

We, well I, am/are very quick to complain or moan our faces off about things, here's a chance for positivity.

I had to cancel a blood test appointment today. I rang the surgery and it was a simple case of choosing option 1 and leaving a message.

A few minutes later I was sent a text offering a chance to reschedule, I clicked the link and made another appointment for a week later, I had the choice of several days after my initial appointment or the following week.

That is how it all should work, Dog Bless the NHS.

That's how it works here, too. Bloods taken. Results to GP within 24 hours.

[Sandstorm]

(head was slightly leaning)

To the right?

[Sandstorm]

We, well I, am/are very quick to complain or moan our faces off about things, here's a chance for positivity.

I had to cancel a blood test appointment today. I rang the surgery and it was a simple case of choosing option 1 and leaving a message.

A few minutes later I was sent a text offering a chance to reschedule, I clicked the link and made another appointment for a week later, I had the choice of several days after my initial appointment or the following week.

That is how it all should work, Dog Bless the NHS.

That's how it works here, too. Bloods taken. Results to GP within 24 hours.

Oh, he'll be waiting 2 weeks for the results! When he calls up on Day 14 to enquire, they'll say "Sorry, we had the results since Day 5 - I don't know why someone didn't call you"

[Openside]

I had a CT scan on 21st May when I eventually rang up on 21st July to enquire whether they were going to share the results with me I was told it hadn't even been looked at yet!! I have still not heard a peep. NHS is not fit for purpose as the Letby case so tragicly demonstrates.

[dpedin]

I had a CT scan on 21st May when I eventually rang up on 21st July to enquire whether they were going to share the results with me I was told it hadn't even been looked at yet!! I have still not heard a peep. NHS is not fit for purpose as the Letby case so tragicly demonstrates.

Problem is shortage of radiologists in the UK. Royal College of Radiology has been banging the drum for increasing training numbers for years and years but have failed to get UK Gov to increase funding for places fast enough. UK is about 2,000 radiologists short, has a >10% vacancy rate and has the lowest number of radiologists per 100,000 pop than almost every other country in Europe - between 50% and 100% lower than most comparable European countries. All this whilst demand for imaging is increasing fast. The new NHS workforce plan published recently will address these gaps if funded fully (it's not) but it will take over 10+ years to resolve!

Whilst it is easy to jump on the blame the NHS bandwagon the real reason behind your wait is the chronic underfunding of the NHS and in particular the refusal of the Tory gov to tackle the growing workforce crisis until they are near the end of being in power and then decide to spend the future Gov money.

PS - I suspect you will not have to wait 10 years for your report. Only good news is that images will be prioritised according to clinical risk so it doesn't sound like you are in immediate danger?

[Dinsdale Piranha]

I had a CT scan on 21st May when I eventually rang up on 21st July to enquire whether they were going to share the results with me I was told it hadn't even been looked at yet!! I have still not heard a peep. NHS is not fit for purpose as the Letby case so tragicly demonstrates.

Problem is shortage of radiologists in the UK. Royal College of Radiology has been banging the drum for increasing training numbers for years and years but have failed to get UK Gov to increase funding for places fast enough. UK is about 2,000 radiologists short, has a >10% vacancy rate and has the lowest number of radiologists per 100,000 pop than almost every other country in Europe - between 50% and 100% lower than most comparable European countries. All this whilst demand for imaging is increasing fast. The new NHS workforce plan published recently will address these gaps if funded fully (it's not) but it will take over 10+ years to resolve!

Whilst it is easy to jump on the blame the NHS bandwagon the real reason behind your wait is the chronic underfunding of the NHS and in particular the refusal of the Tory gov to tackle the growing workforce crisis until they are near the end of being in power and then decide to spend the future Gov money.

PS - I suspect you will not have to wait 10 years for your report. Only good news is that images will be prioritised according to clinical risk so it doesn't sound like you are in immediate danger?

A couple of friends are radiologists in Glasgow. They've both given up overtime and private work as it pushes them in to the next tax bracket and they don't consider it well paid enough to bother.

[Ymx]

(head was slightly leaning)

To the right?

