NHS stories - good and bad experiences!

[PaulineM-Mobile]

Like most of you guys I've had good experiences and shocking experience.

Our family GP for 20+ years are truly negligent and I believe heavily contribute to poor care and misdiagnoses, primarily, I believe due to funding being controlled by the main partner at the practice. I could go on and on about errors in there care towards each member of my family. I thankfully changed my GP and the care is night & day. My mum and dad remain at that practice and I await the day they contribute to another health related disaster.

The 3 district general hospitals are very very poor. Under staffed, rude thoughtless uncaring nurses and doctors. Truly obstructive in many situation. I fear the day I require there care. I will, if I can go to the Infirmary just 14 miles away.

I have no idea where the failings have come from. Each nurse / doctor I hope start there training with the ultimate desire to be there for people in need. They are trained to care physically and emotionally for patients in need (hopefully having a truly desire to do this as well).

My friend was in hospital a few weeks ago. She was very unwell and if she wasn't a young 35 year old lady with no Existing health problems. I counted 3 instances where they could have killed her. The night she told me everything I went to bed crying.

I was truly disgusted, angered and embarrassed. Manly because I'm a nurse. I would trust no one with my care apart from my immediate work place.

I work in an extremly busy city infirmary and I adore my job. I haven't always felt that way but since taking the post here I know everyday, despite some adversity (waiting times for patients to be seen (Medical assessment area in A&E)) we all do a wonderful job. It warms my heart seeing the very thorough professional trustworthy care we give every single day.

I know I/we are very lucky and what we do unfortunately is in the minority.

My advise to all is to complain but be rational And please change your GP if you at all suspect the are bad.

Pauline x

 

[tonicj]

I haven't always felt the way I do now for the NHS! The experience I had with my mum just frightened me so much and has sadly left me very cautious!

 

[Kristalinx]

My best experience of the NHS was after they brought in the choose and book system. I had to go into hospital to have my gallbladder removed and was able to choose a private hospital for free. Couldn't fault the doctors in any way, they were very understanding and supportive. I have a fear of needles so anything medical presents a severe challenge and they were able to do the surgery keyhole which other surgeons had said was most likely impossible.

 

[nicole333]

I'm a Nurse and like you on this thread I have had good and bad experiences. It's heartbreaking to read the bad experiences and would urge anyone to not settle for unacceptable levels of care and to ask at ward level what their complaints procedure is and to use it.

Like Pauline, I would trust my colleagues with my care should I require it and am so very proud to work within a dynamic and caring team. The NHS was a wonderful thing when it was founded, sadly it's abused left right and centre and the powers that be are adamant on destroying it.
But saying that, it does not excuse attitude or lack of emapathy as that comes for free. If I were witness to any of that behaviour, I would whoop their a*se. I have done before and would do again. It's not acceptable.

 

[LocksOfLove]

I have dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) which is now in 'heart failure' stage, I also have left ventricular valve failure, angina etc.

I have LOADS of bad stories from the NHS!

My heart condition is genetic. My dad passed away when I was 6 of it and so did my grandad etc.

When my dad passed away from a serious heart attack (he went to the docs before he died and they told him it was a pulled muscle causing chest pain, then he passed away soon after!) me and the rest of the family was screened and all told we was fine we had no complicated heart problems.

I at around 13 onwards got a lot of chest pains etc went to the docs and they told me it was 'growing pains' no tests even though they knew of my family history of heart problems.

At 18 I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and later told I had heart failure. Angina came soon after and so did heart attacks.

I went to see a genetics specialist to see if this was passed into me. He had a look at my past files and did some genetics tests. I was then told when I was screened at 6 I DID show heart problems which was hypotrophic (HCM) cardiomyopathy and at around my teens my HCM got so bad it started to develope into DCM/heart failure. And this was picked up in my screening but they never tested it further or treated me and never followed it up.

I also had many mild heart attacks last year. Twice I was rushed into A&E and they told me it was nothing, went to be GP to be rushed back into hospital due to it being heart attacks.

