The TPU UK Clubhouse

[AusWolf]

the nurse practitioners in America, the ones I mentioned you can go to any time of day at CVS or Walgreens, I actually had an ear problem once, and the NP had an awesome little machine, she put it in my ear and cleaned out ALL not just some but ALL of the wax in my ear. it was insane and I felt so much better after. really awesome little machine. no wait times.

so this is good to about NP in your country, so now the next step is to equip them better, and get more of them, and maybe filter them out to stores like America has done. there is always a small medical area in the back of CVS or Walgreens, where the NP has their own office, etc. its a brilliant design and offloads lot of the strain on regular hospital systems.

@kurosagi01 I did not know this. Well, lets hope the NHS survives. Obamacare stopped that practice, insurance companies have to cover you in America even if you have pre-existing conditions. That was single handed Obama's doing and a very good policy indeed. Obamacare would have been a massive success if the Public Option was passed with it to balance out the greed of the private industry. Really a shame it didn't get passed with it, because America would probably be the gold standard in healthcare vs the rest of the world, instead of the other way around.

In my opinion, instead of increasing National Insurance deductions to cover expenses of the NHS, maybe doctors' salaries should be cut in half. Why does a simple GP earn £100k a year when a nurse gets about 1/5 of that? Maybe £50k for a doctor is enough, and a nurse should earn £30k instead of just 20. That would incentivise nurses to stay in the business and others to learn the profession and join the NHS. It would also incentivise doctors to actually care, as the whole point of not making people earn more than they should is to keep them in line and make them work more for more money. If I had £100k a year, of course I wouldn't give a f*** about my job security, either, because my savings would be massive. I could afford to only work whenever I wanted to.

As for Obamacare, I had an American girlfriend at the time it was passed. She told me that Obamacare basically favoured those who could afford it, but created more people who couldn't - including her family who had insurance before Obamacare, but couldn't afford it after. She explained how it works, but I can't remember. All that glitters is not gold, I guess.

 

[Space Lynx]

In my opinion, instead of increasing National Insurance deductions to cover expenses of the NHS, maybe doctors' salaries should be cut in half. Why does a simple GP earn £100k a year when a nurse gets about 1/5 of that? Maybe £50k for a doctor is enough, and a nurse should earn £30k instead of just 20. That would incentivise nurses to stay in the business and others to learn the profession and join the NHS. It would also incentivise doctors to actually care, as the whole point of not making people earn more than they should is to keep them in line and make them work more for more money. If I had £100k a year, of course I wouldn't give a f*** about my job security, either, because my savings would be massive. I could afford to only work whenever I wanted to.

As for Obamacare, I had an American girlfriend at the time it was passed. She told me that Obamacare basically favoured those who could afford it, but created more people who couldn't - including her family who had insurance before Obamacare, but couldn't afford it after. She explained how it works, but I can't remember. All that glitters is not gold, I guess.

yep, your gf was correct, the public option would have fixed that though (because if the private sector continued to be a dick on price, you could simply go to public option which would go based off your income). sadly it will never happen, America is too broken. if it wasn't for NP's having such a diverse amount of equipment, no wait time, daily availability, cheap cost even without insurance, etc my quality of life would be quite horrible, but NP's here are basically Doctors, no wait time, etc. that is really the secret sauce of America, CVS/Walgreens.

Finland/New Zealand/Norway are the only places I have seen universal healthcare work really well. They all have something in common, lower population, which makes it easier for everyone to get on the same page I expect.

 

[the54thvoid]

The NHS is overburdened by conditions we tend to self-inflict. And although that statement is a gross simplification, the crux is that since its inception, the population has become far less active, and consumes a diet high in sugars, and processed ingredients.

I won't blame individuals for their choices, because it's not that simple when you consider the considerable psychological weight that marketing has when pushing unhealthy lifestyle options.

If nobody smoked, drank alcohol, or over-consumed, and we all had active daily lives, there would be zero stress on the NHS. But frankly, I'd consider such a world to be profoundly bland and soulless.

But, we ought to try a little.

