NHS crisis: How the cancer waiting list ruined my life | Times Reports

A cancer patient waited 100 days before receiving treatment for stage 4 bowel cancer. The Times reports from an NHS cancer ward as waiting lists continue to grow.
The Conservatives have insisted that they are succeeding in bringing NHS waiting times down, as Rishi Sunak was accused by Labour of failing on a key pledge to get people treated faster.
The prime minister admitted on Thursday that he had failed on his promise in January last year. He had said “NHS waiting lists will fall and people will get the care they need more quickly”, but an extra 300,000 patients are now waiting for hospital care.
Read the best of our journalism: www.thetimes.co.uk/
Subscribe to The Times and The Sunday Times KZbin channel: kzbin.info_...
Find us on Facebook: / timesandsundaytimes
Find us on Twitter: / thetimes
Find us on Instagram: / thetimes
#nhs #uk #cancer #heath #cancerawareness #election2024 #generalelection2024

[@DementedSheepCrap]

This poor man lost his partner to ovarian cancer, his mother to bowl cancer 4 years ago, and now he's got the same thing as his mum had. Can this guy get a break? For goodness sake!

[@jukerdanz]

Rishi Sunak blaming the situation on industrial action is an absolute disgrace. Shame on him.

[@bid84]

He is evil

[@kostisfourniotc309]

This person is dangerous for Britain! Totally ruthless and heartless. The UK should get rid of him ASAP!!!!!

[@BamBam-me8sf]

He said it has an impact. Which it does, as is the point of striking.

[@jukerdanz]

@@BamBam-me8sf yes, but he mentions in the context of explaining the problems that are causing the NHS to function very poorly. That is not because of industrial action.

[@user-vb1fb4mw7s]

Get him out then

[@FreedomBaba]

My brother died of cancer in 2019. After he died, the NHS admitted gross negligence. Every step of the way was a shambles. From not being able to get a GP appointment. Misdiagnosed by a useless GP. Terribly slow treatment from the NHS Rest in peace, Eddie ❤❤

[@DocumentingReality-ol9es]

sorry to hear that. the government is too busy helping the ukraine than its own citizens. also what does a billionaire indian know about ringing a GP for an appointment,

[@MementoMori-xx5qo]

Yup exact same for my mum. Twice they told her, sorry no chemo today, we don’t have enough beds! She was written off from the very beginning. Conservatives are scum

[@Itz_tocabocagirl]

My NHS is lovely, 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿❤ I’m so sorry that happened they shouldn’t even be a nurse/doctor thats disgusting Humsa Yousaf doesnt deserve his title.

[@AnyaKush]

@@DocumentingReality-ol9es stop blaming Ukraine for what was going on for decades already. The situation 5 years ago was no better.

[@DocumentingReality-ol9es]

@@AnyaKush money should be spent in this country not in a country that is nothing to do with us.

[@chrisj8764]

I am a dual citizen of New Zealand and UK; hearing stories like this put me right off going back to the UK where I was born. My cancer care in New Zealand has been great; quick diagnosis and onto treatment right away.

[@TessaAvonlea]

If it's any comfort, these delays are not typical. Most patients are able to start their treatment promptly. But even a small % of people experiencing delays like this is completely unacceptable.

[@teevans8370]

My partner died of cancer in 2021 during the pandemic. He was waiting many months between appointments in that last year. It was a horrible end to a horrendous 5 years in which he'd been misdiagnosed for four years and undergone a number of harrowing surgeries that proved to be useless. It was eventually a complciation following surgery that killed him. He died alone because no visitors were allowed.

[@asha8443]

I’m so sorry for your loss 😢

[@kiwi0019]

My heart goes out to you❤

[@billmartins5545]

Human rights violation imo to keep loved ones from someone on their deathbed. Please write about this in the media. And file a huge complaint.

[@minmin-bk1gn]

I am so sorry

[@rjws69]

That’s truly horrible

[@OfficialWelshWoman8309]

I've just done 3 years cancer treatment in Wales. The NHS Velindre cancer hospital saved my life. I feel this guy, I'm a musician too. I been told to live my life, that's what I'm gonna do. Love to all NHS patients and staff. ❤

[@wendyt8341]

We have become a third world country in crisis. The 'haves' go private, the 'have nots' have to wait months for treatment on NHS.The divide is what has broken our country. Change the government. Sending you positive thoughts young man. Your Mum would be proud of you. X

[@danw5760]

If you supported lockdown and war, which I'm sure you did, this one's on you

[@piotrwojdelko1150]

@@whoisthisI I prefer private and pay

[@coastliner5848]

@whoisthis Let's get on with it then - the sooner the better. Privatisation is the way forward.

