national health service who would go home

Bladerunner


Joined: 10/01/2009
Posts: 204

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 17:48

Who would go home for treatment

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 17:50

me if i had to xxx

happyhere


Joined: 11/05/2009
Posts: 75

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 17:55

I had a bad experience in UK with one hospital until my consultant got me into a specialist hospital. So wouldn't want to rush back to UK. Heard lots of good reports over here but it is the cost!!!

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 17:58

The question is will they take us if we live abroad xxxxx

happyhere


Joined: 11/05/2009
Posts: 75

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 18:01

The answer is 'No'. You will have to give your families address in the UK or you will be turned away. Crazy after having paid £ thousands into the system over there and many that pay nothing.

ROBnJO


Joined: 30/06/2008
Posts: 1289

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 18:10

I have been offered 2 Minor ops or treatments on the NHS in the last few years. Neither of them is a long term threat.



Both times I have been advised that the risk of picking up a minor or major infection such as MRSA or C. Dif. outweighs the benefits of treatment.



No matter how much 'Deep Cleaning' or 'Hand Washing' is used in the UK, most of these infections are introduced by the large numbers of 'Visitors' allowed onto wards without any attempt at hygiene.



There was a programme on TV last week which showed a man who went for minor surgery on the NHS, contracted MRSA and lost half of his foot. He would probably have lost his whole leg if they hadn't started 'Maggot' treatment to control it.





Has anyone heard of Hospital Infections being a problem in Cyprus?

brend


Joined: 20/01/2009
Posts: 149

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 18:26

I know where I would rather be and it ain't here in UK. Husband had heart attack 2 years ago in TRNC within 90 minutes he had a stent put in. Can you imagine how long he would have had to wait on NHS. He went to doctors in early July this year and was told he would have to have an endoscopy (sorry for spelling!) they said he would get an appointment within the next two week. He's just got it for 17th August! Hope its nothing serious.

Brend

happyhere


Joined: 11/05/2009
Posts: 75

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 18:28

No, never heard of hospital infections here and we have been here 6 years now.

halffull


Joined: 26/01/2009
Posts: 571

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 19:12

Just got out of NHS hospital, doctor called an ambulance, ended up in hospital on trolley for 21 hours, 6 hours without a drink, 4 hours before seen by doctor after arriving on ward. Luckily it was not a heart attack as suspected, took 20hrs and a further attack before they realised I had a Low blood pressure problem. Took 5 blood samples 4 of which "clotted" and were unusable? NHS? I could keep going but I like to be positive!!!

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 19:27

I have to say on my recent visit to the UK I had an angina attack an d didnt have my spray. My son called an ambulance and they were so caring. On O2 straight away and whatever they injected into me. Taken to UHW and I could not fault them. I was checked for BP exrayed and all other checks. They told me every step of the what was going on with me. Drawback fire alarms went 3 times during the night and we all had to be moved. Because of the condition I went in with I had to stay as if I had suffered a heart attack it woldnt show in the blood for 12 hours then more blood has to be taken.They eventually let me go after some 30 hours with a letter to my GP. I have no desire to repeat this bt couldnt fault any one of them xx

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 19:42

Having been honest and told the government that I have moved on a permanent basis - I would be refused treatement on the NHS despite the fact I still have to pay income tax.



Would I go back - what for?

stellasstar1



Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 1519

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 22:35

I also had a letter after 2 years saying that I could no longer get free treatment on the NHS as I had been out of the country for 2 years. I think they must have decided when I filed my last self employed tax return and said I was living abroad for a while. After paying my NHS for 40 years it really is disgusting.

Coachie



Joined: 29/07/2008
Posts: 2135

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 22:54

Waddo..Income tax has nothing to do with it ...Once you are no longer resident in this country your entitlement stops.You are supposed to register with the TRNC medical authoritues and you will be treated the same as any TRNC resident would be.As for some of the comments about the NHS I am surprised that any of you want to come back,but then its a con isnt it,cheat the system the same as everybody else and save your hard earned savings instead of paying your medical bills their.You should have enquired about it before you left this horrible place.



