Pregnant Woman's thoughts about the NHS - Americans in England

Danielle has exciting news about the newest addition to the Schaefer family - which gives her a unique perspective from which to talk about the NHS. Focusing on her thoughts on the things she actually experienced, Danielle talks about what the differences in being pregnant in the US vs the UK are. Americans in England.
Second channel: / @matthewschaefer
Subscribe for more adventures: / @schaeferfamilyadventure
#NHS #americans #pregnant

[@terrymummery6377]

It is always interesting to hear about different people’s experiences. It seems that you have picked up on the high regard the NHS is held in the UK. I think that there may be some slight variations across the UK in the implementation of some procedures depending on whether you are in a big city or small village, but I am unsure. The few times I have visited hospitals I have found that they are always hot. As you said there are differences between the two systems, some seem to prefer one over the other but that is a personal preference. It does appear that the ‘headline’ tag is free and does not include the important bit ‘ at point of delivery’. Some years ago I believe that visitors were also treated as residents, but there was a scare about health tourists who came to the UK to obtain medical treatment with outh paying into the system which was seen as putting n additional strain on it, the solution was the additional charge on the visa to counter that. As you are now getting experience of both systems, are you in a position to understand why such terms as deductibles, copay, and network are quite alien concepts to us natives? I have been browsing through KZbin and recently Quora and I am having difficulty getting my head around the fact that Americans are willing to put up with such a broken (to me) system. Am I missing something? A long time ago before the NHS there was individual initiatives from doctors to help poorer individuals to afford medication, but that was patchy to say the least. Glad to hear your news and that you willing to share your experiences with us, I hope all goes well and you do not get worried after deciphering the notes. From my experiences both the Dr and hospitals have my medical records available so I do not get to see them. for a pregnancy they may be a momentous in the future, or perhaps if you return to the States they could prove helpful there as they would not have records of the treatment you received here.

[@karenhawthorne9591]

All pregnant women have a pregnancy record they carry with them during pregnancy. That way if something happens and your away from home the medical staff have a record of what's going on.

[@wilmaknickersfit]

@Terry Mummery You might be interested to know that before the introduction of the NHS, the most common way people in the UK (and many other countries) paid for medical expenses was through a Friendly Society. Friendly Societies in the UK started in the 18th century as part of the Industrial Revolution and came about because of people moving for work from the country to towns. They were like a mini welfare state and you could join one through your church or through your trade union, and even through membership of some political parties. Members paid subscriptions to qualify for financial and social services, including medical treatment, funeral costs, even money if you became unemployed. In most countries Friendly Society members were protected by the same legislation as "for profit" insurance companies, but in the 19th century in the UK (actually it was Great Britain back then) Friendly Societies were given their own legal status as "non-profit" organisations which meant all the money collected could be used for the membership. Information from the many Friendly Societies was collected as part of the design process for the NHS. They were able to share specific details of what their members paid in subscriptions and what they received in return. This information helped to predict the costs of expanding the Welfare State and the introduction of the NHS. The information was also used to determine the rate of the new National Insurance deductions from wages. My first job in the late 70s was for the Department of Health and Social Security (DHSS) and I worked on the section that paid out sickness and maternity benefits. It was still quite common for us to send a copy of a claimant's sick note (medical certificate from their doctor) to their Friendly Society to get their state sickness benefit topped up with some extra money. How things change!

[@terrymummery6377]

@@karenhawthorne9591 Thank you for the information, being male it is something I (luckily )do not have experience of :). but if you are allowed to keep the record after the birth, think of the blackmail potential as he/she grows up :)

[@terrymummery6377]

@@wilmaknickersfit thank you for this very useful information, a long time ago I remember reading about something that some doctors (?) did similar to what you described but on a much smaller scale, I wonder if I mixed things up ? Thanks again for the clarification.

[@arwelp]

​@@wilmaknickersfit Thanks for that reminiscence. I live in Crewe, which was basically built from scratch by the railway in the 19th century, and it was very much a railway town - as most people worked for the railway company it provided schools, churches, chapels, the hospital, the orphanage etc, and even at the time that I arrived to work for British Rail in 1979 the railway still ran a convalescent home in Dawlish, Devon, that railway staff could go to after a hospital stay. That didn't survive privatisation, of course. For as long as I was employed by the railways and their successors, until 2002, I had a small weekly contribution from my salary to the Hospital Contributory Scheme, which was very useful for paying out whenever I had a new pair of glasses or a course of treatment at the dentist.

[@tnetroP]

A native Brit here. I love the NHS and would happily pay more tax to keep it going. Not having to worry about the cost at point of use is worth its weight in gold.

[@homeone4054]

I agree!

[@mikydees91]

tnetroP igo on then , you can volunteer to pay as much tax as u want on uk gov website, bet you don’t , you mean you want others to pay tax

[@mikydees91]

Home One what’s stopping you ? U can pay more tax on the government website ?

[@tnetroP]

@@mikydees91 I've seen that lazy argument before. You and I both know I mean I would be happy for the tax rate to increase across the board for the NHS, including my tax. We also both know you are trying to win some kind of internet points here, which is a bit immature. You are right I don't voluntarily pay more. But I already pay 40% tax on most of my income and an effective rate of almost 60% on a small portion of it (still 40% direct tax but over a certain income level you start losing the lower end of your personal tax free allowance, which results in around a 60% effective tax rate on income in that band). Then national insurance on top of that of course. So I feel I pay a fair amount of my income as tax but would still be OK if it were increased across the board, including for me. But for the NHS only. Also for everyone currently paying tax (maybe with a threshold to prevent lower income earners being hit).

[@Dularr]

You can do the same in the US. Just purchase private medial insurance and you don't have to worry about the cost. Now I do have a question? Do you have a choice on where you have your procedures done? In the US hospitals compete for your business especially for maternity or major illness. Where you can visit various maternity hospitals or medial clinics and choose where you have your medial procedures done.

[@hauskalainen]

America doesn't have a healthcare system. It has a collection of service providers. The NHS has been designed to deliver healthcare needs.

[@hauskalainen]

@Hicky Hicky why do you say that? I lived most of my adult life in the UK and always was treated well. As was my family.