To me it’s left, whilst to the observer it appears right. Yes

[Openside]

I had a CT scan on 21st May when I eventually rang up on 21st July to enquire whether they were going to share the results with me I was told it hadn't even been looked at yet!! I have still not heard a peep. NHS is not fit for purpose as the Letby case so tragicly demonstrates.

Problem is shortage of radiologists in the UK. Royal College of Radiology has been banging the drum for increasing training numbers for years and years but have failed to get UK Gov to increase funding for places fast enough. UK is about 2,000 radiologists short, has a >10% vacancy rate and has the lowest number of radiologists per 100,000 pop than almost every other country in Europe - between 50% and 100% lower than most comparable European countries. All this whilst demand for imaging is increasing fast. The new NHS workforce plan published recently will address these gaps if funded fully (it's not) but it will take over 10+ years to resolve!

Whilst it is easy to jump on the blame the NHS bandwagon the real reason behind your wait is the chronic underfunding of the NHS and in particular the refusal of the Tory gov to tackle the growing workforce crisis until they are near the end of being in power and then decide to spend the future Gov money.

PS - I suspect you will not have to wait 10 years for your report. Only good news is that images will be prioritised according to clinical risk so it doesn't sound like you are in immediate danger?

Since they haven’t looked at it hard to tell if the risk is minimal.

I genuinely don’t think the NHS is underfunded it is just desperately inefficient and money is spent on the wrong things it’s quite alarming to read the numbers on 100k+ salaries and stories of managers retiring with 1.8M pension funds.

[SaintK]

I had a CT scan on 21st May when I eventually rang up on 21st July to enquire whether they were going to share the results with me I was told it hadn't even been looked at yet!! I have still not heard a peep. NHS is not fit for purpose as the Letby case so tragicly demonstrates.

Problem is shortage of radiologists in the UK. Royal College of Radiology has been banging the drum for increasing training numbers for years and years but have failed to get UK Gov to increase funding for places fast enough. UK is about 2,000 radiologists short, has a >10% vacancy rate and has the lowest number of radiologists per 100,000 pop than almost every other country in Europe - between 50% and 100% lower than most comparable European countries. All this whilst demand for imaging is increasing fast. The new NHS workforce plan published recently will address these gaps if funded fully (it's not) but it will take over 10+ years to resolve!

Whilst it is easy to jump on the blame the NHS bandwagon the real reason behind your wait is the chronic underfunding of the NHS and in particular the refusal of the Tory gov to tackle the growing workforce crisis until they are near the end of being in power and then decide to spend the future Gov money.

PS - I suspect you will not have to wait 10 years for your report. Only good news is that images will be prioritised according to clinical risk so it doesn't sound like you are in immediate danger?

Since they haven’t looked at it hard to tell if the risk is minimal.

I genuinely don’t think the NHS is underfunded it is just desperately inefficient and money is spent on the wrong things it’s quite alarming to read the numbers on 100k+ salaries and stories of managers retiring with 1.8M pension funds.

Far too many middle/senior "management" and not enough troops on the ground
Go private, as that's what your grandkids will be doing when they grow up by the time the likes of Hunt and Barclay have finished.

[shaggy]

Problem is shortage of radiologists in the UK. Royal College of Radiology has been banging the drum for increasing training numbers for years and years but have failed to get UK Gov to increase funding for places fast enough. UK is about 2,000 radiologists short, has a >10% vacancy rate and has the lowest number of radiologists per 100,000 pop than almost every other country in Europe - between 50% and 100% lower than most comparable European countries. All this whilst demand for imaging is increasing fast. The new NHS workforce plan published recently will address these gaps if funded fully (it's not) but it will take over 10+ years to resolve!

Whilst it is easy to jump on the blame the NHS bandwagon the real reason behind your wait is the chronic underfunding of the NHS and in particular the refusal of the Tory gov to tackle the growing workforce crisis until they are near the end of being in power and then decide to spend the future Gov money.

PS - I suspect you will not have to wait 10 years for your report. Only good news is that images will be prioritised according to clinical risk so it doesn't sound like you are in immediate danger?

Since they haven’t looked at it hard to tell if the risk is minimal.