Stella start..The NHS is like a pay as you go mobile phone.You have been treated for the last forty years and now you have run out of credit by moving to the TRNC.If you had told your GP 2 years ago tha\t you were taking up permanent residence in the TRNC it would have stopped then. That is why these Immigrants get treatment,they are resident here and not in their home country..

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 23:01

Coachie - do you not think that 'these immigrants' are resident here JUST to get free medical treatment, along with child benefit, housing allowance, etc. etc.?



I know that being in the member states of EU people are 'entitled' but personally I cannot see that it is justified to be able to waltz into the good old UK and receive such benefits without having contributed anything, N.I. Income Tax, etc. when people who have contributed to the UK all their working lives, having decided to reside in another country, are entitled to nothing.



Surely you can see why people get stirred up over this - law/rule or otherwise?

Coachie



Joined: 29/07/2008
Posts: 2135

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 23:21

Jeannie..you can waltz into their country and get the same,except maybe a job.I totally agree with you over why people get angry, but until we come out of the EU it aint going to change as far as immigrants are concerned. If you are on holiday in any EU country you are entitled to free medical care,I have personally experienced this in Greece. Badly burned my foot and was treated until I came home and was given medication to take with me and it did not cost a penny.



You hit the nail on the head when you said" decide to live in another country". As for the other benefits they get ,I do not agree with it but once again a EU law. I believe if you live in a EU member state that you get the same treatment as their own citizens,but you have to register with the necessary authority in that country..

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 23:50

What sort of cost are we talking about re medical insurance in TRNC ?

chezzi


Joined: 12/03/2009
Posts: 162

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 01:05

I rushed my son to hosp in Girne recently with a life threatening severe allergic reation, within 2 mins of arriving, the Dr was with him and the nurse had stuck 2 injections into his bottom and within another 5 mins he had an IV line in ready to go on a ventilator. I really could not fault them or the procedures carried, and kept thinking if we were in the UK would we have still had the 4 hr wait in casulty??

However on the downside, he was admitted to a side room and put into a bed that someone had just got out of!!! And once he was admitted to the ward and the drip put up, we never saw another nurse or Dr again until wake up time at 6am, so if I hadnt stayed with him, no one would have known if he lived or died! I had to keep adjusting his drip as it only had a metal clip to regulate it and every time he moved, it opened the clip up and the drip ran too fast!

It was also VERY dirty in there, but without doubt they saved his life.

Great for emergencies, but think I prefer UK!

C

kaysera


Joined: 14/07/2009
Posts: 103

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 17:06

Coachie says "The NHS is like a pay as you go mobile phone.You have been treated for the last forty years and now you have run out of credit by moving to the TRNC."



Not a good comparison, one choses if one wants a mobile phone, if one does they put credit on, then use that credit and top up when necessary. Unlike N.I. which is another form of income tax, collected whether one uses the service or not.

Also, what services do people who move abroad get from the UK? They still have to pay tax to the UK government from their pensions.

Also, retired people who remain in the UK do not pay N.I. anymore, should they then not be entitled to NHS treatment anymore?

Just some thoughts!

jax47


Joined: 03/10/2008
Posts: 102

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 17:22

The National Health Service is a NON- CONTRIBUTORY benefit - it is available to all RESIDENTS of the UK whether they have money or not....the crucial word is "resident"



Although there are many things wrong with the NHS we should think ourselves lucky its not like the USA where they ask to see your medical insurance before they treat you.



If foreigners come to the UK deliberately to obtain medical treatment and it is discovered they have done so, they will be refused treatment, or charged. Anyone will however be given emergency treatment free of charge.

minertor



Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 1238

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 17:27

msg 4, if you have been out of UK for more than 3 months, strictly speaking you have no right to NHS treatment. No matter how much you have paid in.

ROBnJO


Joined: 30/06/2008
Posts: 1289

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 17:58

Coachie



""Income tax has nothing to do with it ...""



Actually 90% of the NHS is funded from General Taxation and NI Contributions.



That is why there is a lot of complaint from those who have spent their working lives paying into it, then being told 'you can't have treatment' because you moved abroad. 'We need that money for Immigrants moving here, but thankyou for your contributions'. 'Now Bu**er Off!'



Next the Government will probably stop paying any pensions, or allow anyone to benefit from a Private Pension Fund if they move south of the Isle of White, regardless of any UK address.