 

[AusWolf]

The NHS is overburdened by conditions we tend to self-inflict. And although that statement is a gross simplification, the crux is that since its inception, the population has become far less active, and consumes a diet high in sugars, and processed ingredients.

I won't blame individuals for their choices, because it's not that simple when you consider the considerable psychological weight that marketing has when pushing unhealthy lifestyle options.

If nobody smoked, drank alcohol, or over-consumed, and we all had active daily lives, there would be zero stress on the NHS. But frankly, I'd consider such a world to be profoundly bland and soulless.

But, we ought to try a little.

I think the food is far better here than in some other places around the world. Look at this for example:

As for a a completely healthy and active lifestyle, it's just not possible in today's world. Sure, everybody should visit the gym, or go for a walk, or do home exercises or whatever, but who has time and energy for that with a fulltime job? Some countries are experimenting with adopting a 4-day work week for better life-work balance, which is what we should do if we consider ourselves even mildly progressive. There's lots of political activism, equal rights, celebrate this and celebrate that, and all that communist crap all around the western world, but there's very little being done for the actual wellbeing of people.

We've got our priorities wrong, that's the problem.

 

[Tatty_Two]

In my opinion, instead of increasing National Insurance deductions to cover expenses of the NHS, maybe doctors' salaries should be cut in half. Why does a simple GP earn £100k a year when a nurse gets about 1/5 of that? Maybe £50k for a doctor is enough, and a nurse should earn £30k instead of just 20. That would incentivise nurses to stay in the business and others to learn the profession and join the NHS. It would also incentivise doctors to actually care, as the whole point of not making people earn more than they should is to keep them in line and make them work more for more money. If I had £100k a year, of course I wouldn't give a f*** about my job security, either, because my savings would be massive. I could afford to only work whenever I wanted to.

As for Obamacare, I had an American girlfriend at the time it was passed. She told me that Obamacare basically favoured those who could afford it, but created more people who couldn't - including her family who had insurance before Obamacare, but couldn't afford it after. She explained how it works, but I can't remember. All that glitters is not gold, I guess.

A simple GP? Unlike outside of general practice where most other doctors specialise (many without further training as much is experience based over significant time) these outside of general practice opt to go for example into emergency care as a junior doctor then over time if they are good they might promote to Registrar and then later on in their career if they are really good make Consultant. A GP does the same 8 year training, maybe goes into emergency care, becomes a registrar but then at some point decides to go into general practice and then usually has a further period of formal and on the job training totalling between 10 and 12 years of training to become a GP because they have to have a much broader knowledge than a specialist which is why they get paid what they do which is often more than a registrar but a little less than a consultant.

There are hundreds of variations to what I have put in my example but it's the general way things work ...... or not as the case may be

 

[AusWolf]

A simple GP? Unlike outside of general practice where most other doctors specialise (many without further training as much is experience based over significant time) these outside of general practice opt to go for example into emergency care as a junior doctor then over time if they are good they might promote to Registrar and then later on in their career if they are really good make Consultant. A GP does the same 8 year training, maybe goes into emergency care, becomes a registrar but then at some point decides to go into general practice and then usually has a further period of formal and on the job training totalling between 10 and 12 years of training to become a GP because they have to have a much broader knowledge than a specialist which is why they get paid what they do which is often more than a registrar but a little less than a consultant.

Interesting. All I've seen them do so far is write prescriptions for paracetamol and antibiotics, or refer you to a specialist. Even I could do that with no training.

 

[Tatty_Two]

Interesting. All I've seen them do so far is write prescriptions for paracetamol and antibiotics, or refer you to a specialist. Even I could do that with no training.

Possibly because you are younger and maybe have less contact with them, my example would be that my oldest daughter at the age of 20 had what she thought was gastroenteritis and went to see her doctor for a prescription, he thought it was more serious than that and arranged a scan, she was diagnosed with cancer ......... she is fine now but went through surgery and radiotherapy.

 

[AusWolf]

Possibly because you are younger and maybe have less contact with them, my example would be that my oldest daughter at the age of 20 had what she thought was gastroenteritis and went to see her doctor for a prescription, he thought it was more serious than that and arranged a scan, she was diagnosed with cancer ......... she is fine now but went through surgery and radiotherapy.