I genuinely don’t think the NHS is underfunded it is just desperately inefficient and money is spent on the wrong things it’s quite alarming to read the numbers on 100k+ salaries and stories of managers retiring with 1.8M pension funds.

Far too many middle/senior "management" and not enough troops on the ground
Go private, as that's what your grandkids will be doing when they grow up by the time the likes of Hunt and Barclay have finished.

The NHS was broken when they changed it so that GPs were responsible for all referrals, removing the ability for consultants to do it.

In my opinion.

[dpedin]

I had a CT scan on 21st May when I eventually rang up on 21st July to enquire whether they were going to share the results with me I was told it hadn't even been looked at yet!! I have still not heard a peep. NHS is not fit for purpose as the Letby case so tragicly demonstrates.

Problem is shortage of radiologists in the UK. Royal College of Radiology has been banging the drum for increasing training numbers for years and years but have failed to get UK Gov to increase funding for places fast enough. UK is about 2,000 radiologists short, has a >10% vacancy rate and has the lowest number of radiologists per 100,000 pop than almost every other country in Europe - between 50% and 100% lower than most comparable European countries. All this whilst demand for imaging is increasing fast. The new NHS workforce plan published recently will address these gaps if funded fully (it's not) but it will take over 10+ years to resolve!

Whilst it is easy to jump on the blame the NHS bandwagon the real reason behind your wait is the chronic underfunding of the NHS and in particular the refusal of the Tory gov to tackle the growing workforce crisis until they are near the end of being in power and then decide to spend the future Gov money.

PS - I suspect you will not have to wait 10 years for your report. Only good news is that images will be prioritised according to clinical risk so it doesn't sound like you are in immediate danger?

Since they haven’t looked at it hard to tell if the risk is minimal.

I genuinely don’t think the NHS is underfunded it is just desperately inefficient and money is spent on the wrong things it’s quite alarming to read the numbers on 100k+ salaries and stories of managers retiring with 1.8M pension funds.

I didnt say it was minimal just that when whoever requested the image they would have noted the level or clinical risk ie urgent, at the time.

The underfunding I was referring to was the UK Gov refusing to increase medical training numbers at both undergraduate and post graduate levels - much of this funding would need to go into Universities as well as NHS in order to increase the consultant workforce we require, particularly in radiology.

The vast majority of big pension funds for high earners in the NHS will be medical consultants who will probably have 35-40 years service and be at the top of the consultant grade ie salary of c£125k. Many wouldn't have had a pension pot of this size as it was tax prohibitive to exceed the lifetime allowance and continue working but the current Gov got rid of the lifetime allowance ceiling of c£1.1m in last budget.

Whilst this might look a lot of cash, and it is, many would earn lots more working elsewhere ie US, Australia etc. If we want good doctors we have to complete in an international market.

[C69]

Actually I had to renew my passport before summer hols.

There were stark warnings of 12 week delays.

It took two weeks.

Online process was easy. I say this as I thought I’d use the post office who charged for it, and then just filled in the online form for me very quickly.

Think it would have been even faster had I not needed to issue an extra photo (head was slightly leaning). But even that was efficient and easy.

Just applied online yesterday and sent off old passport by registered delivery this morning. I will be so so pleased if I get my new (shitty blue/black one!) back within 2-3 weeks.

I applied a few months ago and got my new passport in 6 days, which was nice.

[Paddington Bear]

My new driving licence arrived within a week. Given up on the NHS, we can get online GP appointments through work, and/or I can get some prescription stuff (eczema related) from online chemists instead.

[Line6 HXFX]

13 years of Tory mismanagement, and underfunding. The NHS had the highest patient satisfaction rating in the world, before Austerity. They completely cut investment and did rampant cuts across the board. Hope your taxcuts were worth it.

Fewer Doctors and Nurses, Fewer Beds, fewer CT and MRI machines, less equiptment worse patient outcomes compared to other countries, all because of cuts and lack of investment over 13 years.


