Friday 4 May 2007

Fixing broken handymen

I generally avoid politics on this blog, but I feel I have to post about our recent experience of the NHS. One of our handymen (Greg, he of the "No, you are not stealing my scooter" adventure) had a low-speed tumble on his scooter several weeks ago, leaving him with an apparently injured knee.

He was obviously in pain and unable to work properly, but struggled to get any meaningful treatment from his GP, despite several visits - just a prescription of anti-inflammatories. He really needed an MRI scan to properly assess the damage.

In exasperation, Greg returned to his native Hungary to get an MRI scan (he has been a UK resident for ten years, but still holds dual Hungarian / British citizenship). He's had the scan, his (Hungarian) doctor has diagnosed what is actually wrong (which is, unsurprisingly, more than just "inflammation") and will fix him.

We in the UK spend $1,429 of tax money per year per capita on healthcare. In Hungary, they spend just $842 per capita and that includes private spending (Source: Nationmaster).

And in the past year 0800handyman handed over in excess of £300,000 in taxes (including payroll taxes, corporation tax, net VAT). You'd think there'd be enough in there to pay for a prompt MRI scan (which should cost the NHS about £300 per scan)

40 comments:

Anonymous said...

'his (Hungarian) doctor has diagnosed what is actually wrong (which is, unsurprisingly, more than just "inflammation") and will fix him.'

Replace Hungarian doctor with Transylvanian crystal therapist and it really doesn't tell me any more.

I see people all the time returning from Europe, having seen a doctor while on holiday for a viral infection, and being prescribed on average around 4 drugs - generally two antibiotics, an opiate of some description, an adrenaline related drug to counteract the drowsiness of the opiate, a decongestant to counteract the cough suppression (ditto) and something to counteract the antibiotic-induced diarrhoea. They come to me because they're feeling sick (surprise!) and its really bad luck if they also have a rash, because they will have to avoid all these drugs in future as I have no idea which one has provoked their allergy. I just have to hope they never become ill enough to really need one of them. Oh, and a couple of weeks ago I diagnosed a cerebral bleed in a 32 year old woman who had been told by a french GP the previous week that she just had migraine (which doesn't usually cause intermittent unconsciousness) and that all she needed was...you guessed it...opiates! Pethidine in this case, plus a stonking dose of valium four times a day.

So how are we doing in the UK doctors versus the rest of Europe stakes?

Anonymous said...

And in the past year 0800handyman handed over in excess of £300,000 in taxes (including payroll taxes, corporation tax, net VAT). You'd think there'd be enough in there to pay for a prompt MRI scan

Of course there would be, however I'm sure you understand that paying taxes is not the same as paying into a personal health insurance scheme. Of course we could just not have the NHS, which would presumably lower taxes, and have private insurance instead, and some would say that would be a better system overall.

Maybe it would be too, but there is no point complaining that the NHS doesn't do something that it was never intended to do. You are paying for public health, like it or not, you are not paying for your own personal treatment, and the treatment you are entitled to has nothing to do with the amount of tax you have (or have not)paid.

Company blog said...

See my comment on NHS Blog Doctor, who described this post as "irritatingly naïve":

***
Ooops, was clearly far too hasty in posting about our handyman's "need" for an MRI scan. I of course have no idea whether he needed an MRI scan, or whether his British GP's diagnosis was better or worse than that of his Hungarian doctor. The point I had intended to make was simply that he found his NHS experience so exasperating that he felt he needed to go to a foreign country to get treatment. Whatever the reasons for him thinking that, it just doesn't seem right.

As a lapsed scientist (MA Oxon, Experimental Psychology) with an amateur interest in healthcare economics/policy I should have posted a little more carefully.

Ironically, the only blogs I read daily are yours, Ben Goldacre's and Freakonomics. So I am hugely flattered to be linked to, but highly embarrassed I didn't draft that post more thoughtfully.

***

Anonymous said...

Actually the evidence that MRI helps fix early back pain is not strong (see below)

A major study has been conducted to evaluate the role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans in the treatment of low back pain (LBP).

The findings of the trial carried out by the University of Aberdeen could lead health care professionals to question whether the cost of MRI and CT scans outweigh the benefits of their use in the management of many patients with this kind of back pain.

