Quote Originally Posted by Terpe View Post
My wife has some interesting first hand views on our NHS
She spent quite some time attempting to secure a non-emergency procedure at our local hospital. Eventually it got done and she spent a couple of nights there.
Most of her views I tend to agree with.

From our life in Japan she has always been used to being the 'customer'
The NHS seemed somewhat different in her experience. Replace the word 'customer' with 'service user'.

Not meant to be negative and no offence intended. Just an honest view from someone who never experienced our NHS healthcare.
I don't disagree Terpe. I have been a customer or service user myself. I have experienced the understaffing and the poor food. I had been chatting with my wife over tea in the hospital and the penny really dropped with her that the NHS was free to all regardless of ability to pay. I know that in essence we do pay but the whole idea of anyone having free access to hospitalisation seemed to get her attention compared to back home.

I think that sometimes we dont realise how lucky we are here in the UK (and Islands). My wife had never really been in hospital, even at birth as it has been out her families ability to pay, so what she sees here appears quite marvellous.

Also the IOM hospital here is brand new and well appointed. - I have experienced BUPA hospitals and was also well impressed with this one.

I dont think the NHS is a complete horror story. And from my direct experience it was the NHS (Trafford General) that diagnosed my gall bladder problem. The BUPA consultant didnt have a clue...........