Administrative spending is low btw.


https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/blog/2023/ ... ive-charts

[Ymx]

13 years of Tory mismanagement, and underfunding. The NHS had the highest patient satisfaction rating in the world, before Austerity. They completely cut investment and did rampant cuts across the board. Hope your taxcuts were worth it.

Fewer Doctors and Nurses, Fewer Beds, fewer CT and MRI machines, less equiptment worse patient outcomes compared to other countries, all because of cuts and lack of investment over 13 years.


Administrative spending is low btw.


https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/blog/2023/ ... ive-charts

You’re not really getting the hang of this thread refry.

[Margin__Walker]

It may be imperfect, due to underfunding, structural inefficiencies or both, but I owe the NHS everything this year. For the first 6 months of the year either my wife or new-born son were in patients in an NHS hospital

They worked absolute miracles to get her pregnancy to a viable gestation in the face of a very poor prognosis and then took superb care of my son in the NICU. Just brilliant people who were professional, compassionate and tireless. Going above and beyond time and time again. Right from the students and hospitality staff to the consultants. I'll never be able to repay them.

[Blackmac]

Actually I had to renew my passport before summer hols.

There were stark warnings of 12 week delays.

It took two weeks.

Online process was easy. I say this as I thought I’d use the post office who charged for it, and then just filled in the online form for me very quickly.

Think it would have been even faster had I not needed to issue an extra photo (head was slightly leaning). But even that was efficient and easy.

Just applied online yesterday and sent off old passport by registered delivery this morning. I will be so so pleased if I get my new (shitty blue/black one!) back within 2-3 weeks.

I applied a few months ago and got my new passport in 6 days, which was nice.

If you apply online and don't make an arse of it, its a great service, although with the new regulations they seem to have stealthily made the passport only 9 years.

[Line6 HXFX]

The problem with the middle classes when they say "well I can afford to go private, I have no need for the NHS" is there will be absolutely no one to defend the NHS. If the NHS is just for the poor, the poor have been completely dehumanised, scapegoated, smeared and slandered in the UK and have zero power, influence or voice.

The NHS will be gone, if the middle classes abandon it, and the tories have always known this, this is why they want them to.

37 billion has been cut in real terms since 2010. That's a lot of equipment and nurses.

[charltom]

If the NHS is just for the poor, the poor have been completely dehumanised, scapegoated, smeared and slandered in the UK and have zero power, influence or voice.

I know you're somewhat biased, but this is utter bollocks.

[shaggy]

It may be imperfect, due to underfunding, structural inefficiencies or both, but I owe the NHS everything this year. For the first 6 months of the year either my wife or new-born son were in patients in an NHS hospital

They worked absolute miracles to get her pregnancy to a viable gestation in the face of a very poor prognosis and then took superb care of my son in the NICU. Just brilliant people who were professional, compassionate and tireless. Going above and beyond time and time again. Right from the students and hospitality staff to the consultants. I'll never be able to repay them.

Don’t need to say if you don’t want to but how close did you get to term?

[Tichtheid]

The Corinthian spirit


Katie Moon and Nina Kennedy decided to share their pole vault gold medal in a touching moment at the World Championships in Budapest.

American Moon and Australia's Kennedy both cleared 4.90m but missed all three attempts at 4.95m after a draining two hours and 10 minutes.

They could have gone to a jump-off but ultimately decided to share the gold.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/66600733

[Margin__Walker]

It may be imperfect, due to underfunding, structural inefficiencies or both, but I owe the NHS everything this year. For the first 6 months of the year either my wife or new-born son were in patients in an NHS hospital

They worked absolute miracles to get her pregnancy to a viable gestation in the face of a very poor prognosis and then took superb care of my son in the NICU. Just brilliant people who were professional, compassionate and tireless. Going above and beyond time and time again. Right from the students and hospitality staff to the consultants. I'll never be able to repay them.

Don’t need to say if you don’t want to but how close did you get to term?

Nah. it's fine.

She got to 28 weeks. Was a nightmare pregnancy from the start really with a large subchorionic hematoma. She was in hospital from 19 weeks. Waters went completely at 23 weeks. He spent 3.5 months in hospital, first at the ICU where he was born for a couple of months, then a local hospital. He's back home on oxygen 24/7 and with a few more minor issues, but otherwise doing superbly. Oxygen is usually weaned within the first year.

