People often complain about social and civil services in the UK and yeah, there are some problems that push up through the cracks from time to time but by and large, this country has got the edge and is truly first world.
We have had many instances, since arriving here where we've had to find out about matters relating to health and schools. When people take your number in South Africa (particularly doctors), it's a miracle if they actually phone you back and then if they do phone you back, most times they can't help you. I've had to phone a few people this past couple of weeks relating to things for Allyson's health and yesterday was a prime case of wondering whether the doctor would phone me back ... but she did. In our interactions with medical professionals this past couple of months, we always get very good assistance, clear instructions and information - yet local people complain about the NHS all the time, like it's the worst thing that ever happened.
We had to take Allyson to the Norfolk Hospital on Saturday and yes, we had a very long wait, which is to be expected at a General Hospital on a Saturday afternoon. We were referred to a professional mental health doctor (not just a support worker) and he spent two HOURS with us in a waiting room at the AMU (Acute Medication Unit). He was patient, courteous, funny and of course, very well informed and knowledgeable. He pointed out towards the end of our consultation that Allysons' situation is one of the classic reasons why the NHS was put in place in the first place - i.e. in her case (in South Africa) she wasn't taking the right dose of her meds due to the affordability constraint. He made it very clear to Allyson the scope of support for her in the UK and all for free. This is still a concept that we can't get through our heads - how you can go to a hospital, without any prior contact and all your information is electronically available to whichever doctor you see. It's all digital, you don't have to start from the beginning every time you phone someone or go in and see a doctor.
The doctor at the hospital also commented on how local people, who were born and raised in the NHS system, do not realise how good the system is and constantly want the best, so always complain! He was from India and we felt a certain degree of connection with him - as we all could see the system from the point of view of someone who has come from a far worse situation. I had first hand experience of South African public health (? what a joke) when Allyson was first diagnosed in 2002 and believe me assistance, care, medication in the public health sector is non-existent.
I phoned Allyson's GP yesterday to arrange to get a prescription for her, as per the instructions from the doctor at the hospital and thought I would have a big run around. The receptionist listened carefully and then said that she would get Dr. Douglas to phone me back. We have never seen Dr. Douglas. Sure enough at about 5pm, the doctor phoned me and in a few seconds it was all sorted out.
In September, ALL children in Nursery/Infant schools in the UK will be entitled to a free hot dinner at lunchtime. When the form was sent around to Ewan's school, we were nervous that this may impact later when Hayzel and Kevin come to convert to Indefinite Leave to Remain - as it is a criteria of UK Ancestry that you do not make use of 'public funds'. We couldn't find any information on the government website, or schools websites, or Ofsted, whether the free school meals was part of public funds spending. So I asked Ewan's teacher if she could investigate.
Two weeks later, we were given a letter in Ewan's book bag yesterday afternoon, officially acknowledging our enquiry and pointing out in detail that the school meals scheme does NOT fall into public funds and why. So efficient and clear.
Anyway, hope everyone has a nice day today.
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