Fair enough. I'm glad she's fine now.

 

[Tatty_Two]

Fair enough. I'm glad she's fine now.

However, in support of your earlier comment, my daughters situation was back in 2006/7, I sadly don't necessarily think she would have been so lucky today after a decade of decline across the NHS and social care, at my local practice the time it takes to actually sit in front of a GP with your 10 minute time slot does not encourage me.

 

[kurosagi01]

I think the food is far better here than in some other places around the world. Look at this for example:

As for a a completely healthy and active lifestyle, it's just not possible in today's world. Sure, everybody should visit the gym, or go for a walk, or do home exercises or whatever, but who has time and energy for that with a fulltime job? Some countries are experimenting with adopting a 4-day work week for better life-work balance, which is what we should do if we consider ourselves even mildly progressive. There's lots of political activism, equal rights, celebrate this and celebrate that, and all that communist crap all around the western world, but there's very little being done for the actual wellbeing of people.

We've got our priorities wrong, that's the problem.

I know this won't apply to everyone but,from my experience WFH, I've had so much free time to be able to finish the work I need to do,attend all the digital meetings and interact with colleagues when needed. I can easily fit in training and do other chores.
For me if companies were flexible but still get paid by the hour, even if you complete your assigned work. You should get paid as normal but if you're not needed for anything then they should let you do what you "want" but still be available to work/help when required.

 

[Space Lynx]

The NHS is overburdened by conditions we tend to self-inflict. And although that statement is a gross simplification, the crux is that since its inception, the population has become far less active, and consumes a diet high in sugars, and processed ingredients.

I won't blame individuals for their choices, because it's not that simple when you consider the considerable psychological weight that marketing has when pushing unhealthy lifestyle options.

If nobody smoked, drank alcohol, or over-consumed, and we all had active daily lives, there would be zero stress on the NHS. But frankly, I'd consider such a world to be profoundly bland and soulless.

But, we ought to try a little.

It's funny you say this, because I actually have gained 9.5 kilograms since being home in America (4 months ago). I was actually telling my fiance I can't wait to return to England with her, because we were walking every day when she got off work in nearby little forest. I lost a lot of weight in England, I was eating cleaner thanks to Sainsbury having excellent easy to cook meals, etc. Also, me and her drink a lot of Evian water, since it is also quite cheap at Sainsburys. It encourages us to drink more water, we only had alcohol I think two nights out of my several month stay. I definitely think Ireland and UK both have a weird pub/alcohol problem though, I suppose that is fairly common in the world, but none of my friends have ever really been interested in alcohol (which I am thankful for because it saves me a lot of money).

Interesting. All I've seen them do so far is write prescriptions for paracetamol and antibiotics, or refer you to a specialist. Even I could do that with no training.

this is why CVS/Walgreens in every single town in USA is amazing, with no wait times, is such a huge strain relief on America's doctors, because Doctors shouldn't be wasting their time with easily identifiable and fixable things like this. UK needs to make it easier to become a NP and expand locations for them to work in that easily accessible to people.

Possibly because you are younger and maybe have less contact with them, my example would be that my oldest daughter at the age of 20 had what she thought was gastroenteritis and went to see her doctor for a prescription, he thought it was more serious than that and arranged a scan, she was diagnosed with cancer ......... she is fine now but went through surgery and radiotherapy.

if a NP can't locate the exact problem, like if there is no infection in your throat or ear that is visible, then they would still refer to a Doctor, its just an extra filter to relieve strain. --- I know you weren't saying anything against it, just throwing it out there. glad your daughter is ok now

However, in support of your earlier comment, my daughters situation was back in 2006/7, I sadly don't necessarily think she would have been so lucky today after a decade of decline across the NHS and social care, at my local practice the time it takes to actually sit in front of a GP with your 10 minute time slot does not encourage me.

yep exactly, and that strain means doctors will miss things. we need to alleviate that strain, and I think my idea is a good one. it seems to work for America. I have friends that go to nursing school, and they can finish in 3 years under "accelerated nursing program" then after being an RN for two years, they can go back to school for 1 year and get NP Master's degree, they need to make that accelerated timeline a reality in UK. NP's make good money in America, its a pretty solid plan. I think you should raise medicine from 9 quid 30 day supply to 15 quid, and make NP and RN degrees free and raise their wages and give them more power, it does seem to work for America, honestly it is so comforting knowing I can go pay $80 any time of day any day of the week and go see a NP in a medical urgent situation or for antibiotics.