Modern medicine is amazing.

[Tichtheid]

It may be imperfect, due to underfunding, structural inefficiencies or both, but I owe the NHS everything this year. For the first 6 months of the year either my wife or new-born son were in patients in an NHS hospital

They worked absolute miracles to get her pregnancy to a viable gestation in the face of a very poor prognosis and then took superb care of my son in the NICU. Just brilliant people who were professional, compassionate and tireless. Going above and beyond time and time again. Right from the students and hospitality staff to the consultants. I'll never be able to repay them.

Don’t need to say if you don’t want to but how close did you get to term?

Nah. it's fine.

She got to 28 weeks. Was a nightmare pregnancy from the start really with a large subchorionic hematoma. She was in hospital from 19 weeks. Waters went completely at 23 weeks. He spent 3.5 months in hospital, first at the ICU where he was born for a couple of months, then a local hospital. He's back home on oxygen 24/7 and with a few more minor issues, but otherwise doing superbly. Oxygen is usually weaned within the first year.

Modern medicine is amazing.

Best wishes MW.

[Sandstorm]

Glad they’re both ok. Amazing work from the hospital.

[Margin__Walker]

Cheers all. Onwards and upwards

[shaggy]

It may be imperfect, due to underfunding, structural inefficiencies or both, but I owe the NHS everything this year. For the first 6 months of the year either my wife or new-born son were in patients in an NHS hospital

They worked absolute miracles to get her pregnancy to a viable gestation in the face of a very poor prognosis and then took superb care of my son in the NICU. Just brilliant people who were professional, compassionate and tireless. Going above and beyond time and time again. Right from the students and hospitality staff to the consultants. I'll never be able to repay them.

Don’t need to say if you don’t want to but how close did you get to term?

Nah. it's fine.

She got to 28 weeks. Was a nightmare pregnancy from the start really with a large subchorionic hematoma. She was in hospital from 19 weeks. Waters went completely at 23 weeks. He spent 3.5 months in hospital, first at the ICU where he was born for a couple of months, then a local hospital. He's back home on oxygen 24/7 and with a few more minor issues, but otherwise doing superbly. Oxygen is usually weaned within the first year.

Modern medicine is amazing.

Not wanting to be a downer but start looking at schools with proper SEN provision now and if you ever want a proper chat on it all ping me.

[Margin__Walker]

Not wanting to be a downer but start looking at schools with proper SEN provision now and if you ever want a proper chat on it all ping me.

Not a downer at all. Cheers, will do

[dpedin]

Actually I had to renew my passport before summer hols.

There were stark warnings of 12 week delays.

It took two weeks.

Online process was easy. I say this as I thought I’d use the post office who charged for it, and then just filled in the online form for me very quickly.

Think it would have been even faster had I not needed to issue an extra photo (head was slightly leaning). But even that was efficient and easy.

Just applied online yesterday and sent off old passport by registered delivery this morning. I will be so so pleased if I get my new (shitty blue/black one!) back within 2-3 weeks.

My passport is being delivered today! Much impressed - it's good to see the Home Office can actually get something right! Makes you wonder how they can cock up so many other issues.

[Kiwias]

I had to renew my NZ passport and the online process was incredibly easy and quick. I added a reference in NZ for confirmation purposes and zapped it off.

The new passport was in my hands here in Japan on Day 10 from application.

by comparison, my wife had to visit the Passport Office twice to renew her Japanese passport and even though everything was done in the same country, she had to wait for 6 weeks before she could pick up the new passport.

[robmatic]

Actually I had to renew my passport before summer hols.

There were stark warnings of 12 week delays.

It took two weeks.

Online process was easy. I say this as I thought I’d use the post office who charged for it, and then just filled in the online form for me very quickly.

Think it would have been even faster had I not needed to issue an extra photo (head was slightly leaning). But even that was efficient and easy.

I just renewed mine and it's been approved and printed after a week. Now I just need to wait for it to get to Turkey, but overall the process has been quicker so far and less hassle than I expected, despite the international aspect.