[@davidseed2939]

Hicky Hicky there is a problem with NHS underfunding, but it's nothing like the problem in the USA with half a million health system bankruptcies per YEAR and 30000 deaths due to lack of insurance. waiting a few months for a hip operation is nothing compared to the exorbitant fees in the USA.

[@sugarspun4216]

@Hicky Hicky No you're wrong! I and my family have had excellent free service thanks to the NHS. From a kidney operation to major brain surgery on my mother in law, both had positive outcomes but what would of happened had it been in the US? We'd probably be bankrupt and homeless. This "Poorly delivered" doesn't ring true in our experience. We are truly thankful we live where we live where people's health/care doesn't have a price tag.

[@davidseed2939]

Hicky Hicky such arrangements are possible in the UK. i.e. private health insurance is available so that you can be treated in a private room in a private hospital without any waiting. BUPA is the most well known.

[@davidseed2939]

Hicky Hicky i don't know bernie's plans in full. it should be noted that BUPA is an additional health insurance. I think the main point about medicare for all and the NHS is that there is no opting out. just as you can't opt out of Police or Fire, even though you may employ your own security staff etc.

[@boxtradums0073]

The NHS is like having a community take care of you as opposed to profit driven business

[@eveofhades9260]

Former American here. Been living in the UK for nearly 20 years. Because of my experiences in both countries, I've come to the conclusion that the US is just a third world country with technology. Anyone disagreeing with me is entitled to do so, like I said, I'm talking about my own experiences, not every one else's. I love the NHS & haven't had to wait too long for any appointments I've had here. Longest wait was 45 minutes after the start of my appointment, but my gp surgery was very understaffed that time. Had all 3 of my children here & my hospital was a bit different than yours. I gave the receptionist the appointment paper & I'd be given my next appointment then & there. I even got to discuss appointment times. I was diabetic with all 3 pregnancies & was given such wonderful care. I love the NHS.

[@alboystewart2212]

NHS is worth its weight in gold

[@toforgetisagem8145]

@KILLER DIAMONDIt is worth its weight in gold.

[@RamsFan93]

That's a lot of gold

[@toforgetisagem8145]

@@RamsFan93 it is worth it and more.

[@RamsFan93]

@@toforgetisagem8145 I 100% agree with you.

[@lubberwalker]

It's damn heavy though.

[@rebeccaaugustine8628]

When I was visiting England at age 15, I became sick with bronchitis. The doctor who attended me intuitively knew more about my medical history than the one I was seeing back home!

[@keith1222]

Oh and let's not forget the NHS is FREE at the point of delivery.

[@paulliddon]

The nhs is not free, I and millions like me, pay for it every month, I've been paying for the last 40yrs

[@02Dobby]

@@paulliddon You don't seem to understand "point of delivery".

[@Lisac11226]

Paul Liddon what about those people on benefits who don’t work and therefore have no tax to pay?

[@paulliddon]

@@Lisac11226 im not concernd with them, you could say the same about economic refugees, immigrants who have just come here, the people you refer to are a small minority as most of them are not on benfits through choice, i know some are, but all i know is that i have paid tax and stamp all my working life 40 odd yrs, Im a key worker, but i dont want or expect any thanks, just my salary, the nhs staff are not heroes they are doing their job, which most of us pay for, im not disrespecting them, i think they are doing a good job, but thats their chosen career, if they were volunteers they would be heroes

[@dannyhall8227]

Paul Liddon but it’s still free at point of service isn’t it? I have never had a bill after many of my operations or hospital stays.

[@MarkESBuckmaster]

You mentioned that you felt that doctors didn't rush you and answered all your questions. This may be part of the reason the appointment times slip. Each patient is given the time needed for them. So although this may result in you waiting a bit longer for your appointment, you know that when you do see your doctor, they won't be clock watching and wanting to make sure you're out in a given time but your needs are catered for. Nice and balanced video.

[@sedekiman]

Yes, like standing up and going to the door!

[@magoo9279]

The reason for the rush if doctors here in the US got to hussle. Some may do it to put more money in their pocket others it's to pay their bills and wages.

[@ianprince1698]

sometimes the NHS doctor has been reminded that its 8 min per patient that's all their allowed, that's why the last appointment is late

[@virtualatheist]

Probably because they don't have to think about billing by the minute.

[@cyberash3000]

im glad you love the NHS. most americans start foaming at the mouth and shouting commies! whenever you mention the NHS despite it being miles ahead of the american system

[@cyberash3000]

@Hicky Hicky here it matters only that you are human.

[@cyberash3000]

@Hicky Hicky nope its about the greater good. its about everyone chipping in. the war spirit. its about not being selfish and realising, that money isnt everything.

[@cyberash3000]

@@gruunt4064 no we wouldnt

[@charlieboy6315]

@Hicky Hicky smokers and drinkers contribute far more to the NHS coffers in tax than they cost it and also die younger so are less likely to burden the state in old age. Instead of being judgemental and sanctimonious you should be thanking these people for subsidising you.

[@habi0187]

Hicky Hicky so if you exclude people who drink or are overweight what about dangerous sports like skiing or biking or what about guys using a motorbike. If you start excluding people you can exclude everyone but this is the typical selfish American thinking.

[@calicokittenproductions591]

A friend of mine went to her GP and was consulting with him for nearly an hour. She got upset for wasting his time and people waiting. He told her not to worry, but if ever she was in the waiting room waiting past her appointment it was because their need was greater. I always feel grateful that I haven't had to walk for days to get medical assistance. I love the NHS.

[@sugarspun4216]

Simple fact is: Here it's free, no matter how rich or how poor? you get first world care delivered by wonderful people who are doing it because they care rather than it being about money/career. The NHS is one of the things that truly makes me proud to be British.

[@peterdarnell7627]

as former hospital porter thank you

[@juliaperry2812]

@sugatrspun4216 I agree with everything you say except it is not free we pay through national insurance and taxes, and visitors to this country are now suppose to pay , also refugees and illegal immigrants ,and failed allylum seekers not all get free treatment, they can be turned away, I worked in A/E and remember seeing people turned away as not being entitled to free treatment, I must add they were not seriously ill infact did not need a/e care even if they were entitled

[@phueal]

You’re right that the NHS sticker price of “free” is misleading, because we still pay for it through taxes. But it’s worth noting that because we have a progressive tax system there are plenty of low-paid people (plus children, pensioners, etc.) who do in fact get completely free healthcare. This is the best thing about the NHS, even compared to other developed countries with universal healthcare of one sort or another.