Who will keep all the money we have paid in for decades?



Oh Yes! Our wonderful Government!





Rob

kaysera


Joined: 14/07/2009
Posts: 103

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 17:58

"The National Health Service is a NON- CONTRIBUTORY benefit"



Only NON-CONTRIBUTORY to those who don't work....What planet are you on?

ROBnJO


Joined: 30/06/2008
Posts: 1289

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 18:15

minertor



msg 20



Actually you do.



If you are still UK domiciled and pay UK tax & NI, you can work abroad for years and still get NHS treatment.



It's only when you change, or 'they' think you've changed, your domicile that the problems start.



Funny though that they still want to Tax your Pension.



For what benefit to you?

kaysera


Joined: 14/07/2009
Posts: 103

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 18:20

"the crucial word is "resident""



So how come holiday makers to the UK are able to get Tamiflu free of charge just by making out that they have the symptoms?

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 20:39

Coachie. Perhaps there should be a number to ring if you know of anyway going back to UK for treatment, like there is for benefit cheats here in the UK.

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 20:46

Dont get it.

One the one hand we are told its disgusting that once you are no longer resident you are not entitled to fly back for free NHS care,then on the other hand we are told some wouldnt use the terrible NHS.Why do you still want entitlement to something you wouldnt be seen dead using.



As someone has already asked but no answers yet, what do you pay for an insurance that covers things like treatment and after care(5 months ) for a stroke plus diabetes plus glaucoma. Renal failure then treatment 20 years ,plus 2 transplants and heart valve replacement plus cancer treatment(my brother).

For the renal failure/treatment alone.24 yearsX£31,000 plus 2X20,00 for transplants=£780,000

In USA even with FULL medicare you would have to pay at least £160,000 towards that cost.





Pulmonary embolism ,twice, and now lifelong treatment(myself).



I will always thank God we have the system in the UK that we have.It has its problems but one of them is not dying through lack of wealth.

kaysera


Joined: 14/07/2009
Posts: 103

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 21:34

Girne 29

No ones begrudging you your treatment and long may it continue.

The thing that annoys me (and I don't reside abroad, I am a UK resident) is that people who have paid into the system all their lives through Income Tax and National Insurance, and in a lot of cases are still paying tax on their pensions, are not allowed this treatment once they retire to warmer climes. Probably by moving abroad they are less of a strain on the NHS than if they stayed in this cold damp country.

Yet people who contribute absolutely nothing get everything free and get state handouts as well.

Coachie



Joined: 29/07/2008
Posts: 2135

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 21:57

Kaysera..You are supposed to register with TRNC medical authorities and they will treat you just the same as one of thier own people. As for" who keeps the money ...our wonderful government" It will not change does not matter what government is in,it might change for the worse if the Tories have their own way,to cut back on "public Expenditure".They want everybody to pay for everything..You want to try living on some of these free state hand outs,you might find its quite difficult...They dont live a life of luxury like you seem to think they do...



Woodspeckie ..I see you have taken up your usual stance,IE.benefit cheats,and what are those people in the TRNC then?? They support a foreign economy by their purchases,which include taxes,and then want to come back here for free treatment,I think not..Dont forget that benefit cheats still have to pay vat etc,etc. in this country which helps towards the upkeep of the NHS.

kaysera


Joined: 14/07/2009
Posts: 103

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 22:04

Coachie "You want to try living on some of these free state hand outs,you might find its quite difficult"



Believe me, I have a nephew who has never done a days work in his life, lives totally on state handouts and lives in a council flat which is also paid for by us taxpayers. He manages quite nicely thank you and I'm sure there are many more like him.

Whatever party gets in at the next election will have to make swinging decisions to try to sort out the mess that this government has left the country in.

harita


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 1343

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 22:10

Coachie .. message 15 .. Jeannie..you can waltz into their country and get the same ..



Oh no you can't .. I am 69 .. Pay to go to see a doctor .. Pay for prescriptions ..

But we get the HEATING ALLOWANCE .. Because we are entitled to it ..