Last year I went to A&E as my chest was so tight I struggled to breath, they said I was 'worrying' too much and sent me home (no tests again) went back to my GP and was told it was angina - now on treatments for that.

AND to top it off I have multiple cysts on my ovaries I've had for 2 years, been waiting to be operated on since January.

They have refused to sterilise me to stop me having children, if I have children it will kill me as my heart is so weak. I'm not aloud any form of contraception due to the hormones which will make my condition worse apart from the coil - but I've been refused to have this fitted too - as the insertion will cause my heart too much stress! So the two only not hormonal contraceptions coil and to be sterilised they won't touch me with! Ridiculous! So I have to rely on (dare I say it) condoms for me not to fall pregnant which will possibly kill me! I'm seeing a private hospital in the up and coming few weeks to get the coil done which I have to pay for myself.

So not only me who's been let down by the NHS my dad was too, unfortunately it took his life. Xxx

 

[skingeek78]

I have dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) which is now in 'heart failure' stage, I also have left ventricular valve failure, angina etc.

I have LOADS of bad stories from the NHS!

My heart condition is genetic. My dad passed away when I was 6 of it and so did my grandad etc.

When my dad passed away from a serious heart attack (he went to the docs before he died and they told him it was a pulled muscle causing chest pain, then he passed away soon after!) me and the rest of the family was screened and all told we was fine we had no complicated heart problems.

I at around 13 onwards got a lot of chest pains etc went to the docs and they told me it was 'growing pains' no tests even though they knew of my family history of heart problems.

At 18 I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and later told I had heart failure. Angina came soon after and so did heart attacks.

I went to see a genetics specialist to see if this was passed into me. He had a look at my past files and did some genetics tests. I was then told when I was screened at 6 I DID show heart problems which was hypotrophic (HCM) cardiomyopathy and at around my teens my HCM got so bad it started to develope into DCM/heart failure. And this was picked up in my screening but they never tested it further or treated me and never followed it up.

I also had many mild heart attacks last year. Twice I was rushed into A&E and they told me it was nothing, went to be GP to be rushed back into hospital due to it being heart attacks.

Last year I went to A&E as my chest was so tight I struggled to breath, they said I was 'worrying' too much and sent me home (no tests again) went back to my GP and was told it was angina - now on treatments for that.

AND to top it off I have multiple cysts on my ovaries I've had for 2 years, been waiting to be operated on since January.

They have refused to sterilise me to stop me having children, if I have children it will kill me as my heart is so weak. I'm not aloud any form of contraception due to the hormones which will make my condition worse apart from the coil - but I've been refused to have this fitted too - as the insertion will cause my heart too much stress! So the two only not hormonal contraceptions coil and to be sterilised they won't touch me with! Ridiculous! So I have to rely on (dare I say it) condoms for me not to fall pregnant which will possibly kill me! I'm seeing a private hospital in the up and coming few weeks to get the coil done which I have to pay for myself.

So not only me who's been let down by the NHS my dad was too, unfortunately it took his life. Xxx

I am so sorry. Is the reason they won't sterilise because of general anaesthetic and the strain of an operation? Or they won't do it for other reasons? Why will a private hospital take on the risk for inserting the coil if your family planning or GP would not. That just isn't right :-(

 

[LocksOfLove]

I am so sorry. Is the reason they won't sterilise because of general anaesthetic and the strain of an operation? Or they won't do it for other reasons? Why will a private hospital take on the risk for inserting the coil if your family planning or GP would not. That just isn't right :-(

I think so, although they'll operate on my cysts? I don't see why that can't do it all at the same time. I tried asking this and they brushed it off. Not only have I have to pay for the coil to be inserted privately I have to pay for a cardiologist, and other people being present incase my heart screws up, I'll be in there all day too so they can keep an eye on me. No price yet but it's not gonna be cheap!!! It's only a few minute procedure. But the old fashioned method is not reliable enough I need something trust worthy. If I get accidentally pregnant I would hate hate hate to abort - it's not me. I'm against it. But again I don't like the idea of being sterilised incase my condition may improve in the future and one day might be able to have children. Although this is a slim chance oh well. Look on the upside I have a mad dog and cat! Lol! Xx

 

[jmd1980]

I have had good and bad and I think that should be the balanced view because people are always more likely to publicise something awful that's happened than say thanks for all the good.
We still get some of the best free treatment in the world,unfortunately often abused,I'm pained to knock it.