[@jamiew.2718]

Even the NHS would collapse without the private sector, it would surprise many if peoeple knew how many private companies are responding to 999 calls and how many companies run or supply staff for hospitals and other health care facilities

[@paulfrancis8764]

@@coastliner5848Utter bullshit

[@mariarobson8116]

It's what the tories have wanted all along. God help us all.

[@paulfrancis8764]

Absolutely correct

[@friedrichjunzt]

So why did people vote for them 10+ years?!

[@mariarobson8116]

@@friedrichjunzt because they were lied to

[@TC8787-yq7og]

@@mariarobson8116 + they’re selfish and ignorant as well.

[@billmartins5545]

BS. This has more to do with the NHS just no longer fitting our current society. It's not a coincidence no other country has a system like the NHS or if they do, it's worse than the NHS. We shouldn't waste scarce resources on those over 80, those who caused their own health issues etc, on fertility treatments and other frivolous stuff. The NHS should be for the basics only, not for care for the type 2 diabetes your gave yourself or for a new hip for an 88 year old.

[@Rick10011]

It took the NHS a total of 11 months to tell me if I had cancer or not. The entire process from doing the online triage to seeing the GP and then getting the tests that I needed and then getting the results took 11 months. What a joke. They even forgot about me and I had to do the online triage again and basically start all over.

[@csnr1227]

It would have been waaaay faster in a private system like the US.

[@Rick10011]

@@csnr1227 If it was somewhere like Japan it would have been faster too. In the US it would have cost me an arm, a leg and everthing in between.

[@flowertot786]

Yep sounds all too familiar

[@changerpeng8614]

Dude just come to China for colonoscopy. It would cost you about 40 quids even if you pay fully by yourself without the insurance and that can be booked and done within a week.

[@billmartins5545]

​@@csnr1227 Yeah, where you have to sell your home to be able to afford cancer treatment.

[@juliemullen365]

What a beautiful brave young man I wish him well ❤

[@northernsegageorge6510]

It's even worse in N.Ireland. I've been waiting near 3 years now for an "urgent" referral to cardiology. 4 years for another issue.

[@elizabethmcleod246]

That’s negligent. I’m so sorry.

[@thatwhit1]

Can’t have been that urgent then…😂

[@TheSlinkyinky]

Everybody is ready to praise and 'admire' the bravery of KIng Chas and Princess Catherine on speaking about their 'cancer diagnosis' - What have they actually ' done ' or campaigned for to ensure others of their subjects /country citizens are given the speed required for cancer tests and treatement? HRH had immediate action and treatment. Nobody else gets this speed, care or aftercare, nor time off work on full pay .. What does HRH/Spokesman of palace do now more aware than many of the importance of Immediate speed for suspected cancer diagnosis? - so far, I see nothing. They could quite easily give up some items for auction or hand over one of the 'owned' palaces for only public visits ( wont have it as one of his many 'inresidence' bolt holes around the country) or could donate some of the duchy wealth to establish new MRI centres for screening ? Or, or, or , or? So many things - the HRH.... just.... dont..... do.

[@scottwales9178]

Exactly. No waiting lists for them. I doubt Kate is using the NHS. She doesn't know what bravery means.

[@LilyGazou]

She got the needles.

[@martinebon4333]

Hah, them using the NHS. If they ever would its the red carpet of course. they will always use the best private hospitals in London and will be first in the list. This has always been a reality in this world, may it be in Medieval times or the 21st Century.

[@iSheree]

It is the same here in Australia. We have a similar system and share the same King. I waited 32 days for diagnosis after having an ultrasound that showed high suspicion for cancer (mind you, I waited for this scan too after finding suspicious lumps), 47 days for surgery after official cancer diagnosis, and 83 days for radiation treatment. I recently had a scan 239 days after radiation to see if radiation worked. I am still fighting cancer a year later, I think all that waiting didn't help.

[@jdulmaine]

Remember that Charles and Catherine got immediate treatment for cancer. Rules for thee but not for me.

[@jamiew.2718]

The NHS is a mess, it won't be able to sustain its self in its current state for another 10 years imo

[@kimbo4599]

Did Catherine and Charles wait definitely not sickening disgusting.

[@CMIRoberts]

As someone else said, it all comes down to the "Haves" and the "Have Nots". Very sad. And very wrong.

[@friedrichjunzt]

Choosing your own parents is the most crucial decision in life...

[@jdulmaine]

And remember-the taxpayers pay for all their palaces and living expenses. Why do you put up with the monarchy?

[@Asparagus777-hw5ft]

@@CMIRoberts wrong, criminal ! ! !

[@Sharon-zi1xn]

Of course not, why would they, they would have private health care! You cannot complain about someone having that!!

[@lynmay4667]

King Charles hasn’t waited 100days!

[@friedrichjunzt]

Strange!