[@jaime8974]

if you are not working its free

[@phueal]

Grant O yep, if only everyone had to pay for their healthcare like in America, we wouldn’t have problems with obesity, diabetes, etc.. I hear they’ve eradicated obesity over there.

[@mrmessy7334]

​@@phueal 😂

[@taramichaels7061]

@@jaime8974 Yes if you are unemployed etc you don't pay anything.

[@djlads]

@@jaime8974 but you will never cover the cost of the treatment you will receive over your lifetime, via the tax you pay nor will ever need to worry about an unexpected health cost, I always feel that those of you who keep saying "but it's not free" must be dumb in some way to think that people in the UK don't know that they pay via their National Insurance system, currently only 12% or 2% over £8,500, though this may go up in April to start at £9,500. Businesses have to pay 13% of NI for each employee based on their salary.

[@duckndive.]

How on earth can you recover from your condition(whatever it is) if you are worrying about how much it may cost you!

[@thomasrichards6245]

Dana says- These days most doctor's offices will go over estimated cost of implementing your expected treatment plan for expensive things or things that will take several appointments (like needing several dental procedures, or labor & childbirth). They show/tell you what costs tend to be & what your particular insurance will cover, so you can budget & save, or just plan what costs you will need to pay. Some offer the option of paying the known costs in advance, or even making payments toward expected costs. Then if your care costs more than that, you would be expected to pay that portion. Or you can choose to pay it all after the procedure/appointment is done. It is what we in the US are used to doing. To us, that is like saying, "How can you enjoy your meal if you are worrying about paying for it afterwards?" Well, because it's normal to pay for a good or service after you receive it.

[@brucehart706]

Robert Fidler As someone who has used both systems I can assure that the problem you highlighted does not exist. Why? In the US if you have to worry about money you have no healthcare. Support the NHS.

[@lunerwerewolf]

Frankly, in the US if you have to worry about the cost. You don't recover because you don't get treated. I remember being made to wait in the waiting room. Of an ER for several hours while I was having difficulty breathing and watching a woman come in who was bleeding everywhere get turned away because she didn't have health insurance. I was 8. Years later when I was in college I'd gone to a clinic for something and I remembered being on my knees talking a hyperventilating small child through the breathing exercises I'd learned as a child. It took 2 hours for them to see a child who was having trouble breathing in the "low cost clinics " our system is broken and its even worse if you are a minority

[@Trillock-hy1cf]

I think one of the best things to help recovery from a hospital visit/stay, is that you won't face a whacking great bill for your treatment, or even a visit to your GP..........:)

[@SchaeferFamilyAdventure]

True, nobody likes a big health bill coming in the mail.

[@peekeyeseek]

You lady are an absolute star! Thankyou for recognising the difference between England and the rest of the UK.

[@jamescockings6852]

Working in a busy NHS department myself I’d guess you get your appointment through the post because of you seeing two consultants together they would need to check when they are both free at the same time.

[@tattylashes1664]

No I get mine a week after my regular appointment and a copy goes to my doctor too

[@helengriffiths6007]

Most hospitals in the UK with maternity services run joint endocrinology/diabetes clinic so that pregnant women do not have to attend 2 appointments

[@samanthaallen7556]

Congrats on the baby. We do have private hospitals if you want to pay and not wait. Most of them are staffed by NHS doctors.

[@candytoo3729]

I lived in the UK for many years. Loved the NHS. Grew up in Canada and we revere our system. Hope you are getting the same great care as we did.

[@AJ-cv9zf]

Overpopulation is a problem. Maybe not in Canada but it is here.

[@csharpe5787]

@@AJ-cv9zf nonsense. You delusional

[@leea8706]

The NHS has saved my life numerous times, I have Addison’s disease so I can have a Addisons crisis at any point really, and it is a medical emergency, and every time the NHS has been amazing. Whether it’s the doctors, nurses, caretakers, or anyone who helps keep the hospitals and GPs surgeries running I owe them my life. The NHS is the best thing about the UK and it makes me proud to be british.

[@gwynhyfer]

Multidisciplinary teams are quite common in NHS consultations. Didn't occur to me that wasn't necessarily the case in other countries.

[@raistormrs]

The only other country i am aware of already doing this for a longer time would be Japan. In my Country (Germany) it's not really a thing, at least as far as i know. Other European countries, i only know Spain is trying to get there since like, about last year or something. Interestingly those two, the UK and Japan both are the lowest health expenditure per capita among the G7, why one wonders.

[@darrencornish4433]

Common in the Netherlands

[@Sofasurfa]

And it’s not just the Dr’s it’s ancillary services as well. When my mother was dying of cancer, she wanted to die in her own bed and the multi disciplinary team supported her wish. They leased with our GP, district nurses,a local charity, McMillian nurses and myself as I would be the one caring for her and they were all brilliant. My mother was able to pass away peacefully in my arms. I will forever be grateful to the NHS for that gift. Literally since 2011 I have had more than my monies worth. THANK YOU NHS AND ALL YOUR WONDERFUL STAFF 👏👏👏👏

[@MontyBoosh]

