The rather mundane world of Rikaitch
The point I was making is this... In the first place, you were left with the hernia for FIVE and a HALF YEARS!! If this had been treated even within the first year or year and a half, you wouldn't have so many complications now. In the second place, going to hospital again would not be ideal for you, granted, but even for a week's stay you might actually be sorted now. Instead of having a wound that "smells" and "dead bits". I'm sure like any other health system, including our own, they do try their best, but I think sometimes you need to give them a "subtle nudge" to get proper care. Both BLS and I are only trying to steer you (see bully) in the right direction ;0)
Whispered at Tania: little hint, Rik doesn't like being steered in the right direction, lol. Oh and ask him how long he had the hernia before he went to the Dr, and how long it took him to chase it up after seeing the Dr.
Rik: You didn't hear/read that, only offering the wisdom of someone in the know.
Oh I'm sure the "finer" details were left out somewhere along the line Ha ha! Perfect timing, I can torture him at the weekend! ;0)
Just threaten to buy him a pair of sandles lol
He's still traumatised over those! LMAO
Heads they win, tails you lose.
Ask the doctor to kiss it better and see how quickly you get referred back to the hospital ...
Tania: I'll tell you where I got them from and you can get him some for Christmas 
Do they sell them in pink?
I'm sure they do lol
Broski, it's all about having no options if it's free. If you want options you have to pay for it, otherwise you have to do things "their" way. I'd still give them all a bollocking - just so they know that you plus the other herds of NHS patients ARE actually human beings, and should be treated better.
Remember when John had an infancy fit at 16 days old? Dad wanted you to have a consultation with a doctor to discuss the matter further. Alas this was not possible under the NHS. However, Dad paid 50 pounds and you were granted 15 minutes with the same doctor who had not been able to see you under the NHS? Health insurance is expensive. At the moment in the US, the insurance and pharmaceutical companies are the ones making off like bandits, but at least there is a decent level of treatment, and preventitive treatment at that too. In the UK, the patients are the ones suffering under such an over-stretched, out-dated system. They're not so much into preventitive treatment (because if they find something, they've then got to treat you). And then 9.9 times out of 10 you are slapped onto a lengthy waiting list in the hope that you'll pop your clogs before you get to the top.
Sadly, the current US Government seems to be unaware of the problems with the NHS, and thinks it would be the best way to go for Americans (oh, and they're also talking about fining anyone who doesn't have health insurance; if you don't have money for it, then where do you get the money to pay the fine because you cannot afford the health insurance that they want you to pay??!). Both healthcarse systems, in the US and the UK, are extremes. Surely there has to be a resolution somewhere in the "middle"? We should learn from others' mistakes - not repeat them.
If there was enough money to go around we would all have proper health care no matter where we lived, personally I would rather live somewhere where I was guaranteed treatment because it was free and not turned away because I don't have insurance. If I could afford to pay for it I would have top notch health care over here, unfortunately I can't afford it and the treatment over here is much better than the treatment I would get in the states, which is the sum total of zero! Oh and being in Wales I don't have to pay for prescriptions either.
Bertie, you would still be able to get the same healthcare here in America without money. It will just go on your record, and you'll end up having to file bankcruptcy (to make the slate clean). This has happened to so many people that I know, and their attitude is "oh well"!
Nice choice! Remain untreated or build up debt? Sorry but strangely enough I side with Rik on this one.
It's similar here in Canada, too. I'm glad for OHIP, but I believe you still have to be your own advocate.
And go for the pink sandals. Then take many pictures! 
Rik,
When I broke my ankle which needed an op to install pins/screws, the notes on my case weren't read - I didn't get the antibiotics required and contracted MRSA. This has left me with a manky looking scar, a huge dent in my lower leg, and the probability that my ankle will crumble in a few years...
Now, I could have sued the NHS over this - but what would that achieve? longer waiting lists and lower quality of service for others.
Catch 22.
I have paid to have an annual medical check for many years now (it was paid for by my company - BASF - in Germany prior to that) - it was about $100 in the US for the full treatment including the dreaded C & D and the even more dreaded Ben Dover episode. Last year after moving to the UK, I made an appointment to see the doctor for such a medical. When I got there, I was told no, they do not do 'preventative medicine', my only choice was to pay privately. I'm planning on having one when in the US at Christmas.
I've been lucky, nothing ever showed up on these medicals (apart from Arthur), but I believe they are essential. But as others have said, the NHS is suffering - much like the patients! I don't know what the answer is. Give the NHS more money? The public do not wish to pay more taxes. But there is somthing wrong with 'the system' in my view. Last week, the pedestrian crossing at Oxford Circus in London was 'updated' at a cost of £5 million ($8m US) paid for by the Government. Surely, that amount could have paid for much needed better healthcare?
Where should more money come from? Personally I reckon all those in government should take a pay cut to minimum wage, then they would only do the job because it was their vocation and not for the money. Come the revolution!
Commenting by HaloScan