[@DeborahBooth-zv4bp]

Was going to comment but changed my mind spoiled brat's all of them and it's thank you to the TAX PAYING British PEOPLE sorry you can't get treatment maybe contact king Charles

[@Sharon-zi1xn]

Do you not think he has private health care, seriously! 🙄

[@user-vb1fb4mw7s]

King Charles going through the NHS? Wake up

[@lenac3587]

He is the king and rich. Public figures lives are more important than civilians. They serve the country. Money is important if you are sick and need good doctors and immediate treatment

[@aprilfox1057]

It’s not about investing in the NHS. It’s about fixing the NHS and flourishing out all the corrupt management over-spending with suppliers and benefitting. NHS is another Post Office, it’s broken.

[@purpleowl2075]

Very true - workplace mobbing is endemic to the NHS and the corrupt management are responsible - managers ruin everything everywhere

[@brucemitchell4895]

So, you know what will have changed 5 years into a Labour government, nothing.

[@alphacentauri8083]

You're making a great point here! People always assume that when a system is broken, the only solution is to throw more money at it. It's as if money is some kind of a panacea. Instead, address bureaucracy and corruption before you throw money at any institution in order to fix that giant hole in the bottom of that bucket you're pouring water into.

[@archivalhorror]

@@brucemitchell4895 Quit talking crap.

[@brucemitchell4895]

@@archivalhorror we will find out soon enough, and you can say sorry and I will say told you so.

[@bertibear1300]

It’s no good being “nice” it’s really about getting the work done and they don’t do they? That’s because 20% of staff do 80% of the work. I worked for the NHS , had a contract so I know this.

[@Bringon-dw8dx]

Can’t speak for other professions but doctors in the NHS are constantly burning out for how much they throw at the NHS. Delays like waiting for an MRI or theatre slot are not due to people being lazy, they are pure lack of resources

[@Me-tl8iq]

There is a war against the poor. In the US you can barely afford treatment unless you have a good job. And if your fired you lose your health beneifts. In the UK there are waiting list. So two different systems of HealthCare in the Uk and the US, and both systems are detrimental to the poor. Feature? Bug? You tell me....

[@michaelajoseph6856]

It’s the same system here in Sweden. People pay high taxes all their lives for health care and when they need it it’s not there. No referrals, no treatments specially for older people, no ambulances in emergencies. Thank you for sharing your story. I hope you get better!

[@krob2327]

In Sweden do you have private health care where people pay to avoid the state system?

[@michaelajoseph6856]

@@krob2327 Very few places in the big cities. Very expensive too. People with lots of money can buy excellent medical care outside Sweden like in Finland or Germany.

[@Helenananana217]

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Praying for your recovery thank you for shedding a light.

[@oceanstaiga5928]

Went to my paediatrician on a Friday, got sent to hospital same day and diagnosed with cancer on Monday. Started treatment in Tuesday. I always took that for granted but that’s the ideal thing to happen. The sooner you start treatment the better the prognosis, it’s absolutely unacceptable if men like him have to wait that long!

[@MsMojo231]

He’s from my town and it’s a shame how strained the NHS is in Greater London

[@piotrwojdelko1150]

you are not aware what is going in the pharmacy ,they are closing stores many of them busted ,wages going down due to store closure ,and NHS expecting to do more .I have to understand nurses by doing flu jab I have to understand doctors by giving antibiotics without prescriptions who would understand me .I started not believing in drugs .From the shadow I see a lot ..and at the top of these problems there are limitations of drugs mainly because of Brexit .Over the few years diversity of drugs dropped .As a pharmacist i'm confused about my role that i will be prescribing drugs when wages are going down.Doctors have too high wages . The pharmacy study is completely different than doctors only at about 30% is the same .We have botanic ,physics,maths,this is a study about drugs not the human body and pathophysiology .The pharmacist ,nurse ,doctor profession is in existential crisis .The only one person should be responsible for treatment-- the doctor .It is too complex problem .The pharmacist role is supportive may ask for opinion ,extra advice,different point of view , minor change of drug and hand out it correctly which is not always obvious .

[@billmartins5545]

History Debunked here on KZbin has a video on that. London has increased in population loads in the past few decades yet no additional hospitals were built. London is full of third worlders who aren't working but rely heavily on NHS care.

[@Vanessa1983_]

I work for the NHS and it is this bad, this is why I stay late most days for no extra pay and I’m only administrative but paperwork matters, patients having their appointments as early as possible matters, it all matters. This is so heartbreaking 💔 I really do hope he’ll be ok 🙏🏾 the cancer patients are some of the nicest people that I’ve meant and the most patient which is so ironic. Last week I was a little short with patients and my patience just wasn’t there, I just felt so overwhelmed, not appreciated by management and mentally/physically exhausted but this reminds me to remember that this is my job and what I do counts but also to give people more grace even when their shouting and swearing (patients that is) I just have to keep it together we all do, it’s what where paid to do but it’s also peoples human lives that where dealing with. It’s a very hard industry to work in but it can be so rewarding when you make a positive difference

[@susanehlava3808]

I can’t imagine having to wait so long for diagnosis and treatment starting. Just unacceptable, must have been horrendous. I hope you are going well. Your mum would be so proud of you ❤

[@janegreen9340]

During the recent pandemic we were told to protect the NHS, basically don’t ask for help because we haven’t got enough staff to cope (because we don’t pay enough and treat staff so badly), and what’s happening now? The NHS is overwhelmed and we patients are suffering. RIP NHS.

