Want to say one thing - thanks to the NHS

[North Cardiff Blue]

On Monday I went to A+E as I'd not been too well for a few days. It transpires that I've had a very mild heart attack and am waiting for an angiogram. I'm feeling ok, bit tired, but to be expected.

The staff in A+E have been nothing short of incredible. Ridiculous queues of people waiting to get in to see someone, 12 hour shifts, constant rushing around, they really do have a thankless task. I'm aware some have not had the same experiences, but mine (and many I know) have had great services.

It was an experience that shocked me, though. It's been 20 years since I was last in A+E and things were never as busy. People requiring treatment sleeping on chairs in corridors. Beds in corridors. Consultants discussing issues with patients as there were no cubicles available. Totally overrun. Some will say there's no amount of money that could sort this, but it is trying to provide as good a service for as little as possible on patient care. Maybe there are too many bosses.

However, I couldn't give a crap about politics over this. We have an institution to treasure. It needs sorting out.

Sorry to hear you've not been well, thank goodness for the NHS, it's good to know that when we really do need them they are still there for us, speedy recovery and takes things easy

[JumpersforGoalposts]

I hope you have a speedy recovery.

[MacAdder]

Nothing but good experiences with the NHS staff 👏

Best wishes Eric.

[J R Hartley]

Get well soon, Eric. Hopefully whats happened puts the forum and Cardiff City into perspective and hope to see you back on here soon.

[Fatty Foggon]

Glad you're on the mend, Eric.

[The Bloop]

Glad you're OK Eric and yes, you're right - the NHS needs looking after, whatever it takes.
Glad you're back on here too 🙂

[Taunton Blue Genie]

I notice nobody had a pop at TBG

Glad you are well Eric

People will have good and bad experiences/stories of the nhs. What some may deem acceptable another person will no doubt play hell over etc.

Why would anyone 'have a pop' at me? I asked an open question and it was prompted by my own, albeit limited, experiences in the Dutch and German health systems and the French system seems to have a good reputation. I am genuinely interested in the thoughts and experiences of other posters regarding the health systems of our European neighbours - and finding it strange that asking such a question is worthy of a 'pop', as you put it.

[Dembe]

Why would anyone 'have a pop' at me? I asked an open question and it was prompted by my own, albeit limited, experiences in the Dutch and German health systems and the French system seems to have a good reputation. I am genuinely interested in the thoughts and experiences of other posters regarding the health systems of our European neighbours - and finding it strange that asking such a question is worthy of a 'pop', as you put it.

You are misunderstanding me. I am not saying there is anything wrong with what you said, but people are quick to have a go at LoM for what he said, you've both had opinions and nobody is bothered when you have one, but for some reason as always LoM has one and people criticise it.

[welshyoot]

Why would anyone 'have a pop' at me? I asked an open question and it was prompted by my own, albeit limited, experiences in the Dutch and German health systems and the French system seems to have a good reputation. I am genuinely interested in the thoughts and experiences of other posters regarding the health systems of our European neighbours - and finding it strange that asking such a question is worthy of a 'pop', as you put it.

It's a good question and I have some interest in this area, though I'm not that familiar with continental healthcare systems - but on the whole, it's a bit of a minefield comparing different healthcare systems. One way is to assess where systems are better or worse, comparatively.

https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight...ther-countries

This short overview does that to some extent. Briefly - 1. more efficient in some areas (eg admin, contrary to what some would have you believe), 2. better protection from financial stress & lower spend on private healthcare (so fewer people not accessing services because of the financial implication), 3. fewer beds & equipment, 4. lower staffing levels & 5. worse patient outcomes on average (but note, the UK performs better in some areas).

That's not to say that other systems are all rosy though - there are funding issues, ageing populations, greater demand for services, workforce shortages etc - so this is a global problem, not only a UK problem.

I don't have the exact figures but as I understand it, pound for pound the NHS outperforms many other countries, so comparing to France or Germany, for example isn't that helpful if they spend more per capita (I think Germany has some of the highest spend per capita), or have some elements of 'co-payment' (as does France I believe). One of the key issues is we've not kept up with demand - so the requirement is something like a 4% budget increase each year whereas the NHS has been systematically underfunded, at least in recent years, and now we're in the crisis we can see all around us. That said, we should still be looking to France to learn how to improve cardiac care, for example. Incidentally, Eric, I'm glad to hear you're ok and in good hands.

Another thing you often hear is the 'too many managers' mantra - which I can understand - we all feel like we need more front line staff and fewer bosses - until you unpack the data - which shows that managers are a vital part of the healthcare service, and are under immense pressure themselves, rather than the bureaucratic fat-cats the likes of the mail would have you believe. https://academic.oup.com/jpart/article/29/2/193/5236802 - this study shows their positive influence overall.

[Mr Soul '68]

Get well soon Eric. Hope to see you back on her posting more stats when you are fully fit!

[severncity]

Get well soon Eric

[gabbsthenewt]

Best wishes mate - wish for you the strength I'm sure you'll have to get through it well and for best treatment possible for you. x

[Trigger]

Look after yourself Eric, get well soon.

[StraightOuttaCanton]

Get well soon, Eric. Hopefully whats happened puts the forum and Cardiff City into perspective and hope to see you back on here soon.

This! Feel better Eric.

[uncle bob]

Get well soon mate. Speedy recovery.