Has the NHS always been so...bad?
Posted by ExplanationPutrid205@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 81 comments
I love drs and nurses I think they do an amazing job however why is it so bad right now.
I was in a&e for a head injury. I have epilepsy and they wanted to have me seen to before I fell asleep just incase. The nurse took my blood sugar levels an ECG and my oxygen levels. She said the injury itself only needed glue it wasn't deep enough for stitches or something the concern was the epilepsy since during the injury I lost consciousness and have blanks in my memory. I was waiting hours for a dab of glue which is fine I don't mind waiting.
BUT I couldn't sleep, with epilepsy and no sleep=dangerous. I was getting super tired and a bit spaced. The nurse said she couldn't do the glue without a dr seeing me first.
I don't mind waiting but has It always been so long you have to wait? I think there was genuinely only one dr.
Massive-Idea-3038@reddit
its always been crap, it's just another way for the gov to control your life
lookingfornurse@reddit
Any Male Nepalese here good with cannulation to give an iv to a private client?
S_lyc0persicum@reddit
Deliberate underfunding by successive governments because they want people to be so unhappy with the NHS care they receive that they pay for private care.
PopeLeo14th@reddit
The NHS is receiving more money than it ever has.
EyesRoaming@reddit
Yes whilst it may have more money, inflation has eaten into that and the UK population is also larger and more importantly, older with very complex long term conditions.
We also spend less per head than comparable countries such as France and Germany.
PopeLeo14th@reddit
I included inflation - They are still receiving record levels of funding.
EyesRoaming@reddit
Fair enough. There's also record levels of people using it. Record levels of population and record levels of old people.
Old people is where the money gets predominantly spent, I'm not complaining about that, it's just a fact that you are much more likely to use NHS when you get old. we have an ever increasing amount of old people so it's no surprise that NHS bill is going up and up and up with no end in sight. It is what it is sadly, unless we want to start denying certain old people care, I don't know what the answer is.
e-pancake@reddit
under-allocating
IndividualMobile6510@reddit
This is not true. Funding is at record levels even when adjusted for inflation.
Gold-Tea1520@reddit
It’s done on priority - “just needs a bit of glue” means minor injury, not bleeding to death, so lower priority
ExplanationPutrid205@reddit (OP)
Yeah I understand that and like I said I don't mind waiting but I was there for 4 hours after id been checked literally 4 hours waiting on a DR. I just wanted to know if its always been that long of waits.
Unhappy-Common@reddit
My high score waiting at urgent care is 13 hours
I got sent home with an antibiotic shot and some more antibiotics when really I needed my iud taking out but they had outdated equipment so couldn't position me to get it.
I was exhausted and waited months more to get it taken out somewhere that had the right equipment
ExplanationPutrid205@reddit (OP)
I feel bad for complaining now that's so bad. It really shouldn't be okay to leave someone that long.
Substantial_Lion965@reddit
Lol you're saying that because of your own situation because it is a unreasonable expectation to assume urgent care would be perfectly equipped all the time.
So many stupid kid shit
cityfrm@reddit
My high score is also 13 hours lying on the floor, and then they wheeled me to surgery for appendicitis after another hour. Because of spinal damage and a connective disorder, I literally had to lay on the dirty floor for 10 hours of it as there was no bed.
tiny-brit@reddit
I was sent to A&E for a heart issue a couple of times in late 2024.
The first time, I was triaged within minutes, waited an hour to see a nurse who ended up doing nothing, waited 2 hours to see a doctor who did a blood test, waited 2 hours for the results and then got another blood test and an ECG, waited 1 hour for the test results and then got discharged.
The second time, I waited 1 hour to be triaged and 2 hours to get an ECG. Got sent to another department where I waited 2 hours to get a blood test and 7 hours to see a doctor. Got discharged.
Both times, there was a noticeable shortage of doctors and beds, and lots of nurses standing around with nothing to do because they needed doctors to get patients moving before new patients could come in.
So unfortunately 4 hours is not an unusual wait time these days.
ExplanationPutrid205@reddit (OP)
I thought that but I haven't been in ages and it used to be so fast. Its so bad because while you wait you end up worse than what you came in like.
cityfrm@reddit
I think 4 hours is quite quick these days. My child was run over, the car stopped on top and then reversed back over, and it was 6 hours in the middle of the day.
Draught-Punk@reddit
You should be grateful that it’s free.
