I use Blood thinning tablets and every 3 weeks or so I go to my GP and have a blood test. This involves pricking a finger and squeezing a drop of blood on a machine similar to a Blood Sugar tester as used by Diabetics. 40 seconds later I get the result. Later that day I call the Doc to see if I need to Change my Dosage. Time taken 10 minutes, tops. While in UK this year I needed to have my test, went to a GP, as I wasn't a registered Patient I had to Register, this would take 3 days, then apply for an appointment, a further 2 days. After the test the sample was sent to a Lab. to be measured, a further 3 days for the result to be sent to the GPs Surgery. The question is Why? I have since asked my GP how much such a machine costs, he told me about 150 €,he was amazed that I had so much trouble
, even though I had my German Health Card the Receptionist said her PC couldn't read it. The NHS seems bogged down with antiquated Systems and practices. My GP has, in Surgery an Ulta Sound machine,as most GPs have. There you look at the Screen as they tell you what is happening. My Urologist has X Ray in his surgery, plus a small OP room for some treatment and an Ultra Sound in each of 3 Treatment rooms, he does blood tests in house, no sending to Labs. Send some Docs here or Holland to see how it should be done, then sack half of the Senior Management of the Health Boards that should get the remaining members alert, and get that System moving!