The five-year long study involved almost 800 patients from 14 NHS hospitals in Scotland and one in England. Its findings have just been published in the prestigious American journal Radiology.

Patients in the trial had been referred by their GP to a consultant orthopaedic surgeon or neurosurgeon because of symptomatic lumbar spine disorders. The specialist was uncertain of the need for imaging.

Participants were randomly allocated to two groups - one for early imaging (MRI or CT scan as soon as was practical) or delayed, selective imaging (no imaging unless a clear clinical indication developed).

The outcomes of patients were measured in a number of ways - see more background from study below.

The study found that the early use of imaging did not affect the management of patient's healthcare. Participants in the MRI/CT group were found to be marginally better than those who were not scanned.
However researchers do not believe it was a clinically important difference.

Professor Fiona Gilbert, Department of Radiology, School of Medicine at the University, is lead author of the report Does early imaging influence management and improve outcomes in patients with low back pain?

She said: "This large study suggests that MRI does not change clinicians' diagnosis or management of low back pain. It supports the premise that we should restrict MRI to those patients who are having surgery or an intervention where the level of the disc disease needs to be accurately shown."

Since most adults have an episode of back pain in their life we could easily spend huge sums unecessarily and unproductively on needless MRI.

Dr Xavier Ray said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dr Xavier Ray said...

He didn't need to travel to Hungary. He could have had the scan done privately for £200 in the UK if he didn't want to wait. Try http://www.uk-radiology.co.uk

Unknown said...

2016-3-9 leilei
reebok shoes
christian louboutin
ture religion outlet
coach outlet store online
cartier watches
nike cortez shoes
kate spade outlet
rolex watches
prada handbags
canada goose sale
burberry outlet online
michael kors bags
ralph lauren pas cher
bottega veneta
adidas gazelle
ray bans
coach factory outlet online
hollister uk
oakley sunglasses
air jordan shoes
michael kors outlet online
levis jeans
kate spade handbags
nike tn pas cher
nike running shoes
michael kors handbags
ugg sale
coach factory outlet
coach outlet online
converse sale
polo ralph lauren outlet
louboutin outlet
true religion jeans
ray ban sunglasses
designer handbags outlet
chi flat iron
coach outlet store online
michael kors handbags
michael kors bags
coach outlet

Unknown said...

gucci outlet
oakley sunglasses
ralph lauren outlet
nike flyknit
longchamp outlet
christian louboutin
ugg boots
louboutin uk
jordan shoes
ugg australia
2016919caiyan

Unknown said...

After many months, Ashley Greene returns to our radar…with a bang. Proof she is still red-hot, the actress wears the smoking D&G 8075 – her Burberry scarf is smoking-hot too.Thanks to the bold acetate ray bans on sale frame which accentuates the brows and softens the jaw line, these sunglasses will turn heads wherever you go. Bonus points for the D&G Ray Ban Outlet logo demonstrating Italian craftsmanship on the temples.Perfect for adding a touch of quality and modernity to your ensemble, consider the D&G 8075 as ray ban outlet your next go-to frame.Stylish yet functional, they’re a real winner. Great choice, Ashley.
When we spotted the sunglasses Beyonce Knowles had on as ray ban store she left her LA office, we fell in love.If you love her sunglasses as much as we do, you’re in luck because they Ray Ban Sunglassses Sale form part of The Row collection. Currently available at Sunglasses Shop in a variety of colours, her 82 frames perfectly combine durability with ray ban aviators style – perfect ray ban one day sale 90% off if you’re a working mum like Beyonce. The frame is handmade of acetate, meaning they won’t suffer terribly after a lot of wear and tear, while the round lenses stand out in a crowded playground.The other thing catching our attention is its oversized cheap ray ban sunglasses sale under 30$ shape, which added just the right amount of retro-inspired glamour to her ensemble. But best of all, was recently awarded Womenswear Designer of ray ban wayfarer the Year at the CFDA Awards. This means that wherever you choose to wear 82, you’ll have that cutting and fashionable edge.So, for cheap ray bans eyewear that suits any working mum’s lifestyle, yet still satisfies a trendsetter's taste for stylish ensembles, look no further.
Johnny Depp arrived in cheap ray ban sunglasses Japan for the Dark Shadows premiere looking stylish and sauce in Sheldrake. But wait, haven’t we seen these sunglasses before?Sunglasses Shop first spotted cheap ray ban sunglasses Johnny rocking these round frames several years ago for the premiere of Public Enemies.And we have to say, these sunglasses are still as ray ban sunglasses

Unknown said...

