I had a cataract operation 8 weeks ago. I had it done privately rather than wait 5 years on the NHS waiting list. I was not impressed by the private hospital where staff were stroppy and where getting someone to answer a phone call was almost impossible. It is also counter intuitive to turn up at a hospital only to be asked firstly, what your credit card or insurance policy number is.
Although many people think that a cataract operation is simple some are not and after 8 weeks mine had not healed and I was almost blind in the eye that had been operated on. I went to an optician last Friday, who insisted i go to the Edinburgh eye clinic straight away. Although we hear all about the waiting lists, I was given an appointment immediately. I was checked then given another appointment with a senior consultant today . The whole operation was very efficient, the staff very friendly, the equipment very modern and contact numbers given.
I know it's easy to criticise the NHS but I have no complaints at all. I had open eye surgery last year and retinal surgery 10 years ago and again everything was done very professionally. When my retina detached I went in at 6pm one day and was operated on at 9am the next day.
Of course some people have bad experiences but the NHS really is a national asset we should be proud of and it's a national shame that nurses and support staff get paid so little.
In so far as private medicine is concerned, certainly it is the only way to avoid long waiting times and this is important if people are worried or suffering but when things go wrong it is the NHS that we have to fall back on.
Thankfully the prognosis for my eye is good .
Well done the NHS