I’ve had a great 15 day stay at the hotel NHS Hospital where I have seen first hand the hard work and effort the nurses put in to caring above and beyond their duties for those admitted.
However, I’ve also experienced the miscommunication between consultants, difference of opinions resulting in differing advice and therefore ultimately no immediate treatment options for myself. So I am now home on an outpatient list, which could take months and on a NJ feeding tube for 17 hours a day. Some patients in my position have already been waiting three months since their discharge and have a further 6-12 month wait due to non urgent surgeries being cancelled, strike action, lack of staff, lack of beds.
The NHS is on its knees and the nurses are carrying the burden with the patients. Not the consultants. It would appear the higher up the chain you get the less important the people become. I’ve had to chase my own surgeons secretary and request my own notes be sent over from one hospital to another. I’ve been lied too, I feel misled and I’ve lost trust in those I should ultimately trust the most with my care.
I don’t blame people for going abroad for surgery, the price of private care in the UK is disgusting but so are the waiting times for public health care, the communication is lacking and I’m not sure now who to believe in the next action for my own health.
I plan to make my own plans moving forward and once I’m fit and healthy again, invest in some good private health insurance.
I urge you, if you don’t have private health insurance, get some! If your unsure about things, ask questions and never ever be afraid to seek a second or even third opinion in a place of your choice or look elsewhere for care.
Stop Walking on Egg Shells 