h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

But then the question Z is, is having larger clinics a good thing for the patient or just good for the admin/budget? You can also end up waiting for hours because you've not been seen at the appointment time (even if you arrive early) and then get forgotten about till after lunch (which nobody bothers telling you that there will be NO doctors seeing anyone for an hour or so). While you (as a doctor) may get continuity of information, the patient does not get continuity of care.
Perhaps some of these clinic should be held outside of hospitals. For the most part when I go to the diabetes clinic at the local hospital, nothing that is done there couldn't be done in a local heath centre or similar and I'm sure that is the case for a large number of hospital clinic type appointments. It might remind some doctors that there a large and great part of the NHS happens outside of hospitals.

Morning all.

Ben just a little niggle,and for our non-UKasians, the NHS is paid for out of tax, National Insurance, paid by individuals and employers, it's free at the point of supply.

to walk before it gets dark. Thank you flexi time.

I'm not really surprised I saw a registrar (who *is* a qualified doctor Hyp) as there is nothing actually wrong with me right now. He was probably dealing with the ladies whose palcentas were failing or had pre-eclampsia or any number of other immediately life-threatening things. It would have been nice to see the consultant again, but not necessary really - all I need is an ultrasound.

I think the main problem is that they expect women to come in demanding caesarians for non-medical reasons so this reg was trying to get rid of me without booking one. I don't want one unless there is a good reason. But more than that, I don't want an emergency one after getting into trouble. I don't think registrars or doctors have any time for midwives and their opinions so he wasn't prepared to listen to what she thought, despite the fact that I see her regularly and have the same person caring for me as in my last pregnancy.

I have to go as t'boy is trying to steal the laptop...

Ben, that rant seemed pretty darned fair to me. My bad experiences have always been due to bad manners rather than anything else, and I'm so glad we have the NHS, even with its problems.

*comes in quietly, still wearing a morning wrapper, gets a cup of tea and sits in a corner of one of the red velvet sofas*

The best medical care in the world is no good when people can't afford it. That's the situation here. We have millions of people in the US who don't go to the doctor at all until they have a crisis situation, then they wind up in the emergency room. Health care costs are far too expensive here for folks without insurance.

There is a free clinic in Joplin that does a wonderful job. They accept no state or federal funds and are financed completely through donations. The doctors and nurses volunteer their time. They target the people who have too much income to qualify for medicaid, but who don't have enough income to afford private insurance or medical care on their own. The working poor, in other words. The ones whose employers don't provide insurance. But, the clinic is overwhelmed with applicants. There is no way they can serve everyone who needs their help. Syn's sister organizes the volunteer schedules and does general PR for them. My contribution is to provide children's books and magazines for the waiting room.

So, it's great to have the clinic, but it's disgraceful that it is necessary in the first place.

Social medicine is one of the things that makes me really proud to be European.

Regarding the books by colour thing:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4182224

I try so very hard not to think about how, exactly, health care works in the US. It hurts my head.

Right, off to my doctor's appointment now...

*sips *

I now have in my possession one diamond engagement ring. She is going to love it!

We are expecting pictures once you've handed it over GDZ you know.

Heck, I expect a picture right now!

Congratulations GDZ.

Hope your appointment goes well, Irv.

Many congratulations to you and J, Zomnker I wish your family many, many years of happiness.
And I want to see the ring too.

Are you dressed yet, Lil? Staying in one's peignoir all day has a lot to recommend it, I always think. My winter attire is actually a navy blue M&S man's dressing gown. It's cosy and has sensible sleeves and pockets. In summer, I stop cross-dressing and go back to my white broderie-anglaise number.
Anyhow. I hope you had a good day, despite.

What a day, Lil and then some. I hope it all works out for you.

Fun quiz, Ti - I got to level 9. Ho hum.

>Is that fair? It's a rant, but is it a fair one?<
Sounds fair to me, Ben.

I need to remember to wear gloves next time I undercoat Orks. I'm currently sporting a black fingernail

Witty, I can't seem to get a decent pic of the ring. Pics will probably have to wait until it is on her finger which is still 3 or 4 weeks out. It has to be that long because she knows I have it and I will have to take her out many times so when I do formally give it to her it is a surprise.

Shucks!

>>I now have in my possession one diamond engagement ring.

You spelled engatement wrong.

Congrats!

Oohh... congratulations, GDZ! Whoo-hoo!