The colorway consists of a White upper taking care of the majority of the base. Gving the shoe a unique motif is the hits of 3M placed all Cheap Jordans over the shoe. Subtle yet noteworthy details include the wooden lace tips, the minimal Gold accents. Although it’s not confirmed yet, features such as the special foreign branding on the tongue leads us Jordan 11 Shoes to believe that this drop could end up being a China exclusive. No word on when these drop, but stay tuned and we’ll have that info for you as soon as it becomes Jordan 13 available.
With the return of the Air Jordan 3 this Fall, the iconic silhouette will be offered in an exclusive Jordan 11 grade school colorway of Dark Purple/Blue Cap.
Last seen back in 2011, this forthcoming remastered variation of the OG Air Jordan 3 True Blue will be offered once more by next month in full family sizing.Staying true to its original design ethos, white tumbled leather covers the majority of its upper, while the signature cement grey Jordan Eclipse paneling is prominent on the eye stays, heel and toe cap. Furthermore, its defining tone graces the midsole and inner lining, as pops of red adorn the outsole, tongue and eyelets. Finally, ‘Nike Jordan Basketball Shoes Air’ branding is applied on the insoles and back heel tab to round out its distinguishable details.With adult sizes listed at $220 — GS, PS and Toddler sizes will retail for $160, $80 jordan 11 bred and $60 respectively.You can buy this standout pair at select Nike and JB stockists starting Black Friday, November 25th.Click and bookmark our official Air Jordan 3 OG 88 True Blue (Black Friday 2016) New Jordan Shoes

Unknown said...

kd shoes
kd 8 shoes
ugg boots outlet
uggs outlet
timberland boots outlet
celine outlet online
celine handbags
michael kors outlet online
michael kors outlet store
true religion jeans outlet
zhi20170107

Unknown said...

cheap oakley sunglasses
louis vuitton handbags
louis vuitton
fitflops
christian louboutin
michael kors outlet
ray ban sunglasses uk
michael kors outlet clearance
tods outlet
swarovski jewelry
20170327lck

Unknown said...

cheap nhl jerseys
christian louboutin
asics,asics israel,asics shoes,asics running shoes,asics israel,asics gel,asics running,asics gel nimbus,asics gel kayano
adidas nmd runner
beats headphones
iphone case uk
cheap jordans
coach outlet online coach factory outlet
coach outlet canada
pandora outlet
20170401caihuali

Unknown said...

jianbin0622
coach outlet online
nike shoes
ysl outlet
michael kors handbags
kate spade outlet
louis vuitton outlet
mulberry handbags
cheap jordans
nike roshe one
coach outlet

Anonymous said...

ralph lauren outlet online
ugg outlet online
adidas shoes
polo ralph lauren outlet
timberland outlet
air jordan shoes
michael kors outlet clearance
ugg boots
pandora
coach outlet store
mt1206

Unknown said...

michael kors
roty burch outlet
abercrombie and fitch
moncler outlet
nike factory outlet
air jordan
lunette oakley
roty burch handbags
beats by dre
cheap jerseys
2017.12.27chenlixiang

GinaSchaal said...

Here you could additionally see ways to make use of Mobdro app on Kodi mobdro We are going to present you with an exclusive guide tutorial for downloading

carrolljoshua said...

