Should I trust the NHS? A critical evaluation
This is a dive deep into the NHS system to determine whether or not it’s worthy of trust. Discover the flaws and challenges it faces. Learn why skepticism is warranted.
No, and yes .. bit mainly, no.
Rule Number One: never assume no news is good news.”
The NHS is very (very) complicated. And the more complicated a systems is, the more things can go wrong. Computers not talking to each other is a major issue and can lead to all sorts of errors.
So, how can you help? First of all, it is important to understand and accept that the system has weaknesses. Here are some more specific things you can do to help:
- Check results of your tests are back
- Check someone has looked at them, has got back to you with the result, and whether it should affect your treatment
- Check you have a follow-up appointment
- Check referrals have been made
- Check you are on waiting lists, and where you are (ie how long you can expect to wait)
- Check your medications – and that the doses and frequencies are correct.
How to do all this?
- Take responsibility for your healthcare and engage in self-management
- Keep in regular contact with your GP’s receptionists and consultants secretary
- Keep your medical record up to date
- Know your tablets
- Keep a diary.
And we hope you learn from MyHSN too!
Summary
We have explained whether you should trust the NHS system? (no). We hope it has been helpful.