In my view the issue is that the treatment is not free. I pay for it every month through the tax the government takes out of my wages. Just because no money changes hands at the point of service, does not make the treatment free. We are all paying for it! As such we have a right to hold the NHS to account for its failings. A lot of the problems seem to come from the top heavy structure. How these incompetent managers sleep at night is beyond me. I believe if you take your salary from the public purse you must be accountable, sadly that is rarely the case.

 

[skingeek78]

I think so, although they'll operate on my cysts? I don't see why that can't do it all at the same time. I tried asking this and they brushed it off. Not only have I have to pay for the coil to be inserted privately I have to pay for a cardiologist, and other people being present incase my heart screws up, I'll be in there all day too so they can keep an eye on me. No price yet but it's not gonna be cheap!!! It's only a few minute procedure. But the old fashioned method is not reliable enough I need something trust worthy. If I get accidentally pregnant I would hate hate hate to abort - it's not me. I'm against it. But again I don't like the idea of being sterilised incase my condition may improve in the future and one day might be able to have children. Although this is a slim chance oh well. Look on the upside I have a mad dog and cat! Lol! Xx

:-( xxxx

 

[Di @ CBA]

I have nothing but horrible stories about the nhs including great ormand street hospital.

The way i see it you choose to become a nurse/doctor that also means caring for your patients yet these nurses/docs dont care. Why do such a job if you dont care??

Recently my sister was in hospital having a major op the nurses didnt keep an eye on her. Her blood and glucose finished it took them an hour to replace. They then claimed they discharged her day 2 when we went to visit they then claimed she was on a certain ward and she wasnt and they eventually told my family they didnt know where she was!!! How can you lose a patient???!!! We then put her in a private room at the same hospital and the massive difference in service!!!!

 

[eternalscot]

I went in for an emergency c section and the anaesthetic did not work, screamed and gave me a general anaesthetic after cutting me open. I was in high decency but was fine. I would personally rather have the American insurance, too much skimping on the NHS. I am with Denplan for my teeth thought about going NHS but NHS only give you hideous mental fillings(with mercury!) not white ones and do nothing cosmetically unless your teeth look like one of the oasis brothers (prior fame). Private is much better, you cannot get the option for some medical things out with the NHS which is total socialism. I tried to get something for my son there was nothing for private in child locally nearest London which is useless. If we had good private insurance and not just Bupa for a hip replacement I would have it.

 

[xxAmyxx]

I would also it be like America and we pay for everything x

 

[gillian w]

I would also it be like America and we pay for everything x

Really,I think you need to do a bit of research on their system.
Fine if you are rich.

 

[tonicj]

I would also it be like America and we pay for everything x

Be careful what you wish for Amy :wink2:

 

[xxAmyxx]

But you can get insurance can't you, which you pay monthly for. I don't care really even if I couldn't afford it; when your times up your times up and all that. Plus it wouldn't make much difference even if you couldn't afford it, you wouldn't be any worse off x

 

[gillian w]

But you can get insurance can't you, which you pay monthly for. I don't care really even if I couldn't afford it; when your times up your times up and all that. Plus it wouldn't make much difference even if you couldn't afford it, you wouldn't be any worse off x

:biggrin: you'd want a bit of a bloody chance though wouldn't you especially if you have kids to look after.In America if you haven't got insurance they pratically let you die.

 

[xxAmyxx]

But it isn't free here, we have to pay for it just in a different way.

 

[tonicj]

I say less Management and bring back Matron!

 

[xxAmyxx]

Also just to add in; Just because Americans are uninsured doesn't mean they can't receive health care; nonprofits and government-run hospitals provide services to those who don't have insurance, and it is illegal to refuse emergency medical service because of a lack of insurance. So they don't 'leave you to die.'

 

[tonicj]

Maybe some of our lovely American Geeks could let us know about their health system!