I work as a receptionist in the maternity department in an NHS hospital and can probably clear up a few things. Most of my patients will bring a slip of paper out of appointments and we will make it there and then. My guess would be that your appointments were sent in the post so both of your doctors could sort it out on their schedules. Wait times will vary from hospital to hospital or department to department, but generally speaking obstetric appointments (and by extension obstetric clinics) are infamous for running very late. There's a few reasons for this: - With maternity care, because it is such a time-sensitive thing, you can't really defer or refuse appointments - they are demanded by either the midwife or the consultant, and as a receptionist all I can do is grin and bear it, even as my clinic gets more and more overbooked, to the point where it is blatantly obvious that we will all be staying late. I will say though, I have NEVER ever been in a clinic where a patient was not eventually seen, as long as they were able to wait. - We are very much limited by the staff and room availability, and theatre/complicated births are overseen by the same consultants running the clinics, meaning they will often arrive late to their own clinics or even have to leave in the middle of a clinic. This is great for continuity of care, because it means that you will usually get seen by the same doctor who you've discussed your birthing plan with, but it's obviously not ideal for the people attending routine check-ups. - Consultants/registrars want to give everyone the time they need and be as thorough as possible; as a rule, if your care is not midwife-led in the UK it is for a medical reason. Sometimes you'll simply get a few ladies in a row that just need that extra time, which, over the course of a few dozen patients, really begins to add up. It is very very common for the patients themselves to also accidentally hold the clinic up; I've seen everything from patients not booking themselves in and then complaining that they've been waiting hours, to people forgetting their hand-held records (which are used to record a significant portion of their obstetric care, including pretty much everything from the midwife appointments, to patients turning up to dating scans with empty bladders or being sent out of the clinic to go provide a urine sample. I have also found - and this will sound quite mean - but with the Coronavirus issue, that clinics have actually improved significantly; we have fewer people (mostly partners and children) in the waiting room and the entire environment is just quieter and calmer; unruly children and argumentative partners have a way of just testing the patience of everyone in the waiting room and making every minute feel like 10. - Specialty clinics (in my hospital we have them for gestational diabetes, mental health, anaesthetics and genetics) are great but they are difficult to schedule and are overbooked to all hell. The biggest culprit is gestational diabetes, with our diabetics consultant seeing over twice as many patients as any of our others, despite only having the same amount of time for the clinic.

[@paulw5963]

So many congratulations to you, Matthew and your daughter! 🎉🎉🎉. You do great videos and thank you for sharing your experiences, I've enjoyed all that I've watched. I hope you all continue to enjoy your time living here in the UK. Best wishes and good luck 🍀🍀🍀

[@alche1197]

Congratulations! The idea behind the paper note system in pregnancy is to ensure that no matter where the mother is or which specialist she sees, the information is to hand. If you were away from your home town and went into labour or had another emergency you will have your notes available at once.

[@etaokha4164]

Proud British here and love our NHS 😍

[@maximushaughton2404]

The reason for hospitals being warm/hot is because the body has to use a large portion of it's resources to maintain it's correct temperature. By keeping the ambient temperature high it allows a patient to use far less energy to maintain body temperature allowing it to utilise the saved resources to fight infection and heal wounds. In addition because there is a lack of exercise circulation slows down slowing the healing process. Lack of simple exercise (which builds heat) means patients can actually get quite cold putting more strain on their systems. Have you never dozed off and woken cold? Also the elderly are not so active so find it hard to generate their own inner body heat, and you will find a lot of elderly in hospitals.

[@lesleyhawes6895]

I have been in hospital four times since passing 55, the first time was in mid winter, so I took my winter pyjamas, and I ended up having to wear my pants, and an NHS backless gown because of the heat on the wards. Now I pack Summer weight night wear in my 'emergency' bag.

[@robertomoi2044]

I know where I’d choose to live, that’s the U.K. anytime over the USA it’s great health system.

[@ellem6050]

Congratulations Danielle and Matthew. Glad your NHS experience has been good to date.

[@georgeh-w5041]

I always think that NHS waiting times are appropriate for the reason you are visiting. Like if you have chopped off a limb they obviously wont make you wait. But if you are waiting for a routine then a small wait time isn't detrimental to your health

[@CommodusSPQR]

Possibly the biggest difference is yet to come, after the birth of your baby. You'll receive home visits from a nurse to check on the general health and wellbeing of both you and your new born bundle of love! Lots of mums find this an invaluable service, and it's a great excuse to put the kettle on and have a good chat, too. All the best to you and your family.

[@johnmichaelson9173]

If you have to wait in the UK it's because the Medical People haven't rushed the previous patients.

[@clairebear7936]

Congratulations!! That’s wonderful news and I hope things go smoothly for you xxx

[@noelmajers6369]

As a British person, its always very sweet meeting ex pat Americans who are often kind enough to explain our rules to us, especially regarding the NHS. It's as if what they're really saying is "DON'T CHANGE ANYTHING !!!!"

[@nadirwoodson9321]

please dont change anything

[@dogwithwigwamz.7320]

Ps, wherever you are from, don`t come to The United Kingdom and complain about The National Health Service - unless you pay tax here, as the lass does.

[@marybusch6182]

Idiots do that, don't they? As a nurse, I was able to visit an ER in Marseille and here about staffing and see the sanitation... The staffing was fine and almost no wait times and no filtering for insurance... and the sanitation was better than Panera (in the COVID time)... It also wasn't overdone, I will never forget seeing the DESIGNER/ARTISTIC carpet in the Barnes in St Louis, what a waste of money, who needs that?

[@susannortham11.11]

Congratulations! Good video. Always wanted to hear about how the NHS works. Wish we had that here in the US. There's so much to learn about this from the Brits. So many Americans end up declaring bankruptcy because of medical bills - that's a crying shame.

[@susannortham11.11]

@back of the net Yes, America is so divided we can't seem to get much accomplished these days. I have faith this will improve after the next election.

[@danielwhyatt3278]

Yeah, the American health care system over there is an absolute embarrassment. From our perspective here in Britain the healthcare in the US is practically criminal.

[@Alice-hn2cp]

Hicky Hicky I don’t think anyone’s envious of republicans or America as a whole

[@Mason-zp8yb]

@Hicky Hicky Biden won, Trump lost, sucks for you.

[@TheMarkos1982]

Congratulations! We often complain about the NHS in this country but as you've found it's a fantastic service for most people most of the time.

[@danielspillett5393]

NO WE DON'T WE DONT LIKE THE FACT THAT IF WE ARE IN EUROPE AND GO TO HOSPITAL THAT COUNTRY BILL THE NHS BUT THE NHS WILL NOT BILL EUROPEAN COUNTRY FOR THERE CITIZENS TREATMENT AND THE DR SAY THEY WILL REFUSE TO CHARGE OVERSEAS PATIENTS COSTING THE UK TAX PAYER AND THEN THEY MOAN THERE UNDERFUNDED AND GO ON STRIKE AND PEOPLE LIKE ME HAVE THERE OPERATIONS CANCELLED DOCTORS AND NURSES SHOULD BE DRAFTED IN TO THE MILITARY MAKING IT ILLEGAL TO STRIKE VETERAN 21 YEAR BRITISH ARMY

[@jamesguitar7384]

@@danielspillett5393 The NHS has mental health services as well . The problems the NHS has are caused by deliberate and brutal underfunding not occasional kindness to foreigners . Atavistic dislike of others may be treatable , in your case I certainly hope so .