I know this won't apply to everyone but,from my experience WFH, I've had so much free time to be able to finish the work I need to do,attend all the digital meetings and interact with colleagues when needed. I can easily fit in training and do other chores.
For me if companies were flexible but still get paid by the hour, even if you complete your assigned work. You should get paid as normal but if you're not needed for anything then they should let you do what you "want" but still be available to work/help when required.

I think it does depend what type of work you do too, I know my fiance worked from home and her job was stress free mostly, we had no issues walking every day, taking 3-4 day weekends and renting a car to sight see, it was honestly the most happy I have ever been in life. the UK offering a tax incentive to companies to work from home for their employees is genius and needs to happen everywhere. it would be good for everyone, for the jobs that can do it anyway.

 

[AusWolf]

I know this won't apply to everyone but,from my experience WFH, I've had so much free time to be able to finish the work I need to do,attend all the digital meetings and interact with colleagues when needed. I can easily fit in training and do other chores.
For me if companies were flexible but still get paid by the hour, even if you complete your assigned work. You should get paid as normal but if you're not needed for anything then they should let you do what you "want" but still be available to work/help when required.

I agree. Although unfortunately, most workplaces (including mine) are built around the ancient belief that an employee must always be busy, even when there is no work to be done, which I think is extremely stupid.

this is why CVS/Walgreens in every single town in USA is amazing, with no wait times, is such a huge strain relief on America's doctors, because Doctors shouldn't be wasting their time with easily identifiable and fixable things like this. UK needs to make it easier to become a NP and expand locations for them to work in that easily accessible to people.


if a NP can't locate the exact problem, like if there is no infection in your throat or ear that is visible, then they would still refer to a Doctor, its just an extra filter to relieve strain. --- I know you weren't saying anything against it, just throwing it out there. glad your daughter is ok now



yep exactly, and that strain means doctors will miss things. we need to alleviate that strain, and I think my idea is a good one. it seems to work for America. I have friends that go to nursing school, and they can finish in 3 years under "accelerated nursing program" then after being an RN for two years, they can go back to school for 1 year and get NP Master's degree, they need to make that accelerated timeline a reality in UK. NP's make good money in America, its a pretty solid plan. I think you should raise medicine from 9 quid 30 day supply to 15 quid, and make NP and RN degrees free and raise their wages and give them more power, it does seem to work for America, honestly it is so comforting knowing I can go pay $80 any time of day any day of the week and go see a NP in a medical urgent situation or for antibiotics.

First, you need to incentivise people to become nurses. It doesn't work when a night shift warehouse worker earns more than a nurse.

I think it does depend what type of work you do too, I know my fiance worked from home and her job was stress free mostly, we had no issues walking every day, taking 3-4 day weekends and renting a car to sight see, it was honestly the most happy I have ever been in life. the UK offering a tax incentive to companies to work from home for their employees is genius and needs to happen everywhere. it would be good for everyone, for the jobs that can do it anyway.

Absolutely. But the majority of people, that is, blue collar workers typically work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. Most of them work in rotational shifts as well, that is, one week early morning starts, next week afternoon 'till night and then back again. This is the other extremely stupid and pointless invention of the modern world. Why can't people just work one shift?

 

[Space Lynx]

I agree. Although unfortunately, most workplaces (including mine) are built around the ancient belief that an employee must always be busy, even when there is no work to be done, which I think is extremely stupid.


First, you need to incentivise people to become nurses. It doesn't work when I, as a night shift warehouse trainer earn more than a nurse.