[@charlottetaylor4471]

NHS staff (including my neighbour) were posting dances on TikTok during the lockdowns because they didn't have enough work to do.

[@cocorita]

The NHS is not overwhelmed. is UNDERFUNDED and ripped appart to be sold to private insurance corporations.

[@AbigailBrown-wk7xl]

My uncle died of prostate cancer because he had to wait 180 days for a referral. My uncle was only 45 . Enough is enough. Something needs to be done. The doctor explained my uncle just had stomach pain when infact it was prostate cancer

[@r8chlletters]

A Tory train-wreck.

[@labtrade]

Labour are offering tax cuts too, which is what's driving these delays.

[@FilSapia]

I lost my mother of 56 years old in December 2023; our GP failed to diagnose her metastatic lung cancer for a couple of months, writing it off as back pain before she was ultimately admitted to hospital for feeling ill. But it was too little too late; treatments kept her alive for 2 years, but the damage had already been done, and her condition was terminal. The level of incompetence our NHS has overall CANNOT be understated. I feel sorry for the doctors and staff who try their absolute hardest, let down by a government who is more concerned with their personal interest than saving lives.

[@Bringon-dw8dx]

Sorry for your loss. Thank you for recognising it’s not the staff. We can’t create more MRI slots or theatre slots. So many doctors come in for extra shifts but it’s not sustainable

[@whatiexperiencedat6919]

I feel your frustration. I have waited 2.5 years for a confirmed diagnosis and how to manage heart failure!

[@samchan6482]

Look up dr esselstyne . SOS diet

[@blackola7559]

You go to your doctor and they dismiss you right on the spot, as if they want get rid of you, like you’re nuisance.. it’s not the lack of doctors or nurses, it’s many bad apples in NHS, lack of good will

[@catherineeASMR]

This is just ridiculously untrue. My GP listened to me completely, knowing I had more info about the disease i was (eventually) diagnosed with than he did because my mum had it. He referred me straight away and it took an entire year to get an appointment with the specialist I needed, despite him sending many urgent referrals. It's a lack of doctors and nurses because they can get paid so much better in the US and Australia and have such a better life. It's also the fact that the NHS is run on a postcode lottery basis instead of on who needs the care most.

[@petewilliams6404]

@@catherineeASMR It's not "ridiculously untrue", it's spot on. I've not been able to see a GP for years and they do treat you like a nuisance, I know many people who have seen the bad apples in the NHS. You might have access to good doctor but you are in a minority. Your comment starts by stating how good the NHS is, but then go on to talk about it being a lottery. It's really bad and people are dying every day as a consequence. People like you who defend it doesn't help these people and one day it might be you when your at your most vulnerable.

[@catherineeASMR]

@@petewilliams6404 My comment was saying how even when you have a "good apple" as a GP, like I did, your life is still likely going to be ruined by the long waiting times, which shows that the problem isn't "bad apples" if I had the best GP and still accrued completely avoidable disability because I had to wait a ridiculously long time

[@oceanluvngal]

We have the same issue in Canada, and the shortage of doctors does make it worse because there is no choice of who to hire, becaude they basically have to hire whoever they can get to fill positions. It also means patients and staff are more scared to file complaints because they worry they will be left with no doctor at all.

[@changerpeng8614]

@@oceanluvngal Why on earth would they not recruiting more students, especially international students for medical school then? Is it some sort of monopoly of medical industry?

[@petewilliams6404]

it's sad because there are some good doctors and nurses in the NHS but the majority are BAD. The management tier is even worst.

[@Fubar-fomo]

All the good UK trained doctors go to Australia/NZ/canada. When you do'nt respect or pay your doctors enough they will go to somewhere that will.

[@pizzapartytime1826]

Glad I live in the USA 🇺🇸

[@changerpeng8614]

Yeah it's such an irony that they keep emphasizing the empathy to patients and the four modern major ethical pillars of medicine during medical school recruitment interviews. None of those would work if basically there is no medical resource are there for patients.

[@Bringon-dw8dx]

I would say the opposite is true. The majority of doctors and nurses are very good, and sacrifice far more then the general public realises to try and prop up a failing system.

