Noticeable Oddities of the Day:
I have a blocked Eustachian tube for months already causing a cracking sound and earache on and off. I’ve tried to relieve the symptoms with steam inhalation which was ok for a while but not very effective. I need it to be clear since I’ll be on a plane to Amsterdam soon and I really don’t want a perforated eardrum again, that would be the third time.
I’ve been trying to make an appointment with any GP of the surgery I’m registered with since my own seems to be retired in the meantime *so I was told* I had to call the snobby receptionist each day to see if there was an available spot. One can only book an appointment a week ahead, which basically means that I won’t be able to see a doctor before I’ll leave.
It’s an annoying system but I guess that’s the price you pay for free health services. I got so fed up with this that I called the hospital yesterday evening and explained the situation to them. The receptionist told me that a doctor would call me back within the hour. An hour and a half later I was on my way home -after I’d seen the doctor at the hospital- with my medication.
It doesn’t make sense to me that a hospital covers for a practice because the practice is so busy that they can’t cope… but I’m not complaining, I praise this hospital for their excellent service given to me in the past and on this particular day: to me it’s the best in London. The doctor even told me I could see him again this Saturday if I had to… Now… isn’t that nice?
© Zesty Gal, Sweets for my Sweet, sugar for my Honey (never had them in this bright Magenta colour…)
It’s good that the Dr. saw you and that you got your medicines!
I am afraid that I didn’t understand the bit of the hospital in the sense that if it’s free or not?
In Malta there are free health centres and a public hosptial. There are a couple of private hospitals too.
All health care in the UK is basically free through the NHS (National Health Service) but I do need to pay for my medication which is about seven pound something per item. Some people don’t: e.g. those who claim benefit or those who have low income.
My ex has private insurance through his job so when I needed a specialist and surgery in April 2007 it was claimed through the private insurance instead and was done at a private clinic, I didn’t use the NHS. But the private insurance has to give you clearance and approve each request first before you’ll get the medical attention you’ll need. In most cases private is better than NHS but if they don’t approve, you’ll still have to get medical care through the NHS.
In the Netherlands you pay about 110 Euro per person per month and if you need additional care you’ll have to pay for that as well or get a better insurance. Plus at times you do need to pay for medication if it’s not covered by your insurance. Same goes for extra dental treatments, surgery etc. It’s expensive in NL but I do feel you get better service at times…
In my case I could’ve seen a doctor in NL either the same day or else the next day and I don’t have to wait a week if it is an emergency. It’s ridiculous that a hospital has to make up for incompetence of the surgery…