Neuroproblem,

The NHS waiting time from referral to Consultant target is 18 weeks (not ALWAYS met). Treatment and tests start from there, and are based on urgency of individual cases. When I had rectal cancer in 2013 my referral, dx, treatment (3 months) took 5 months total with MRIs, CT scans and countless blood tests. The bill to me for saving my life £0. And I still have 3 monthly check-ups with my Oncologist for the next 5 years.

Do not think that our NHS is 'Free', we all pay a percentage of salary in National Insurance Contributions and taxes, and the vast majority would pay more to have the NHS remain as it is. Each Trust can also raise funds itself by selling Private Care to those that want it in certain circumstances, and the money is reinvested.

I would measure our treatments against yours across the board, and they are available to everyone. A couple with a chronically sick child does not end up with a bill of $50-60 thousand here, running and interpreting an MRI costs about $800-&1000, $4000 is licenced theft. Prescriptions cost $12 per item, no matter the cost of the medication. If you have low wages, or are on Benefits, they are free. When you rely on a LOT of meds (like me) you can pay $160 a year for unlimited prescriptions. I get mine free because I have fall-out from my cancer treatment.

I will wager my pain management is more thorough than any in the States with Government intervention. I see my PM team every 6 months for a review, my Infusion Consultant the same. I am on Tramadol and Arcoxia for musculoskeletal/arthritic pain, Lidocaine Infusions, Oral Ketamine and Morphine for severe Neurological pain. I have access to Group and Individual Counselling (declined - bad experiences) and Acupuncture.

We may have to wait 4-6 hours in Hospital for Accident and Emergency, but the majority of that is due to abuse/time wasters. How long do you have to wait, and do you check your wallet to see if you can afford to be seen?

Even from initial daily contact with my GP, if you phone on the day you are ill they will do their best to see you. If no appts are available, my GP has a Sit and Wait clinic and a Duty Doctor who will phone you and give you a dx/advice that way, or arrange an emergency appt.

How would you rather live?

Dave.