[@heidihumbug]

@@danielspillett5393 what a load of rubbish! I can only assume you were in the army (because it's ALWAYS those in the army), because you lacked the braincells to do anything else.

[@anglosaffa2470]

Heidi - You’re a pathetic cretin for mocking someone’s lack of education. Instead of belittling him from your hierarchical educational pedestal, provide a counter argument to his points.

[@simonholley4110]

I hope you stay safe here in the UK while we are dealing with COVID 19.

[@stuipooey1]

​​​Well done Danielle, really good to see that you appreciate what we have here. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health in 2019 found that 66.5% of bankruptcies in the U.S. were due to medical expenses. In the UK that simply does not happen. On the subject of pregnancy and childbirth the US has much higher rates of infant and maternal mortality than most other developed countries and lags way behind Europe. Its bizzare that such a developed country, with the strongest economy treats health care as a business and does not look after its citizens in the same way as they do here and in most other developed countries.

[@nataliab882]

It’s so cool that both of your doctors can be in the same room for your appointment. I will say the waiting time to be seen when you’re already at the hospital (as opposed to the wait to book an appointment) might be longer in case there is an emergency with another patient, but in a GP practice (where there are no emergencies) you’re more likely to be seen on time. All of that being said, big congratulations on the new baby! 🥰

[@jennyfayeuk7342]

Yeah like when my partner had an appointment to see his stomach surgeon in outpatients, the surgeon got called away to. Theatre for an emergency so we had to sit and wait until he came back, has happened a few times but can't grumble if it means somebody's getting the help they need in surgery 😊

[@maximushaughton2404]

The Doctors in a GP practice can get called away on an emergency, it's rare but it happens, it's happened to me once. Doctors are very familiar with some ones health histroy, so if something happens to someone at home the GP can be called out, as they know the person history and it saves the time of another medical person having to look it up and maybe miss something.

[@nataliab882]

Maximus Haughton that’s true! I more meant like in a hospital there’s a much bigger chance of it happening, whereas GP and nurse appointments are generally on time, or only a little bit late.

[@maximushaughton2404]

I was not saying that doctors in the US don't get called out, I was just trying to point out that a doctor at a GP practice can get called in an emergency out if needed.

[@maximushaughton2404]

Yes I agree, but as I said the family doctor will know the history, whereas a trauma, or Emergency medic don't know it. So insted of having to read all the files and maybe miss something they'll call in the GP who should know, eg the person could be algeric to one of the standard dugs they use, and that could be missed because they are trying to save a life.

[@teaandabutty]

Congratulations on the wonderful news! I'm so glad you've had a great experience with the NHS so far and yeah, living in the USA, so many people have some jaundiced view about the NHS that they've based on a stereotype they heard. Thanks for debunking those myths! :)

[@nigeh5326]

Congratulations to you all on your wonderful news.

[@butIwantpewee]

Congratulations to the Schaefer gang, I hope everything goes well for you.

[@angiebolton-cox1490]

Congratulations Danielle

[@ChrisBetton]

Huge congratulations and blessings!

[@northyorkshirechris5735]

Congratulations Danielle to you and your family on your news. I think Danielle's representation of the NHS is fair and balanced. From what I've heard from US media, the NHS is portrayed negatively and is viewed negatively by the US public. However, I suspect that much of that is down to lobbying by the medical insurance companies etc. The important difference in my view is that 100% of the British public have healthcare coverage for life, whereas 28 million in the US have no medical coverage. It's important to say that the NHS is not free - we pay National Insurance contributions directly from our pay, however, whether you are a homeless person or the Prime Minister, you get healthcare. The contribution is 12% of your pay, however, that gets you healthcare (including subsidised dental care), a state pension (in addition to your occupational pension) and other benefits if you're unemployed etc. Whilst you have to pay this contribution you don't have to use the NHS as private medical insurance and hospitals are available - so best of both worlds if you have the money. Through everyone throwing money into the pot, I feel we have a fair and good quality system where no-one has to suffer.

[@debbiedion5731]

Being british i can tell you from birth to working age all healthcare in uk is free,once we become a working adult we pay tax and national insurance,towards our nhs Disabled and unemployed who dont pay into our system still recieve the same level of care. I love our nhs,nobody is going to get left behind or die from diseases,because of lack of money,

[@cyberash3000]

free dental care if you arer unemployed or self employed - (self employed for the first year od self employment its free then as you still sign on to universal credit)

[@stephenparker6362]

Hi, Danielle and Matthew, congratulations on your great news, I'm sure you're both very excited. A really interesting video as well. Names are always a problem, I would suggest starting with a different letter to your daughter's name, so they don't both have the same initial. Do you know if it's a boy or girl? A surprise is always nice, wait until he / she arrives. Looking forward to your next video soon.

[@peckelhaze6934]

Congratulations on the new Schaefer addition. Feelng ill is bad enough but when you have to worry about paying for treatment must be terrifying and depressing. Our NHS has been through a bit of a neglected period due to certain government leaders, of late, but it is still very good. I hope, given time, this will improve. I welcome your views on our NHS in comparison to the US, it is interesting.

[@pmduk69]

What a unique souvenir to take home from the South Downs! Congratulations to you all!

[@amandalewis3898]

Our hospitals are far too warm that I agree with you on there! After recently spending time in the cardiac ward I can’t fault it the staff were so hard working but so stretched they were run ragged! My aftercare has also been spot on! Yes all appointments are sent out through the post. Some appointments are on time, some slightly over and some really over lol 😆

[@dannyhall8227]

Malcolm Uttley I see you are a troll. Did you miss hear her say they paid for it?! They paid the visa payment. But hey.

[@Jenjen-qc5eq]

Aneurin Bevan one of the greatest British politicians that ever lived, I cannot understand why we were never taught anything about the conception of the NHS during my school years. 😷🍯 UK

[@grassygnoll3345]

Because people may then realise how much opposition there was from a certain quarter and then properly look at how much of the NHS has quietly become dependent on private sector provision.