ExplanationPutrid205@reddit (OP)
Babe nobody said I was ungrateful. I just want to know why its went from fast to super slow. Ive been in a&e a lot when I was younger and it was always quick. Don't take anything out of context.
Draught-Punk@reddit
You either had more serious injuries, it wasn’t busy at that particular time, or 14 years of underfunding has in fact made things slower.
Don’t call me babe.
ExplanationPutrid205@reddit (OP)
See that's all the answer I needed. telling me to be grateful hardly answers the question now does it?
Draught-Punk@reddit
I just personally find it frustrating when people complain about the NHS when I know how much it has helped my family. And if we didn’t have it we’d probably have something like in America.
The anger and frustration should be angled at the government’s that deliberately made the NHS worse. The doctors and nurses are doing the best they can with the resources they have.
PopeLeo14th@reddit
The NHS has one of the worst quality ratings when it comes to care, worldwide.
Its far from free - Its receiving record highs of investment and funding, even when you factor inflation.
Your anecodtal experience is no more or less valid than OP's, BABE.
ExplanationPutrid205@reddit (OP)
I love the drs and nurses I think they are amazing and I hate to see them get the hate for something they can't control. I do think it's an issue but not a DR OR Nurse issue. They were amazing and I thank them. I'm glad they could help YOUR family however Leaving someone in a bright ass room who is in and out of consciousness with a head injury and a neurological condition seems risky.
PopeLeo14th@reddit
But... its literally not free lol, its called taxes.
Apprehensive_Set1604@reddit
Pretty sure every head injury is a "high priority" might be wrong though.
heidivodka@reddit
You’d be surprised, I had a head and neck injury due to a metal furniture trolley falling off the back of a van. I was in an and e for 5 hours and because I passed the neuro checks I didn’t get a head scan. The place was heaving and I was there from 4pm.
Apprehensive_Set1604@reddit
Yeah, I guess it depends how you describe it. Saying “something fell on my head” sounds a lot less serious than “there could be internal bleeding.” A metal trolley falling off the back of a van would definitely hurt, but if there are no visible injuries, it can come across as less serious.
heidivodka@reddit
Yeah I’m lucky I have thick hair and a thick skull. Still off work with muscular injury as physio said it was a type of whiplash I experienced. Would not recommend experiencing it at all.
Apprehensive_Set1604@reddit
Sounds painful. One of those injuries where you instantly put your hands on your head like it’s going to help, haha. I’ll keep an eye out for falling trolleys, thanks. If it's your trolley we can have a physio date.
heidivodka@reddit
🤣 I just wish you’ve been framed was still around as I’d have got £250 for the cctv of it.
Apprehensive_Set1604@reddit
😂Yes!! How that's not a thing anymore baffles me, I always used to watch that. I kinda need to see the CCTV now 😅
heidivodka@reddit
I’m guessing YouTube put and to it, although Jeremy Bradle was the OG I loved Harry hill’s version
Apprehensive_Set1604@reddit
Yeah, YouTube basically killed TV in general. And yeah, Harry Hill was hosting when I used to watch it, I don’t know Jeremy Bradley. CCTV please? Or is it lost somewhere haha.
skelly890@reddit
“Watch out, Beadle’s a cunt, Watch out, Beadle’s a cunt, You’d better watch out, ‘cause Beadle’s a cuuuuuuunt.”
heidivodka@reddit
Not allowed access to due to gdpr apparently.
I meant Jeremy beadle, must get to bed 🤦♀️
ExplanationPutrid205@reddit (OP)
111 Told me to go I initially wasn't but because I already have a neurological disorder they actually told me I have to go.
Apprehensive_Set1604@reddit
If you mentioned your head injury and neurological disorder they should have put you on a higher priority list.
ExplanationPutrid205@reddit (OP)
Yeah that's what I thought because they didn't want me to sleep as I had previously lost conciousness or something I can't remember. It was 5am and I was forcing myself to stay awake so dangerous.
Apprehensive_Set1604@reddit
Yeah… that’s a no-go. You can’t mess around with that. You got lucky it didn’t sound too serious, but your head is literally the one place where you don’t know what’s going on inside.
Bruised ribs? Could be cracked, could be internal bruising. Swollen arm? Could be a fracture, a tear, or even an infection. Cut on your leg? You can see it, clean it, deal with it.
But a head injury? You’ve got no clue. It could be a concussion, internal bleeding, or something worse that doesn’t show up straight away.
That’s one of those situations where it’s not worth guessing. You get it checked, no debate.