[@petewilliams6404]

@@Bringon-dw8dx More like they sacrifice people so they can do less. I agree it's a failing system, but I don't think it's being propped up by masses of angelic doctors and nurses. Some of the things I've seen in the NHS and the way people are treated is beyond disgusting, so it would take a hell of a lot for me to change my mind.

[@janegalliford4142]

I feel for you . But your a lovely person 😊 remember that . Yes the delay and treatment delay is wrong

[@susiesukes21]

I am 59 and so far reasonably healthy. I have taken out Private Healthcare Insurance. It is 120.00 a month for me a decent meal out once a month so worth the sacrifice. If you can afford it and can go without in some areas it is 30 quid a week full cancer cover. I can't see the current situation getting any better anytime soon. Terrible these delays to people and their lives.

[@trevortrevortsr2]

I waited 5 months from my first GP referral to seeing a specialist - who then said it was too far gone - thankfully I got a second opinion at The Royal Marsden

[@krisfrazier4870]

meanwhile in the USA where people say the health system "sucks" I waited a grand total of a week before my treatment. I can get a scan of any type within 2 weeks. surgery within 30 days. there are no waiting times for paying customers. I understand it's a business and there are pitfalls to universal free healthcare. one of them is gatekeeping and typically EU patients typically seek out private health care solutions so they can bypass the wait times. i have no pity for these folks because they will always turn on the USA and say that health system doesn't work. Well neither does the NHS both the NHS and USA healthcare systems are fundamentally flawed. i don't know what the solution is but there needs to be one.

[@Pine_bluffs]

Exactly, like just look across the border in Canada, you’d still be waiting for that initial colonoscopy at 100 days. That’s what it’s like in many EU countries too.

[@jaredwoodward919]

My wife back in 2007 went to see the Dr with all the classic signs of bowel cancer. He diagnosed everything but cancer. 6 months later he finally arranged for a hospital examination and within 5 minutes of starting the exam they found a huge tumour. But by then she had a 20% chance of surviving 5 yrs. The very same Dr failed to rule out cancer in her step father who had a large family history of cancer. So in the space of 2 yrs we lost 2 family members to cancer. I had a complete mental breakdown with a 6 month stay in a physciatric hospital. With 6 bouts of electric shock therapy before I could even talk to another human being. Instead of Dr's trying the easy options first maybe they should rule out the life threatening diseases first with proper testing. Surely that way a scan or examination is cheaper than trying to close the stable door after the horse has bolted. Both my family members received very expensive surgeries and treatments for 12 months before the end of life.

[@greeleyestateslove]

This is terrible. I'm so sorry about this. I have learned the hard way about advocating for your self/loved one even when the authority tells you otherwise. Trust your gut/instinct.

[@DocumentingReality-ol9es]

doctors are the worst culprit for the nhs crisis, they have decided to work parti time and not see patients. the BMA is too powerful.

[@educational1651]

Uhh.. Wtf are they using electric shock therapy on you OP?

[@changerpeng8614]

@@DocumentingReality-ol9es Yeah where's the empathy to patients that has been emphasized immensely during the medical school interview when the doctors were constantly on strike?

[@rangerwhite5165]

This is disgusting. This man has probably paid into the system all his life. This country makes me sick.

[@Bringon-dw8dx]

Issue is we don’t pay enough, our healthcare is extremely underfunded for the demand placed on it

[@rangerwhite5165]

@@Bringon-dw8dx Rubbish. Its our taxes being pissed up the wall by inept government.

[@kellz2k]

You cant rely on the NHS, cut out all the processed foods in your life, stay healthy, and even more importantly...stay close to God. I wish all those suffering the best of health and I pray for you.

[@SusiesRepeat]

Also no sugar or carbs, that is so important. And start fasting.

[@Ribod]

It didn't help when so many European doctors and nurses went home in 2020.

[@kiwipics]

I've been on the NHS 2ww system multiple times, and the 2 week rule was adhered to at all time.

[@melanieadcock750]

Unbelievable, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer mid December of last year (in the US). I started all the scans and testing January 3. My oncologist apologized for the delay due to the holidays.

[@cocorita]

Yes but if you loose your private insurance you are fucked, or have a high possibility to ending up living under a bridge, unless you are VASTLY rich.