[@jachey4138]

Probably because he wasn't English.

[@BigStib]

Nothing unusual. It's because it's only just becoming "history". It was news/current affairs to my parents' generation, common knowledge to mine, but is something that needs to be taught to the next. A first sign you're getting old is when the knowledge you take for granted just in daily life becomes something they need to teach (or which starts to appear as 'difficult' questions in TV quizzes!). 🧓

[@MrCrossp]

I don’t use doctors or hospitals very often but when I do despite the wait, it’s NHS all the time. I’m not dead yet so they must be doing something right.

[@hugotaylor884]

The great thing about healthcare in the U.K. is you can get private care too and the private hospitals have access to all of the notes. I’ve had the same surgeon multiple times both like he saw me in an NHS hospital and in a BMI hospital

[@CaptureAVtube]

I am so pleased to hear about your great experiences here with the NHS. Sadly, it has been grossly underrated here until this year but it has now been recognised as the tremendous service it is. Best of luck with your pregnancy.

[@gedp7808]

I work in hospital records, your obs notes are known as "hand held notes", in our hos[ital when you give birth these notes are scanned into our in house e records system which is available for any medical specialist to view at the touch of a keyboard

[@legend9335]

Whenever I have had to wait longer to be seen is because the doctors have been called away on an emergency. The NHS tried some years ago to set up a computerised system at an enormous expense but they couldn't iron out the bugs and it was abandoned. Good luck and I am told the second is easier.

[@harrybarrow6222]

It was not the NHS that could not set it up, it was the software company they employed.

[@januzzell8631]

What wonderful news - hope all goes well

[@aaronjumani5371]

Talking as an American, America doesn't really have a healthcare system per se, but thousands of different healthcare chains, CHI, Memorial Health, Kaiser, Kelysey, etc. Each has its own approach to care along with its own pricing which when you do not have health insurance poses a potential to have lifelong debt. Thanks for the review, always great to listen to a different perspective.

[@bioux101]

Really made me feel warm and happy hearing you speak about our NHS. It's literally the one thing that makes me proud to be British.

[@robertwilson738]

Hundreds of things make me proud.

[@bioux101]

good for you. @@robertwilson738 I find being British, especially English is very embarrassing. The country that voted for Brexit and Boris Johnson. Just rubbish.

[@dannyoneill9700]

Hi Danielle, as with other comments congratulations to both of you. Nice to hear an honest non biased opinion of your experiences. Thank you also for laying to rest the xenophobic attitude of some people who believe all foreigners do not pay for treatment (health tourists). Bear in mind that as you age you will visit your doctor more and in the uk your cost will only be relative to your earnings. This will mean if you lose your job, take a lower paid job etc you will not have to worry about your familys health cover (even between jobs). I hope everything goes well for you and your growing family. I personally would prefer to wait an hour longer than to get express treatment and leave with a Bill.

[@claireemmapovey]

Aw Danielle you're rocking the bump! So glad (other than the occasional wait) that you're having a positive experience of the healthcare team around you. A lot of us (me included) moan about a lot of waiting lists, grumpy GPs, reduction in services (in recent years - the full spectrum of treatments on offer has reduced under the NHS because so many services have been cut back hard) BUT... I am so thankful for how it has provided for me and my family. I have benefited from so much free of charge since I was diagnosed a Coeliac. I have seen Rheumatologist consultants, Gastroenterologists, Dieticians...had bone scans, blood tests, free flu jabs (and constant reminders for free flu jabs!) Our family has benefited from multiple free life-saving operations, physio, psychiatric care and admissions, paediatric care... for free. It is something many of us have taken for granted. We are able to go home and heal / work through all the other hard stuff that often comes with needing care - but we don't have the financial burdens on top! X

[@DakotaCrossed]

American in the UK here, I can't go home because the cost of healthcare is so astronomical. The NHS saved my life and they were excellent, I couldn't fault them!! Not only that but I got 8 weeks paid off work (Full salary) and I didn't pay a penny for my care, drugs, and follow-up for over 3 years for zero. People think we wait ages for care it's not true. Remember when you are waiting for your appointment you know that someone ahead of you is either very sick or needs more attention. I have never had an issue waiting longer than normal for my appointment because I know that I'll get the same amount of time and attention that someone before me.

[@Sophie.S..]

The long waiting times usually only refer to A&E (4 hours+) if it's not a life threatening emergency. Usually scheduled appointments are on time or a little over. Unfortunately I had to attend hospital quite a lot last year and found that if I arrived early I was seen early and never had to wait longer than 10 minutes over. Can't speak for all hospitals but the hospital I attend has been fantastic - from the Consultants to the porters.

[@frglee]

A&E has careful systems of triage so that the more seriously injured or ill are seen first. If that means that you have to wait for a few hours for a doctor to see you, so be it. It's only fair. Not that some people think it is and will moan and moan about it. I had an operation cancelled at half an hour's notice a few years back because there had been a bad road accident locally with many people needing serious treatment in the operating theatre. So I was in a bit of discomfort, but had to wait a few more weeks. I didn't mind, really, but some would moan about that too. In my experience as well, outpatients clinics are very punctual these days. and we have a state-of the-art brand new (2019 ) NHS hospital locally, so we are are pretty lucky.

[@simonoleary9264]

The baby "Red Book" is a great thing and you never have to give it back 🙂. My daughter turned 18 last November and we've still got hers.

[@barriewright2857]

Thank you for explaining how the NHS works,from a UK citizen . And you have explained most of it regarding antenatal correctly, my experience is second hand in regards to someone with a ongoing heart and vascular condition, but you have explained correctly especially the notes section. So basically the US, and the UK generally work but the US medical system needs changing in the way people can access it.

[@darrenkerr6355]

Really nice video to watch and the lady presenting this has a wonderful and engaging charm. I have used hospitals in the USA and the UK and both were great. Different systems for paying but first class professional care in both countries.

[@AutoAlligator]

Having a baby is stressful enough without bills. Congratulations btw! :D

[@garibaldi54]

Just imagine what its like having cancer and worrying about the cost of treatment.