ExplanationPutrid205@reddit (OP)
Yeah I hit my head a lot. I don't know how or why but this time it was the worst and as the hours went on I felt worse and worse and worse
Apprehensive_Set1604@reddit
Which is exactly why you shouldn’t be waiting. They obviously brushed it off, and it doesn’t help if you’re a man either. Pain isn’t always taken as seriously when it’s a guy.
ExplanationPutrid205@reddit (OP)
Im a woman. I feel like pain isn't taken seriously at all anymore for anyone. I went in with scoliosis pains and they blamed my period and sent me out the door lol.
Apprehensive_Set1604@reddit
Yeah, that’s true. Both sides have their downsides. I’ve heard a lot of women say their pain gets dismissed as “just periods,” and then it turns out to be something completely different. That must be really frustrating, especially when you’re trying to explain it and not being taken seriously.
Doctors always say “you know your body best,” but it doesn’t always feel like they listen to that.
I’m a guy so I can’t relate, but from what I understand, periods can come with a lot of different symptoms, so I can see how things might get overlooked or misjudged.
ExplanationPutrid205@reddit (OP)
Yah it's so annoying like why would my period be causing my spine to curve? I just feel like Drs want you in and out these days. Take paracetamol if its longer than 2 weeks THEN you can see me type vibe.
Apprehensive_Set1604@reddit
Sorry, I shouldn’t be laughing, but that is kind of funny. I don’t think your spine can curve because of periods, that doesn’t sound right at all. And yeah, the whole “give it two weeks” thing seems to be their go-to way of brushing people off.
I fractured my hand a few months back, fingers bent out of place, knuckles compressed, and I didn’t even want to go to the hospital because of the wait times. I just went home, put some splints on it, wrapped it up. 8 hours I was told I would need to wait. nah i'm good.
ExplanationPutrid205@reddit (OP)
sometimes it is funny like what do you mean come back in 2 weeks I'm coughing and shitting out blood?? (Yes this happened to me) Managing ur own wrist like that is lowkey impressive id just cry and cry
Apprehensive_Set1604@reddit
Wow, they dismissed you after you explained that?! What kind of doctors are they?! That’s insane. I definitely would’ve pushed back if I’d been there. If that were my girlfriend or wife, there’s no way I’d be letting her go home like that.
And haha, thanks. I was actually told to take six weeks off work, paid, but I wanted to see my friends so I kept going in. For some reason I also kept going to the gym, which was my biggest mistake. I’d already fractured my hand, and putting pressure on it ended up breaking two of my knuckles at the gym. Now it’s never going to heal the same, so I’m stuck with two flat knuckles when I make a fist. Sucks, but it is what it is.
ExplanationPutrid205@reddit (OP)
I never thought id see the day someone refused 6 weeks off paid. you must work for an amazing company
Apprehensive_Set1604@reddit
Haha, amazing people more like 😅
Draught-Punk@reddit
Not every ‘high priority’ has the same priority, evidently.
Apprehensive_Set1604@reddit
Haha true. Depends how dopey the receptionist is.
Crafty-Strength1626@reddit
They got assessed and it was low priority
Substantial_Lion965@reddit
Lol ran into the post about you locking your door checked your profile and you're just some stupid kid.
For real.
Narrow_Turnip_7129@reddit
The Tories wasted over £40billion on bullshit during Covid instead of funding our NHS.
That's the reason why.
CooperAXE@reddit
It's all part of the plan. They've been defunding the NHS for over a decade. They want it to become as bad as possible so they can eventually privatise it.
peppermint_aero@reddit
Please define "they".
escapingfromelba@reddit
Funding is at record levels and it's had rises above inflation for years. There's something like 20% more doctors and nurses working there too
dragodrake@reddit
You may as well say aliens did it, its as much of a conspiracy theory.
ExplanationPutrid205@reddit (OP)
That's horrible. The nurses and Drs do a great job, I feel bad for them they must constantly get moaned at for something out of their control.
OkRazzmatazzy@reddit
There is an article written by a former NHS doctor in which he blames a large part of the NHS’s decline in middle management roles that, among other things, drain its wealth. Operations will be cancelled giving the impression that the service is pared to the bone while simultaneously more of such roles are being advertised for and filled.
WGD23@reddit
Between my own health issues and those of aging folks I have spent far too much time in hospitals & surgeries the last few years. I'm often struck by how dated & poor much of the estate is, how needlessly and inefficiently bueratic (sp?) processes are how harried & disinterested staff are. As someone with a keen interest in science & biotech, engaging with the NHS often feels like entering a time warp.