[@urbanhawk2886]

I am so sorry you are going through this and your losses. Becoming sick or even sicker right now is scary and horrible. I'm 32 and had an urgent referral done 2 months ago, I literally had the scan 10 days ago and the biopsy last week. Even then I was luck because I asked to be put on the cancellation list as I would of had to wait until the middle of next month to get the biopsy done. But I can't loose even more weight waiting that long ( have gone down to 6 half stone in a couple of months). But I still have to wait an additional 6 weeks for the results. In total from referral to whatever the answer or outcome is it is looking about 90 days. I just feel I am trapped in a nightmare waiting. 😞😞

[@changerpeng8614]

Listen brother, you can buy a return ticket to China for about 800 quids and get all your results there. For instance, the colonoscopy only costs you about 50 quids and 50 more for biopsy even if you have no medical insurance. Most importantly, the colonoscopy can be done within one week from your appointment and the biopsy results will be released within another week from your colonoscopy. Furthermore, you can have an appointment for CT and get the results and checked by the doctors all within the same day for a total price less than 100 quids even if you don't have any insurance! Stop wasting time in the UK

[@urbanhawk2886]

@@changerpeng8614 For me not that simple to be able to jump on a plane and go. I need a passport, plus find an insurance company who would cover me to travel abroad. ( disabled wheelchair user with numerous medical conditions) Plus travel costs for my carer who would have to come with me and find and arrange suitable accessable accomadation. Then most importantly actually find the money as I don't have spare being a student and having bills to pay. Honestly by the time I do all this I would of had my results back and if needed treatment.

[@therese3960]

Time is of the essence!

[@wordwoman9900]

Americans are going to point at this and say "this is why socialized medicine is bad!" but I also went to my doctor with symptoms of bowel cancer and a family history and it took me even longer than him (2 months) for my initial colonoscopy. Fortunately mine was clear, but private payer healthcare sure wasn't doing me any favors here.

[@heathertaylor6774]

This absolutely broke my heart. It is a shame on Britain. I hope you do well and get some relief when you finish this round of chemo.

[@jungresonant9772]

This what happens with a 'free' health service - they're constantly trying to keep referrals down. There's no incentivisation

[@mish5151]

That was me in Canada. I waited for endless days to get a biopsy and the diagnosed with stage 4 aggressive cancer. I begged them to catch it early. They did not listen and no here I am.

[@ellennaj3382]

How are you now? What are you doing to help yourself?

[@flowertot786]

I was misdiagnosed by a consultant who was a specialist in the field one simple scan could have spotted my cancer early.theres a special place in hell for these types of evil people.prayers for all those suffering with ill health ❤

[@tomalexander4327]

Wow, a side room for your infusion. Very nice 👍

[@billmartins5545]

I have to give credit. About ten years ago as a young adult i had a suspicious, small lump for months and when i got it checked out at my GP, i got an ultrasound at the hospital within two weeks or so.

[@madihaaleemify]

I had tummy pain. Dr had referred me to Gastroenterologist. It was 2 years waiting list. I used the private insurance and checked by private Dr . I had grade 1 cancer in my rectum. In 2 year waiting time, I can imagine the worse results 😢

[@ShadowMan66]

So much cancer around at the moment. Wonder what is causing it all? Elephant in the room?

[@Ann-sj4pt]

Been like this for years.1 in 2 people get cancer a specialist i talked to said.

[@burhantarben]

i hope you be fine

[@melissabanda30]

It’s no different to the health care system in South Africa 😢

[@VeracityMedia]

Don't forget to vote! That'll help for sure! "Just get the good people in" yeah! 🤣😂

[@hmgrraarrpffrzz9763]

Well, the rightwing populist promised riches with the Brexit... They lied. And yet, you still fall for their lies. You learned nothing.

[@aneeqrehman2528]

Really really sad, the NHS and doctors need to take their patients seriously. I would also ask people to use the accidents and emergency service more responsibly. We need more hiring and investment in the NHS and also doctors need to have a lot more empathy towards patients and take them seriously. No one wants to be in those damn hospitals needlessly.

[@Bringon-dw8dx]

Doctors do have empathy towards patients, but they work within a very restrictive system. 10 minute appointments (including all the admin), strict referral criteria etc.

[@josephelias9081]

Unfortunately most senior doctors and consultants have an appalling attitude towards patient care.

[@Asparagus777-hw5ft]

How do you know ? Have you traveled all around the UK and talked to most of them.

[@Bringon-dw8dx]

I disagree. Most just have unmanageable workloads so have to be prompt and fast.

[@josephelias9081]

@@Asparagus777-hw5ft Unfortunately my post is based on significant personal experience and also on the increasing number of complaints now being lodged regarding patient care / dangerous/ avoidable mistakes.

[@josephelias9081]

@@Bringon-dw8dx I agree with the necessity of being prompt. However, a distinction should be made between prompt decision making and notorious and unfortunately widespread bullying that happens between consultants and patients and to an equal degree fellow clinical staff.