[@patriciaburke6639]

Congratulations on your pregnancy and thanks for sharing your positive thoughts in regard of your ‘NHS Experience’ so far. It’s not perfect and as you say it is not ‘Free’ in the true sense of the word, but, it’s the next best thing. It’s largely funded from general taxation, with a small amount being contributed by National Insurance payments and from other fees. However, considering how some of our taxes are spent, or wasted, the NHS is good value for money, as we are looked after, from the cradle to the grave as they say. You said that during your appointments you didn’t feel rushed and that you had informed discussions with those seeing you. Taking this into account, if other patients are receiving the same attention, especially those with more serious cases, we have to make allowances for when appointment times overrun. I hope you continue to give us regular updates as your pregnancy advances and your exposure to the NHS increases.

[@mairiconnell6282]

My last appointment with my Doctor was over an hour. He was so interested in the whole approach to my challenges.

[@harrybarrow6222]

I lived and worked in the USA for 14 years, so I know both healthcare systems. I believe that illness is not a luxury for the rich, but a misfortune for everyone. Humanity has been a very successful species in large part because we look after each other in times of adversity. So it seems right to have a system that supports us freely when we are ill and which we all support when we are healthy. Moreover, those who have plenty of money should continue more (I.e. via a progressive tax system) to its support. The NHS saved my life last year, and of course did not send me a bill for doing so. I am extremely happy to be back in the UK, the land of the NHS, particularly during a global pandemic.

[@lenraby5920]

Your baby just won the lottery of life, being born British 😊🇬🇧, seriously though congratulations and stay safe.

[@electricinca]

Congratulations to you and Matthew, I'm happy for you both. Whilst the NHS might have flaws (mostly due to underfunding) I feel that it does care of pregnancy particularly well. In my wife's experience it is especially good when you have existing medical conditions that complicate things.

[@Rooshii]

Totally agree! Especially with your last sentence :)

[@enkisdaughter4795]

I’ve worked in the NHS and have multiple medical conditions, so know both sides of the story. The problem with the funding of the NHS is not the medical side, it’s the management side; the NHS has far more managers than it needs (you could get rid of two-thirds of them and not actually miss them) and the salaries they receive is eye watering.

[@MetalRocksMe.]

Congratulations on your bump hope all is well.

[@MrsTabby1963]

A very fair review, Danielle. I have been lucky enough to be a very healthy UK citizen and haven't been to see a GP for years, but recently experienced the NHS when I had a procedure as a day patient. Wow, I was impressed from start to finish. Not what I expected after the relentless negative stories churned out in the press. The staff are committed, kind and efficient. The equipment was state of the art and pristine, as was the hospital generally. I sent a thank you card afterward. Yes, our NHS is very special, free (but patients pay for it with our own taxes) at the point of use means you do not have the fear or worry about paying. The USA system is fine if you have adequate health insurance but seems very expensive overall.

[@debbielough7754]

Congratulations! I've never thought that the care for those who have it is any less than excellent in the US. (I'm English.) The two systems are absolutely on a par in terms of the actual clinical treatment - although the US government spends more per head than ours does. The real difference comes into play in what you do if you can't afford a big bill. Here, you get treated, and you don't worry, because there isn't one. Even if you don't pay tax, for whatever reason. In the US, as you say, you get treated, but then how to pay that bill. Incidentally - sometimes with the NHS, sliding appointment times can be a good sign. It often means your consultants / doctors are talking to each patient and making sure their needs are met, and treating that as more important than strictly keeping to appointment lengths.

[@fionagregory9376]

I had a C section because baby was breech. It was great and much less painful than a normal birth would have been. NHS thanks.

[@aucourant9998]

In my Health Centre, we re-schedule appointments straight away and later communication (reminders etc) are done by mobile phone texts or they will call me directly. Also, I've never had to wait more than 30 minutes beyond my appointment time (it is usually 10 to 15 mins). So I suppose it depends on what part of the country you live in.

[@picklesg4567]

The NHS kept my mum alive with incurable cancer for 17 years. She received every single new drug or treatment available. At one point the cancer spread to the lining of her brain but because she was scanned so often and the NHS were so on top of it, she received treatment on this quickly and got 5 more years than she was predicted to have. The facilities at many hospitals are incredible. Joined to the amazing NHS cancer hospital my mum attended was a beautifully designed wellness centre with floor to ceiling windows and serene decor - here, patients could have everything from Mental health support, specialised cancer friendly massages, pedicures, wigs fitted to thai chi and yoga classes. Sometimes I think people in the US think of overcrowded hospitals falling apart at the seems - something I haven't ever experienced. Also, I've never had a problem getting appointments or being seen. Also, they would literally never let someone "die in the waiting room" 😂😂 priority cases are of course seen sooner. For example, if one person had a suspected broken arm and other had suspected appendicitis - the person with appendicitis will be seen first.

[@meeds7473]

I feel like you're going to love the 'red book' the NHS gives you

[@SchaeferFamilyAdventure]

Based on what we've heard, we are going to love it!

[@budd2nd]

Oh do they still give those books out? Brilliant 👍👍 I had my kids 24 years ago.

[@thamesironworkers36]

Yes I had my son 8 years. And the red book is a wonderful thing to have.

[@lottejohnson250]

I'm 21 and I have loved looking back through my Red Book :) it was awesome for my mum at the time too from what she's told me!

[@johnstrelley3917]

@@budd2nd I still have mine, its blue and 33 years old. We have 2 of our own red books now :)

[@WalesTheTrueBritons]

Founded by a Welshman! Aneurin Bevan, aka, Nye Bevan.

[@ElizzarTheMad]

Founded at the hospital I was born at - Park Hospital, now known as Trafford General :)

[@canihavesome2591]

Congratulatios to you all.

[@charlottehickles4731]

The paper medical notes are just for pregnancy and just after the first 2 weeks of baby life, then your given a red book where they chart baby and add some notes on the development. Had my baby number 2 April last year. Congratulations on the newest addition.

[@apjhdee]

Congratulations to you both, lovely news, your own little Brit ha x

[@frglee]

And if you stay here a few years and your kids go to Nursery and Primary Schools, they'll get a nice British accent too.

[@ianwalker6546]

US Citizenship + British accent = guaranteed part in a teen drama serial!

[@Saranon]

Sadly no, we do not have birthright citizenship in the UK. To be a British national one of the parents must be a British citizen. There are also grandfather rights with some countries citizens as well however these tend to be commonwealth countries! Of course if the parents have become or do become UK citizens that does change things!

