My Dear Breasties,
It’s been quite a while since I last posted, and I plan to update you on my treatment “journey” in a separate post. But for now, I’d like to discuss a subject that I find very preoccupying.
I’ve always embraced a laid-back lifestyle, valuing the sweet art of doing nothing and relishing long siestas, even amid the turmoil of “battling” cancer. However, today, I wish to address a topic that’s been heavy on my mind, and I feel compelled to share it with you.
• The Impacts of NHS Privatisation:
Access to medical care through a public health system, in my eyes, isn’t just a fundamental human right but also a marker of social and economic progress. In truly democratic societies, these rights should be safeguarded and funded by the government, rather than diverting resources to, say, military advancements. The neglect of this leads to stark inequalities and preventable distress.
The shift towards privatisation, from my perspective, means healthcare becomes a commodity for those who can afford it, neglecting those in dire need. It’s disheartening to witness people accepting the notion that there’s no alternative as if it’s an absolute truth, rather than a deliberate political and commercial choice. We must urge our government to commit to preserving and adequately funding the NHS—our lives depend on it.
• The Patient treatment by Health Professionals:
Inspired by Nanni Moretti’s “Caro Diario” and its poignant commentary on the patient-doctor relationship, I can’t help but agree with the film’s closing remark: “Doctors are good at talking, but not at listening.”
As a cancer patient, my condition doesn’t strip me of the ability to comprehend what’s happening in my life. This disease is occurring within my own body, that is myself, and I refuse to be dispossessed of my autonomy by healthcare professionals who fail to listen and communicate effectively about my condition and treatment options.
It baffles me that empathy is so hard to come by when dealing with someone enduring a significant life event such as illness and suffering—an event we will all inevitably face.
• The Challenges of Bias and Accessibility in Healthcare:
The points on gaslighting, stigmatisation, and barriers to care for specific patient groups speak volumes without further elaboration.
• Societal Views on Cancer and Narrative Framing:
I find the militant vocabulary surrounding cancer narratives unsettling. I’m not a soldier in combat against a disease; I’m a person navigating through the facets of the human condition, which includes illness, suffering and mortality. It’s not about bravery—it’s about the reality of human existence.
The tales of battle only seem to comfort the healthy, painting us as abnormal and them as untouched by the affliction of these ‘brave and terrified warriors’.
I wonder if any of these thoughts resonate with your experiences or concerns, or if they align with what you consider part of a potential solution. I’m eager to engage in this conversation with you all.
Hi WildBreast
I'm just 'bumping' your post back to the top of the discussion list for anyone who hasn't seen it yet.
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Hi WildBreast
I can only speak from experience, that for me, I haven't found treatment via the NHS has been any issue whatsoever. I had BUPA provided by my employer for 23 years and never used it.
At 17 I had a major road accident, had over a dozen operations over 2 years and several months in hospital. I took up horse riding, got bucked off once and broke a vertebrae. I've had breast cancer and due to the injuries to my leg from the road accident, I still see specialists and my local doctor/nurse about once a month. NEVER have I once had an issue with not being private.
I do think that a lot of people abuse the accident and emergency department of our NHS hospitals. Instead of making appointments at their doctors, they go to A&E, when actually it could not be described as an emergency, but could happily wait a couple of days before seeing their doctor or ringing for an emergency appointment with their doctors. That puts pressure on the A&E depts. that could be used for genuine emergencies. In a way, the long waits in A&E are actually a benefit, because it could perhaps prevent more people doing this.
The last time I was having an outpatient appointment, they requested my details to confirm that I was a UK resident as they now do charge non UK residents (other than Ukranian nationals), which is good progress.
When you think that when we go abroad we need to ensure we have travel insurance for medical purposes, this speaks volumes for being in the UK and I don't feel that any one voter, whatever political persuasion will ever allow the NHS to disappear on us.
During my many treatments, yes, I've had medical staff who don't listen to me, Now I am older, I have learned to stand up for myself. My injuries from my road accident being the most relevant. If I get someone who doesn't listen to what I say, I tell them that I have lived with this for 41 years, so I know what's normal for me, better than anyone. My doctor and nurse are particularly good and always accept what I'm saying as 'gospel' due to the issues I had with one nurse at the hospital who didn't listen about 20 years ago and caused me significant issues; by using a dressing that burned all the scar tissue from my shin - she would not listen when I told her it was burning- as a result I got MRSA and now it's significantly weaker - and one day, I will lose that leg as the infections get worse and worse. However, going back to the first privatisation point, I spent several months during the last year going to a specialist hospital to discuss having muscle and skin grafts where they were offering to carry out an operation to 'sort it all out' but it would be a whole day in surgery, with a risk of losing my foot and muscle being removed from my good leg, so I decided against it. But, again - no issues with being offered this treatment.
So, I think maybe the ones who don't listen are just the ones that are remembered/highlighted. She's the only one I've ever come across really. You always get 'one bad apple' in any job, I guess.
I have been a smoker since I was 13 and never, ever have I once been told that this would affect my treatment. I am always very honest when I fill in the forms about being a smoker as it is asked on all the NHS forms I fill in. (at 17, we were allowed to smoke in the hospital [incredible to think we did that!] and the nurses would come to my room for their ciggy breaks - I had a separate room due to my injuries and having been discharged from ICU). I get asked by my doctors every now and again if I want support to give up, but that's it. Never am I made to feel that I am 'at fault' for smoking or that it will affect any decisions they make for me.
Only a couple of your points you've raised here, but this is my 'tuppance worth' with regards to NHS and its future.
Hello everyone
I'm Steph from the Community team, I hope you don't mind me popping in here to offer some further information for anyone worried about NHS cancer care or looking for advocacy groups.
Macmillan feel that everyone should get the very best cancer care and treatment, no matter what. If you’re worried about the care you’re receiving, or feel you’re being treated unfairly, we can help. Please do take a look at our Raising Your Voice Toolkit, which includes information on understanding your rights as an NHS patient and empowering ways to drive change including getting involved with Macmillan campaigns.
The NHS Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) are also there to help resolve concerns or problems you’re experiencing with the NHS. You can find out more on the link, or ask an NHS Professional for the contact details of your hospital PALS department.
Here are some further links to existing patient advocacy organisations and useful information:
VoiceAbility – NHS Complaints Advocacy
NHS – information on patient, carer, charity and citizen networks
If you would like any further support from Macmillan, our Support Line teams are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat.
I hope this is helpful for anyone looking for help with advocacy or getting involved in campaigning.
Kind Regards