Absolutely. But the majority of people, that is, blue collar workers typically work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. Most of them work in rotational shifts as well, that is, one week early morning starts, next week afternoon 'till night and then back again. This is the other extremely stupid and pointless invention of the modern world. Why can't people just work one shift?

I already mentioned how to incentivize it. I think most people would be ok with paying more than 9 quid for medicines (as long as it wasn't a dramatic increase, and it was promised 100% transparency that that money would 100% in full go to the fund that increases nurse pay and allow people to major in nursing for free if they hold UK Citizenship) but both sides of the government are too incompetent to ever explain something like this clearly to the public, so they will continue to run and flail and watch everything burn

yes I agree swing shifts are dumb as hell. I got offered a warehouse job that did that, and couldn't do it, absolutely retarded they couldn't figure out a better way to schedule (some people like night shift, so making that as an excuse simply isn't there imo) people making these hours are just assholes and think they know better. I am glad I have a remote job I like now. my life has been much better for it.

edit: don't want to upset the mods, I know the NHS is a hot topic right now in UK. so I won't be commenting further

 

[kurosagi01]

I agree. Although unfortunately, most workplaces (including mine) are built around the ancient belief that an employee must always be busy, even when there is no work to be done, which I think is extremely stupid.


First, you need to incentivise people to become nurses. It doesn't work when a night shift warehouse worker earns more than a nurse.


Absolutely. But the majority of people, that is, blue collar workers typically work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. Most of them work in rotational shifts as well, that is, one week early morning starts, next week afternoon 'till night and then back again. This is the other extremely stupid and pointless invention of the modern world. Why can't people just work one shift?

Find this stupid when I see contractors a lot of times just stand around doing nothing until whatever they are assigned to do is ready to be worked on again.

 

[AusWolf]

I already mentioned how to incentivize it. I think most people would be ok with paying more than 9 quid for medicines (as long as it wasn't a dramatic increase, and it was promised 100% transparency that that money would 100% in full go to the fund that increases nurse pay and allow people to major in nursing for free if they hold UK Citizenship) but both sides of the government are too incompetent to ever explain something like this clearly to the public, so they will continue to run and flail and watch everything burn

I agree. I also think GPs' pay should be cut, as it's disproportionately high compared to everyone else's, even within the medical industry.

yes I agree swing shifts are dumb as hell. I got offered a warehouse job that did that, and couldn't do it, absolutely retarded they couldn't figure out a better way to schedule (some people like night shift, so making that as an excuse simply isn't there imo) people making these hours are just assholes and think they know better. I am glad I have a remote job I like now. my life has been much better for it.

I did the rotating bullshit for 3 years and it killed me. I was tired every day because my body couldn't get used to one daily rhythm or have a routine. I couldn't do my shopping properly, couldn't make food properly, didn't have a life basically. That's why I work night shifts now. It's a constant pattern, so your body gets used to it, I can do my shopping in the morning after work while normal people are asleep, then cook, not to mention it pays more. My girlfriend works afternoons, so we can spend time together in the morning. We couldn't do this before. Win-win.

Find this stupid when I see contractors a lot of times just stand around doing nothing until whatever they are assigned to do is ready to be worked on again.

Do that too many times at my place, and you'll find yourself sitting in an office in front of a manager soon. Contractors are a different breed, of course.

 

[Fourstaff]

I agree. I also think GPs' pay should be cut, as it's disproportionately high compared to everyone else's, even within the medical industry.

I have interacted with quite a few medical students. Most of them would easily be earning 100k+ paychecks in banking industries with their grades, work ethic and intellect. That said, there are GPs so burnt out that they will prescribe paracetamol just to get to the next guy in line. COVID was not kind to them, and now everyone is shitting on them.

 

[kurosagi01]

Do that too many times at my place, and you'll find yourself sitting in an office in front of a manager soon. Contractors are a different breed, of course.

I had this problem in my first company, I have "finished" what was needed and I got "told off" a couple times for being on my phone. I mean do they expect me to be looking at blank screen or staring into space when i've finished what was needed and tested as much as I could?

