Considering moving from France to the UK mid treatment.

Hi trynab_stoical . The NHS has had some bad press and some delays, but in general, not many people can complain of the treatment they have had. Personally, my treatment has been great although the admin and communication could be improved. Manchester has one of the top cancer hospitals in the country. There are occasional reports of BCG shortages but not seen any lately. I hope your move goes smoothly. Best wishes.

Hello trynab_stoical, I have been having treatment for Bladder Cancer for the last five years through my local NHS hospitals, thirty miles north of Manchester. My treatment has been first class with minimal delays even during the Covid pandemic. I have finished a course of BCG instillations  recently and  I am due to start a maintenance programme of 3 BCG instillations this week.Absolutely no BCG shortage issue as far as my treatment is concerned. The famous Christie’s Hospital is in Manchester which may be allocated to you. Good luck Garviv

How does it work if you are living in France and paying into their health system as far as I am aware it’s only free care at the point of use if you can demonstrate entitlement by paying into the system here. I don’t think the French would give me free care. From my perspective the nhs is not on its knees. I had to pay into the nhs for 50 years and I have always received excellent care

That's encouraging, thank you

And best of luck with the bcg, I've had 21 installations so far. The side effects can be quite grim

Sorry, don't know the technicalities, but I can report that cancer care here is free for French residents, which I am. Sincerely glad to hear the NHS is not on its knees. There are a lot of ex pats out here, angry about Brexit I think, who insist Britain is falling to bits.

Hi trynab_stoical, just want to wish you the very best. I am just outside manchester and like Garviv happy with my care so far, its been excellent and a really good urology unit.

much love to you Angela x

aw thank you Angela. And I'm glad you're happy with your care x

Hi trynab_stoical,

My name is Dylan and I work in the Online Community team here at Macmillan.

I just wanted to add to the discussion briefly. Im not sure if you are aware of the Macmillan Support Line and that they contactable from oversees.. You could speak to one of our cancer information nurses or a support advisor. Our support team are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat.

If you're calling from outside of the UK you can contact the Support Line on +44 207 091 2230. 

I hope you can get some helpful information that makes the your decision of moving or not a little easier. 

Thank you Dylan, I will do that