I think this is just the strain of a public healthcare system. I know in New Brunswick the doctors are completely overworked, and there are thousands of people without a family doctor (I was one of them for 2 years!) There is also the lack of competition as there is with private companies, so doctors don't have to 'work' to get your business. Here, I feel like the patient is "lucky" to get whatever care they receive, whereas when I was in the U.S. the doctors and hospitals were "lucky" to get your business.

I've been disappointed by the level of coverage I'm getting here, but I have never had a bad experience with any doctor I've seen so far. I think most of them do really try, but it's just difficult because of the nature of the system. I'm learning to accept it for what it is, and just be my own advocate, which I think every person should do. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, but you should only pull that card when you really need it!

As someone whose partner works for the NHS, I naturally feel a bit defensive of the service. Yes, there are issues, just as with any organisation, but just remember those in other countries, like the US, who have to pay for the most basic of services and care that we take for granted.

Cinnamon, I do understand your concerns and it may be that your practice has some particular difficulties either with funding or staffing. The best course of action in this instance would be to write them a politely worded letter highlighting the problems you've experienced.

I must admit however that I was a little upset to read your comparison of our services to that of a 3rd-world country. I have worked in customer services for several years and it never fails to amaze me that people make this extremely inappropriate comment when something upsets them. Our services may be flawed at times, but at least we have them and they are readily accessible. Please bear this in mind when you've had a bad experience somewhere and remember how privileged we are to have so many wonderful things available for free.

After moving to the USA where you have to pay quite a lot of money for Health insurance to even see your gp, I think the NHS are doing an alright job considering. I was in the Hospital here for ONE night with a ruptured Ovarian Cyst and Dehydration and they billed me $7000...if my husband didnt have Health insurance we would have been in deep trouble, I feel pretty privelaged I can be in the USA and in Scotland and have healthcare in both.

I agree that the NHS are getting to much Flak, I learned that after I moved to the USA. The UK gave me so much when I was there, free Healthcare, great Schooling help and even though the NHS do have long waiting times they do a pretty grand job.

I saw a doc at 6 wks, and she did nothing bar say congrats and register the pregnancy. I then made an appt to see the midwife which will be at 10 wks.

I understand your frustration but there isn't much a GP will say at this stage that you can't find out for yourself on the internet. As I wasn't ill there wasn't much for her to do.

Being 8 weeks pregnant isn't exactly a priority for an understaffed GP surgery. Potentially there is plenty of time to get your pregnancy booked and start maternity care. I can understand that the surgery should have contacted their patients to inform them of cancelling their appointments to save thier time and money.

I might be seen as stubborn but I am someone that likes to do my job properly, as that is what I am paid for, and therefor expect the same from the rest of services. I am also paid by the govornment and still do my job and get someone to take over when I'm ill.

Again, I repeat if I didn't make it clear enough, that I understand people get ill, I even understand that they can't call in ill before actually being ill, but my appt was at 10:30 so they had enough time to tell the 8 people that were on the list including myself. I still think that is part of the administration job, just the same as I, as a "customer" call when I can't make it to an appt so they can give it to someone else.

I also repeat that I've had bleeding, no advice from any social security doc and it's my first pg. Of course it's not an ilness but if baby has problems because I haven't done the right thing in time then who's fault is it?? Mine? I'm not a doctor so how am I supposed to do everything I'm supposed to do? Checking on internet? Yes it says some things, but not everything for each individual person.

Yet again, this is my first appt and I had to take time off work, and hubby too, and I can't do that too often for nothing.

I have not insulted the docs in the service, as I don't know how hard each one works, I'm upset with the service provided and that hasn't changed.

Plus I don't even know about the NHS, only what I've read here, I'm talking about the spanish Social Security, but I have had a few bad experiences and all in a row and I'm sick of it. I am not an animal for them to take one look at me and say "oh, you don't look ill"... Check my history, I am not a person to take time off work for fun, I do it only if I feel really ill, like that time with the flu after 3 years without taking time off work!!!

Anyhow, my experience doesn't matter, I still think if you feel you're being mistreated or unattended you should place a complaint. If you don't, things stay as they are as they think everything is well and they keep employing less people with more work. I think it's the only way to make them see they need more staff and more efficiency in certain aspects.

Last but not least, my letter was not illmannered, I exposed what I felt was not good enough and also the waiting was terrible around a lot of ill people. Maybe you guys aren't worried about the flu, but I am and I'm not vaccinated. Who will suffer if I get it is me and not them, and therefor they should avoid it. And I insist, I pay for my social security with a part of my wages monthly (a whopping 14%) and therefor I expect the attention I'm entitled to, no excuses.

So you are 8 weeks and had some bleeding? I had bleeding at 6 weeks+5 so I went to the emergency room (6 hour wait, but this is Canada so that is expected), I ended up going in for an ultrasound the next day to confirm. Is that an option where you live? It's hard to wait but it is worth it, incase of an irregular pregnancy.

Here in British Columbia, you don't see the doctor until 18-20 weeks for the FIRST time, and they won't give you the H1N1 shot until then either. Funny how different places can be.

I think your post has caused confusion. I thought you were referring to the NHS as that is the title of your thread. As much as people complain about the NHS in the UK, on the whole, we do respect it as an institution as evidenced by the responses. I can't comment on other national health systems.

Anyway, I do hope your pregnancy progresses happily and healthily. I do understand your concerns.

In BC you can get the unadjuvented H1N1 in first trimester, I've had mine. The province has actually started with commercials to promote vaccination, lol.

Where abouts in BC are you? I think practices vary by dr's office here as I've seen both my dr and my midwife and I'm 8 weeks. I think I'd go mad if I didn't see anyone until 18-20 weeks, you have a lot more patience than me!

It must vary, I got rejected in Surrey! Maybe I should go to PoCo