OK, I don't live in the UK any more, been in France for some years. Not going to go into the pros and cons etc. BUT one thing is soooooo much better over here. I really have no idea why on earth the UK don't adopt the same strategy. It would save the NHS time and money and space.
Patient is totally responsible for all records - x-rays, scans, blood tests etc. - They are yours and you look after them. And you take them with you on any visits to specialists.
If you go for a scan or x-ray, you wait afterwards for the specialist connected to the clinic to see them, you then wait for him to do a report and you are given the scans etc plus his letter BEFORE you leave the hospital/clinic.
Blood tests, nurse comes to the house, usually within a day or two of phoning. Blood test sent off. Results back within 2 days. One copy sent to the doctor, the other TO YOU. It also shows your last test results so you can instantly see if you are up or down, also the normal ranges so you can compare where you are.
Why on earth they don't do this in the UK I will never know. Too much of the nanny state, can't let the populace know what their health is like they wont understand and will get confused. OK some people may need protecting, but please stop insulting the intelligence of the majority. Make people responsible for their health and give them the means to do it. How on earth can people control things like diabetes if they are left in the dark - just keep taking the pills. This plainly doesn't work. Those that want to control their health must be given the information to do so.
End of rant.
Patient is totally responsible for all records - x-rays, scans, blood tests etc. - They are yours and you look after them. And you take them with you on any visits to specialists.
If you go for a scan or x-ray, you wait afterwards for the specialist connected to the clinic to see them, you then wait for him to do a report and you are given the scans etc plus his letter BEFORE you leave the hospital/clinic.
Blood tests, nurse comes to the house, usually within a day or two of phoning. Blood test sent off. Results back within 2 days. One copy sent to the doctor, the other TO YOU. It also shows your last test results so you can instantly see if you are up or down, also the normal ranges so you can compare where you are.
Why on earth they don't do this in the UK I will never know. Too much of the nanny state, can't let the populace know what their health is like they wont understand and will get confused. OK some people may need protecting, but please stop insulting the intelligence of the majority. Make people responsible for their health and give them the means to do it. How on earth can people control things like diabetes if they are left in the dark - just keep taking the pills. This plainly doesn't work. Those that want to control their health must be given the information to do so.
End of rant.