My faith in the healthcare system has been blown apart, i've seen minor and treatable issues morph in to life changing & sometimes life threatening scenarios, countless examples of sub par care & treatment and then just to keep me on my toes, the odd miracle.
The NHS, occasional miracle workers, with a not insignificant chance of dieing alone in a corridor waiting for one
cognitiveglitch@reddit
I was in A and E with elderly parents after a fall. Arrived 5pm, left after 2am.
BadShi-6@reddit
My last wait personally in A&E was 15 hours. 15. Hours. By the time I got in to have bloods drawn, the nurse couldn’t get any from my arm, blew out a vein in my hand and told me it would be another few hours wait for an ultrasound machine to find a vein. They left me sat in various waiting rooms covered in my own blood, the list goes on. It was horrendous and easily one of the worst experiences of my life.
However I had to attend with somebody recently, at a different hospital and they were in and out with an xray and surgery booked for 48hrs time, within 2 hours.
I think it really depends where you are, what the issue is and who’s on at the time. It’s really a roll of the dice these days whether you’ll get great treatment or end up leaving with a dash of PTSD. I mean if you’ve got a 24hr A&E be thankful either way I guess, my local one is only open from 8am - 10pm
cityfrm@reddit
That reminds me of when they put an IV drip in, but it somehow my blood went out but no fluids went in. I had severe OHSS and my abdominal cavity had filled with fluid. I think it was 9 hours for the faulty drip, and then they didn't know what to do with me as they hadn't treated the condition, so it took 3 months to recover instead of a simple procedure. Wrong place, wrong time I guess.
ExplanationPutrid205@reddit (OP)
that's horrible omg I'm sorry that was your experience. I suppose it is all different I have been to the same a&e all my life and just noticed such a drastic change this time that's why I was like shocked.
Racing_Fox@reddit
Underfunding, poor financial management and absolute braindead cunts who turn up to A&E for literally anything. I kid you not last time I was there I saw a woman WALK up to the counter saying she’s broken her leg.
TruthfulRepugnance@reddit
Depends which department - mental health services have been shit for decades in my experience.
Crafty-Strength1626@reddit
You’re still alive so they’ve done their job
Competitive_Pen7192@reddit
Luck of the draw, might depend what time and day you're in A&E for...
I broke my wrist falling off a bike a few weeks ago very early in the morning. Got seen in A&E near my workplace within 15 mins if that. Got x-rayed and put in a cast, sent on my way probably within a few hours if that. Then I reported to my local A&E who took maybe 3 hours+ to decide I needed surgery then sent me home. Now I did wait in a ward for pretty much the entire day after that in a gown but got operated on the following day. In my case I wasn't doing anything else since I was in a bit of pain but overall the NHS did an amazing job at short notice for me.
The surgeon was a bit arrogant after the surgery, said his handiwork was so good I didn't need a post surgery cast then promptly walked off as I was still trying to process what he said as I had just woken up from general anesthetic. Guess he's allowed his moment!
Over_Championship990@reddit
You were not actively dying. Others were.
That's the difference.
Brian_from_accounts@reddit
We think there’s an unofficial penalty wait going on in our A&E.
Educational-Angle717@reddit
No it is all down to our old friend 'austerity'
Apprehensive_Set1604@reddit
When thousands of illegal migrants with health issues come into the UK, it can put additional pressure on the NHS. Which leads to...longer wait times.
ExplanationPutrid205@reddit (OP)
Can that really cause such a massive wait. I remember my first seizure in a&e and I was in and out in about an hour. It's crazy how long you wait now.
Apprehensive_Set1604@reddit
Yes, of course it does. Even the NHS and the government have said that themselves, which is why I’m sharing it.
ExplanationPutrid205@reddit (OP)
So bad. I feel like even if you are seen as low priority waiting ages is just going to make you worse and worse.
ExplanationPutrid205@reddit (OP)
Yeah I understand that and like I said I don't mind waiting but I was there for 4 hours after id been checked literally 4 hours waiting on a DR. I just wanted to know if its always been that long of waits.
CH4RL13WH1T3@reddit
It's a shower of shit due to poor management and bureaucracy. Unions and rNHS mentality block any notion of reform. I have personal experience that warrants this opinion so people can speak up or fuck off but don't downvote me like a coward.
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