[@amandalewis3898]

Congratulations on your pregnancy 🤰 I’ll have a think about names ❤️💙

[@vijay-c]

I'm unfortunately a very large user of hospitals, and my wife is also currently pregnant - the main difference between care for people like me with chronic conditions & pregnancy care is those notes. All my notes are on the system for the neurologist. Her notes are like yours, in a folder that we carry around. As first time parents to be, I've got a second little file & notepad for all the huge amount of antenatal information that I've put in the pouch that we were given to carry the pregnancy notes in so we'll have it all on-hand when we need it too!

[@fionagregory8078]

I am British and had a c section and it was great. No cost and very efficient.

[@jimbob5b200]

God bless the N.H.S they sent me home with a broken collar bone once ! But they saved my (then) new born sons life so I love them so much xxxx

[@I4Active]

Congratulations 😀🍾

[@wilmaknickersfit]

Congratulations Danielle! I always find hospitals far too hot as well. The thing about getting your next appointment through the post is probably down to your hospital. I go to two hospitals that are in different cities and with one my next appointment is booked there and then, but in the other it comes through the post. Being able keep your notes with you is specific to maternity services, although after the baby is born he/she will have their own little book (it's lovely) which is used to note when they do something for the first time and other good milestones. That helps you and health professionals follow the baby's progress. If you have to go to the hospital for any other reason, then you'll have a folder for paper notes and this will be used by any kind of doctor/health professionals you see. This is where the size of the NHS is a problem because you have one notes folder for every NHS Trust you go to and there is usually more than one hospital in a Trust, so your notes can be passed around within a Trust if you need to attend more than one hospital ( e.g. You see a doctor at one hospital, but have scans at another). But if like me you see doctors in more than one Trust, the doctors can request your notes from the other Trust but more often than not, the doctors will rely on the patient to keep them informed about their treatment from the other Trust. Of course each Trust uses IT for patient information, but unless it's changed recently Trusts cannot share patient information. Some things like scans, x-rays, etc. are shared now though!

[@matthias2756]

Got misdiagnosed in the US, they told me I had allergies when it was actually bronchitis. Suffered for 2 months Also, on a spectate occasion, I needed an MRI, but the copay was several thousand dollars so I waited 6 months and got it for free back in the U.K.

[@infantmortality1134]

classic

[@johnwilletts3984]

Never apologise for sharing your experience of the NHS. It is a much loved and respected public service here. But you would do the NHS a disservice by being less than honest in reporting your experiences.

[@peterchapman4729]

Congratulations you two. The baby is lucky to have such fab parents. I'm with you on the hospitals being way too warm, almost the ideal temperature to spread germs but most of the patients are elderly and need the heat I guess. Everyone means well in the NHS but it is badly managed and inefficient. Shame because most of the front end staff do the best they can

[@karlbassett8485]

Re the medical records, in the UK you can register with your GP to get online services, where you can access your entire medical record online, including all your GPs notes.

[@xxapplestrudlexx]

Congratulations!

[@TheAzguardThor]

Congratulations.

[@TheOnlyAnonymous]

The thing is, our National Health Service is AMAZING and there is no getting away from that fact! The part that I severely disagree with are those that use the service, when, they either don't need it or could have avoided the need for the use of it in the first place. -- To be more specific for you; • You usually can't have breast implants on the NHS but the way of getting around that is to say that it is causing you anxiety, then for some reason, you get it for free at our cost! • At least 95% of all abortions carried out in the UK are done so with public money, yet all contraception in the UK is also handed out for free and yet the IUD is the most common form of contraception for women under the age of 30 (and that costs $1,300)... Do you get that at all?! • If you go into any hospitals A&E within the UK then there will be many people under the influence of drink and/or drugs, of whom are in A&E as a direct result of them consuming these incapacitants. • Diseases caused by excessive consumption of drink, drugs, or alcohol are also treated under the NHS, all of these scenarios have something in common. They're no one else's fault but your own! What I am saying is that if you are using the services of the NHS for something that you could have avoided then that's unfortunate but you're clearly making bad decisions in life and need a reality check. And I know that sounds harsh but it's true. -- Don't get me wrong, the NHS is phenomenal and everyone in the UK takes it for granted. But when people like me who have diseases (like Cancer) through no fault of their own, then I have a problem when our NHS is being used and abused repeatedly by those who aren't as responsible. If you were charged for the aforementioned scenarios then hopefully more people would become more responsible and take accountability for their own actions. It boils my piss when I see drunks and drug users getting carted off in ambulances, when I needed one when I had Sepsis it didn't arrive at all, we had to make our own way to the hospital for me to be placed into an isolation unit after it was confirmed that it was Neutropenic Sepsis that I ended up having. Of a weekend you'll see loads of ambulances most likely going to pick up someone elses drunken mess, I don't think the NHS deserves that. And it's ridiculous that people out there are saying that our new Prime Minister Boris Johnson is going to fully privatise the NHS is ridiculous. He knows that this system is phenomenal and he damn well knows that if he takes it away then people will not only turn on him but also on the Conservative party forever (and potentially cause mass riots).

[@davidsmith8376]

Another interesting video from the Schaefer family. Just to say (as an NHS health professional) your notes are almost certainly kept online even though you got a paper copy.

[@harrybarrow6222]

In the UK, if you opt for private healthcare and you develop a serious (or expensive) problem, private will pass you over to the NHS which has more resources and more specialists. From my time in the USA, I recall that insurers would not cover any “pre-existing conditions”. So, if you develop a chronic condition you are screwed and can’t switch insurers.

[@tazsworld9693]

I am american liveing in Australia and have done so for many years the Medicare system here is good, anytime I have had medical problems no problem go see the gp, a year or so ago I almost sight in my right eye if not for Medicare, note to Americans health care for all will not bring the end of America or something like a communist Stalinist state

[@gaylesmith5690]

I Wish you so well with your pregnancy 😊. I genuinely think we have the best of all pregnancy and post pregnancy care. Just wait til you get your daily home visits after the birth 😍

[@jennyfayeuk7342]

Congratulations 🙊🤰🤱that's great.. And I guessed right xx