 

[Fourstaff]

I had this problem in my first company, I have "finished" what was needed and I got "told off" a couple times for being on my phone. I mean do they expect me to be looking at blank screen or staring into space when i've finished what was needed and tested as much as I could?

Yeah, you are supposed to be staring at blank screen instead.

Or better yet, have coffee with some else to "network".

 

[kurosagi01]

Yeah, you are supposed to be staring at blank screen instead.

Or better yet, have coffee with some else to "network".

Then you get told off for "socialising" with co-workers for too long.

 

[Space Lynx]

I hope the UK figures everything out and comes out better in a few years. Do not take the NHS for granted, fight for it to improve!

I just was diagnosed with an illness yesterday, and my doctor prescribed me a medicine over one that might be better for me because of what insurance will cover.

Do. Not. Take. The. NHS. For. Granted.

 

[TheoneandonlyMrK]

I hope the UK figures everything out and comes out better in a few years. Do not take the NHS for granted, fight for it to improve!

I just was diagnosed with an illness yesterday, and my doctor prescribed me a medicine over one that might be better for me because of what insurance will cover.

Do. Not. Take. The. NHS. For. Granted.

I agree, though I do find the NHS very annoying regarding seeing a doc, IE I haven't in years, I get fobbed onto phone doc or a nurse.

And the NHS won't sort out just any medication, some are not on the list or unavailable.

I just quit smoking with patches because champix etc can't be found here.

Coincidentally wtaf are Nicorette using their patches left scar tissue 3months later and their chewing gum on its own burns your mouth, wtaf, still, worth it I got a new GPU out of it.

Pps it depends Who you are in work, in my team of 4, 2 work the other 2 don't but I get frowned at not them on a phone?!?. I'm a night owl they're early birds soo totes BS.

 

[Tatty_Two]

I agree, though I do find the NHS very annoying regarding seeing a doc, IE I haven't in years, I get fobbed onto phone doc or a nurse.

And the NHS won't sort out just any medication, some are not on the list or unavailable.

I just quit smoking with patches because champix etc can't be found here.

Coincidentally wtaf are Nicorette using their patches left scar tissue 3months later and their chewing gum on its own burns your mouth, wtaf, still, worth it I got a new GPU out of it.

Pps it depends Who you are in work, in my team of 4, 2 work the other 2 don't but I get frowned at not them on a phone?!?. I'm a night owl they're early birds soo totes BS.

Nicotine is corrosive to soft tissue in raw liquid form which probably explains your reaction with the patches.

 

[TheoneandonlyMrK]

Nicotine is corrosive to soft tissue in raw liquid form which probably explains your reaction with the patches.

That makes a lot of sense, I didn't realise that though, Ty.

I'm glad to be free of cigs, though, I signed up for the gym now, this I am dreading lol, I don't do gym's, but sorta must, since I am heading to 50 and getting a lot less superer, as my mum would say(when trying to cajole me into running upstairs for the jiff as a kid).

 

[Count von Schwalbe]

I agree. I also think GPs' pay should be cut, as it's disproportionately high compared to everyone else's, even within the medical industry.

Not sure about UK, but over here anyone holding a doctor's license has to have insurance that takes most of their salary.

A slightly extreme example is the OB/GYN malpractice insurance, which can run upwards of 200K yearly. This is out of their take home pay too.

 

[AusWolf]

I agree, though I do find the NHS very annoying regarding seeing a doc, IE I haven't in years, I get fobbed onto phone doc or a nurse.

And the NHS won't sort out just any medication, some are not on the list or unavailable.

I just quit smoking with patches because champix etc can't be found here.

Coincidentally wtaf are Nicorette using their patches left scar tissue 3months later and their chewing gum on its own burns your mouth, wtaf, still, worth it I got a new GPU out of it.

Pps it depends Who you are in work, in my team of 4, 2 work the other 2 don't but I get frowned at not them on a phone?!?. I'm a night owl they're early birds soo totes BS.

Patches and gums are a total BS. Vaping is too. The only way to quit smoking (imo) is with sheer determination. Trust me, I've done it many times.