Reply #39: I quizzed my Uncle in Wales about the NHS:

[patsimae]

Here is the e mail he sent me, answering all my questions:

Hi Pat,
Re your questions about the NHS - a few answers below - but Im no expert.


Is there really a long waiting list for elective surgery (say hip and knee replacements, etc.)

It seems to vary with where you live ( each area has its own NHS Trust that decides how funding is used) - Generally I think its about 3 to 12 months

Can you get private insurance to eliminate the need to go on the waiting list for your elective procedure?

Private Ins is widely available - I am enclosing a newspaper ad. with Jacks funeral program ( By airmail) with various costs. You can 'supplement' NHS with private insurance at a lower cost - eg routine illness covered by NHS and more urgent by Insurance

If so, is the private insurance really expensive? see above

Is there a shortage of specialists, which contributes to the waiting time?
To the best of my knowledge there is not a shortage eg. When I had a heart problem - referral and treatment was immediate

Does the NHS cover preventitive screening such as colonoscopies, etc.?
Preventative screening has recently been given a priority and is now fairly common

The vast majority of people are in favour if the NHS and regard it as one of the better elements of our social service