TV broadcasting services to their clients and also prominent item. DIRECTV Log In On your smartphone and also you will certainly obtain the agreement of DirecTV.

jeje said...

ed hardy clothing
polo ralph lauren
bears jerseys
skechers shoes
ray ban sunglasses
nike shoes
superdry clothing
adidas yeezy
san diego chargers jerseys
0416jeje

Unknown said...

qzz0424
coach outlet online
oakley sunglasses
ralph lauren uk
nike huarache
reebok
air jordan
bottega verde sito ufficiale
rayban sunglasses
nike factory outlet
louboutin outlet

Unknown said...

zzzzz2018.7.3
dsquared2
golden goose shoes
jordan shoes
nhl jerseys
moncler jackets
pandora jewelry
nike requin
vibram fivefingers shoes
ray ban sunglasses
coach factory outlet

QQQQQQQQQ said...

kobe shoes
birkin bag
hermes online shop
ray ban
links of london outlet store
adidas yeezy boost
basketball shoes
cheap jordans
adidas stan smith sneakers
moncler jackets

Cara Menghilangkan Jerawat said...


Very nice the article

Obat Darah Tinggi Alami Paling Ampuh
Mengobati Stroke Secara Alami
Obat Sakit Diare
Cara Mengatasi Penyakit Asma
Pengobatan Penyakit Herpes
Cara Mengatasi Gusi Bengkak

Unknown said...

www0903


kate spade outlet
moncler jackets
oakley sunglasses wholesale
ralph lauren uk
ugg boots
nike tn pas cher
moncler uk
nhl jerseys
off white
ugg boots clearance

yanmaneee said...

curry 6 shoes
fake rolex
christian louboutin
adidas yeezy
hogan outlet online
adidas tubular
nike air huarache
jordan 6
golden goose
reebok shoes

isaacball said...

nice post.

http://hawer.siteboard.eu/t6506f2001-Bamix-professional-immersion-blender.html
https://community.webroot.com/news-announcements-3/webroot-community-guidelines-2/index2.html#post337480
https://forums.moto-station.com/kustom/65012-poureparateur-jason-jessee-2.html
https://www.monterey.org/library/About-Us/Blogs/Library-Blogs/montereys-christmas-angels
https://community.auth0.com/t/bookmarked-login-page-cant-login/16564/3

Bilal Shah said...

Thanks for sharing this informational content depthworld

nandautami said...

Ini mungkin terlihat seperti aku tidak melakukan apa-apa, tetapi di kepalaku, aku cukup sibuk.

Anonymous said...


Jika aku tidak mengeluh, aku tidak bersenang-senang
https://www.huntingnet.com/forum/members/nandautami.html

Anonymous said...


The most important thing is to enjoy your life - to be happy - it's all that.

https://huzzaz.com/user/nandautami

Anonymous said...


Cobalah menjadi pelangi di awan seseorang - Maya Angelou

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/member.php?910521-nandautami

Anonymous said...



Cowok nggak pernah ngasih komentar tentang cowok lain

https://lookbook.nu/nandautami

Anonymous said...




Patung adalah komentar terbaik yang bisa dibuat seorang pelukis tentang lukisan



https://ello.co/nandautami

Anonymous said...



Raising children is a spur-of-the-moment, seat-of-the-pants sort of deal, as any parent knows, particularly after an adult child says that his most searing memory consists of an offhand comment in the car on the way to second grade that the parent cannot even dimly recall.



https://completed.com/individual/30552717/nanda-utami

Anonymous said...



aya melihat begitu banyak orang baru saat ini yang tampaknya tidak memiliki masa lalu maupun masa depan.

https://coolors.co/u/nanda_utami

Anonymous said...



Conversation has got to have some root in the past, or else you have got to explain every remark you make, and it wears a person out.


https://www.desidime.com/users/1364695

Anonymous said...


Caption untuk update status di sosmed salah satunya Facebook biasanya digunakan untuk melengkapi suatu postingan foto, video ataupun link tertentu.

https://www.diggerslist.com/nandautami/about

Anonymous said...


eperti sejumlah caption status FB banyak like dan komentar di bawah ini dapat dijadikan referensi terbaik buat update postingan di sosmed.

https://disqus.com/by/nanda_utami/

Anonymous said...

Belajar untuk menjadi tenang dan kamu akan selalu bahagia


https://www.4shared.com/u/_6_OmgPm/1416741730.html

Anonymous said...


Motivasi bisa datang dari mana saja. Mulai dari orang terdekat seperti sahabat, keluarga, hingga teman.

Berita terbaru eunoiamediaID