[@travelgirl7967]

I've followed several UK cancer patients online and the delays are shocking. Prompt treatment is live saving. I'm in Texas and from a routine pap smear checkup in 2018, there was some bleeding, gyn got some samples for testing, called me back in 2 days with pathology results showing cancer. He referred me to a gyn oncologist, got an appointment in 3 days. I got a PET scan and MRI scan that week and the following week had a radical hysterectomy. It was stage 1. From the gyn appointment to surgery was 2 weeks! Sadly, cancer recurred in 2019, again it was very speedy appointment, this time I got radiation and chemo and a clear PET-CT scan. 6 months after that, it returned, this time stage 4. No delays even though it was now 2020 and peak covid. My cancer center MD Anderson still only treated cancer patients. No one got delayed or cancelled. This time I got 6 cycles of chemo and I've been clear/No Evidence of Disease for 3 years. I get PET-CT scans every 6 months now. Scan results are available to me within 24 hours. In the UK/NHS it seems like weeks to get results!

[@nunnunnunyabizzie2345]

Try months, sometimes. Sometimes they forget you all together and you have to go through it all again.

[@cocorita]

Yes but you have to rely on private insurance and if at any point you end up loosing it you are done.

[@arandorapress7561]

This has been going on for years. And it's got worse. Poor man, how is he coping with this? And his mum died of this. Awful.

[@lenac3587]

Try 3-6months elsewhere, government hospitals are overwhelming hence the waiting time is horrendous. Unfortunately, we need to pay exorbitantly to go to private hospitals if it's critical and we need immediate assistance/treatment

[@planemad]

It really is a case of where you live. I was admitted to hospital 2 weeks ago from A and E and had an operation the next morning. I could not fault the nurses and doctors who gave me amazing care. I know that os not the xase for thousands of people. I was aware of the the waste and duplicaton in the NHS tho

[@bloodlove93]

i told an old smoker acquaintance that he was on the cancer waiting list....took him a second to understand i was teasing him. he's basically waiting to get cancer...different meaning to the same words,like a drug test...you aren't going to test out different drugs,you are tested for traces of you having taken drugs.

[@pamelaalford7232]

I'm so sorry for this young man, but l must speak as l find l got admitted to hospital for one problem but was found to have bone cancer all tests completed 7 scans biopsies and oncologist appointment within 6 weeks. The NHS pulled out all the stops

[@lucysin414]

I feel so lucky. My cancer care so far has been both fast and fantastic. It really is a postcode lottery for treatment ☹️

[@yojix5805]

I feel like the youngers should be at the front of the list. Id happily give my space for a child. Iv had a good life so far so id be happy for them to get to live theirs 😊

[@AnaFernandez-jp5uh]

I currently live in thecU.S. I have to pay for insurance. I can get in to see a doctor within a couple of days. For treatment for my autoimmune disorders, I can get in based on the urgency of my needs. I can request testing. And receive it within a week. My insurance is expensive but my deductible is $160 per year. No co-pays. I have many pecialists. This is heartbreaking.

[@TurkishBenAirsoft]

I was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel in Dec 22. Had 28 lots of chemo so far.

[@quaithom3138]

Prayers for you, and a good Recovery.

[@DenzX_NJ]

How does nobody realise it's because they are redirecting money from the NHS to private hospitals

[@AyyRalphy]

I’m sorry but the NHS waiting is absurd. Had a friend wait 8 months for an endoscopy and 2 months to get seen for results. All to be thrown ‘ppis’ at her lol horrible.

[@flowertot786]

I waited a year with severe symptoms its only because i eventually kicked up a fuss i got an appointment and ppis are b o llocks they make you worse

[@joeycurtis1872]

The insurance companies will run all the tests you want, but the moment you need treatment they'll stop allowing doctor orders, same happens in the US.

[@eddy_creative]

I understand all the criticism, but for me in 2022 I had Cancer, and from diagnosis I was treated within 2 weeks and recovered. Honestly I was amazed. However there is a caveat.....the Doctor when i originally went to my GP dismissed my lump as innocuous, when really he should have said go to A&E right now.

[@MyFriendPeter]

I, like many, have ME and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome from complications of COVID. The NHS has done zero to help, like they have for many who have suffered with ME for decades. This is three fold 1. Arrogant lazy Drs 2. Lazy incompetent managers 3. Accountability

[@jflsdknf]

We humans can't seem to make anything work perfectly.

[@DramaticallyMiddleAged]

I am on week 5 now of waiting to see if I have the same cancer, my markers were very high, had the biopsy 5 weeks ago. I begged for ONE YEAR to have a stool sample test, I was also told on at least 15 occasions that I was “too young to have cancer at 50” Even though the doctor knows I had cancer 25 years ago. I’ve probably had the cancer for well over a year already.

[@changerpeng8614]

Listen brother, you can buy a return ticket to China for about 800 quids and get all your results there. For instance, the colonoscopy only costs you about 50 quids and 50 more for biopsy even if you have no medical insurance. Most importantly, the colonoscopy can be done within one week from your appointment and the biopsy results will be released within another week from your colonoscopy. Furthermore, you can have an appointment for CT and get the results and checked by the doctors all within the same day for a total price less than 100 quids even if you don't have any insurance! You need to race with cancer!

[@bobbybannerjee5156]

The bad side of reports like these is that the British public would want the NHS to disappear and have a private healthcare system. To fix a state run NHS with greater funding is not on the public's mind.

[@Themis33]

Anyone here who had a brain mri scan... how long did you have to wait for your results!?

[@PinkSparklerToontown]

go private then, the private sector is virtually nonexistent, so its really cheap. there's no competition

[@clairebeever3038]

NHS is terrible governments fault I have cancer and it’s come back this time round the care the waiting times are disgusting my beautiful mum was messed about waiting 3 months for second appointment with bowel cancer they waited too long and she died …. I hope you get through this your a lovely man and I’m very sorry about your partner and your mum cancer care is so behind in this country it’s scary and it shouldn’t be !

[@teresagillmer9464]

And they want to have NHS in South Africa a 6 world country.

[@DerpinSomeMuffins]

Like the video to help get more eyes! It doesn't mean you "like" the situation he's in.

[@wyass4722]

The proof the NHS could be better is the Brazilian SUS. At least with grave illnesses like cancer, the treatment and diagnosis is SUPER fast. I know it, since my mom had breast cancer, my great-aunt skin cancer, and my grandpa liver cancer

[@purpleowl2075]

Unfortunately the vast majority of healthcare admin staff are useless and a barrier to adequate care - fix that, fix corrupt management as well as the doc/nurse shortages - the system is failing in multiple ways

[@martinebon4333]

This all boils down to having good primary care in the community. But the reality is GP surgeries are overwhelmed. The resources we have at the moment is built for a population 20 years ago. Healthcare staff are leaving due to shortages and low pay. Add to the austerity measures the current government has adopted in the last decade and you can see the extreme shortsightedness in the current situation. I myself was so desperate to get proper healthcare that I was willing to go private. I had the financial resources to pay for diagnostic scans but not everyone has emergency savings to pay for expedited treatment.

[@7531monkey]

Meanwhile here in the usa i showed up for my biopsy and was turned away because their contract expired and they didnt know it. Took months to get a new doctor and a new appointment. Its no better here.

[@fatherson5907]

That’s completely false. It’s illegal to turn someone away because of a contract (whatever that means). Sounds like you ignored a notice that they sent to you (required by law) and it’s someone else’s fault. Muh victimhood

[@nunya2954]

The waiting list in UK and Canada are egregious but people in the United States want socialized medicine. They have NO clue because there is no cure efor ignorance.

[@OUTBOUND184]

Anybody with a modicum of prudence could see this coming with A) mass immigration B) overreaction to bat flu

[@kathrinlindern2697]

With Brexit, the UK has actually lost a lot of migrants - specifically EU nurses and doctors. And compared to many other countries, they reacted less to Covid - i.e. compared to German hospitals, the NHS was overwhelmed a lot more.

[@OUTBOUND184]

@@kathrinlindern2697 whatever migrants happened to leave were negligible compared with those coming in. The other point is moot.

[@annalangham3950]

This is are health system big waiting game

[@LilyGazou]

We are all on our own. We have to heal Ourselves. They caused the cancers, now try to profit.

[@eleanorrigby5759]

Who’s they

[@cudreeti]

As an American. Would you prefer to pay a ton but be seen and start treatment or continue with your current system?

[@krob2327]

We have that system too. It’s called private health insurance. Britain is such a warped country that the rich can opt out of this. It’s the middle and lower earners who are stuck in it

[@jernbek1]

Perhaps a medical system model run and funded completely by the government like NHS might need a rework. A lot of countries in the EU have systems that aren't ran by the government but still give great healthcare and have more scalability than a system completely government ran. Covid really did a number on the NHS.

[@brandonmwangi892]

This is so sad I hate RUSHI SUNAK with all my heat

[@wakingfromslumber9555]

Crooks in power while people are suffering...

[@stevedcase]

And yet, some of my fellow Americans consistently praise Canada and the UK for having a basically 'free or low cost healthcare system'. I couldn't even imagine waiting more than 48 hours for most of the things that he mentions in this video. Rest in peace, Eddie 🙏❤

[@grimknight1452]

Suddenly our privatized healthcare system in the U.S. isn’t looking so bad.

[@maxwild1212]

No, it still is.

[@Bringon-dw8dx]

That wouldn’t improve this at all

[@thl205]

Sunak’s Britain 🤦‍♂️

[@hudakhelef5677]

😢😢😢

[@SeanAbbey]

Sunak is telling the truth. Tell me your solution without just anger. Unfortunately racism has taken over the NHS and that’s why the Indians & Nigerians are leaving. Rishi is Indian and he too will leave. That’s when the real trouble will start 😂

[@jdmmg4904]

😢💔