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 22:44

Coachie. You have read me wrong, all I am saying is there is a number to ring if you want to tell on someone getting benefits illegaly, so maybe there should be one to ring to tell on people abroad going back to the UK for treatment, I agree if someone goes to live in another country they shouldn't return to the UK for treatment, I wouldn't expect to and wouldn't move anywhere unless I had medical cover of my own. I don't say everyone on benefits are cheats just that there are some, some in my village have been on benefits for years and have a good standard of living one chap lives near a family member in his 5o's now never worked but can stagger home from the pub every afternoon, lives with a woman who got done for benefit fraud because she claimed she lived alone, she has never had a job since leaving school.

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 23:12

ah woodspeckie , alas they are the real people that run the country , never worked or contributed one penny , they,re every poloticians bread and butter , they vote them onto the big tax payers gravy train , with promises of a fiver a week rise in your giro , and hey presto ,who ever makes that giro bigger is the winner.

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 23:13

Kaysera message 29



You miss my point .I agree with what you say. but its not about my treatment or my family .I was just using that as example of how the NHS can be a godsend and maybe make the cynics think a while . Its very eay to sit in a foreign country and beef about the rotten NHS, when you dont need it, then when you do need it , run back to big bad Mama UK because you suddenly find out you cant afford the treatment or are not covered by insurance . I am just saying that those of us that have had to use it in earnest thank our stars for it and dont beef about anything and everything to do with it , like it was some sort of hotel.



I have 3 relatives who work for the health service and believe it or not they do know of the problems mentioned above like mrsa,and are frustrated at what goes on sometimes. But they have to work with the system as it is ,and frankly I dont think they will lose sleep over ex pats not wanting to use the NHS. That is, until they need to use it.

alibop


Joined: 12/07/2008
Posts: 62

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 23:17

I worked for the NHS for 18 years, in management position, and that is why I packed it in there, there were so many changes required from all different bodies, so many targets to meet. It wasn't about people, it was all about speed and cost.

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 23:43

Is there anyone resident in the TRNC who pays private medical insurance ? and if so what is the cost ?

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 00:28

Pipie

The company the BRS recommend charges about £200 per month, that covers most things except chronic routine treatment, but will cover for chronic curative treatment . I would say thats good value for what is covered but even so it means you will have to put aside £25,000 pounds to cover for next 10 years.

There are cheaper ,if you are happy with less cover.

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 01:41

kaysera, your message No. 29, please see my message No. 14. Great minds think alike?

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 08:13

As far as I know the system in the UK is still the same. Once you go out the country for 3 months you are not entitled to be treated by the NHS. However there are ways round this you go to A&E give a relatives address and the address of your last GP in the UK. The GP will not be contacted until after discharge. I have seen just about every nationality under the sun (not just EU) being treated on the NHS. Dr's who bring their relatives over from places like India, one consultant brought her friend back from Sweden for an Op and she had the same care as everyone else for free.

MRS is rife in the UK as everywhere else only the UK are honest about the fact and stupidly advertise it. Often the source of this comes into the hospital with the patient but you ccan't refuse treatment because this has shown up in the swabs. The anser I think is to go back to the old ways 2 vistors to a bed, no sitting on beds, no children and no open visiting. Just my opinion.

smithy


Joined: 17/07/2008
Posts: 5301

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 08:37

Thank god I have never been ill over here, but I feel safe enough to go to the Girne Hospital for help, or Lefkosa but friends have been given excellent treatment here, so I'm not knocking that.

What I am annoyed about is locals living here for years (who I know) who used to live in the UK only returning for opertions on the NHS They give their daughters address so they get all the treatment without paying why doesnt anyone check their passports as it would show then coming in and out the country and how often. They also get all the extra benefits added onto their pension which ex pat pensioners dont.

What a Government they have over their dont know their A******* from their elbow

Teresa


Joined: 21/11/2007
Posts: 1018

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 08:58

Smithy i am thanking god i DID get ill over here, i had more tests, scans, mri and all the results back operated on and released from hospital all within a week less time then it would have taken me to get a normal gp appointment in the UK. We came here knowing that we would have to pay for any medical treatment so we have a medical fund just in case and you never know when you are going to need it. Mine came on so quick and was so not expected. During my operation i had 4 surgeons 2 Gyne 1 general and 1 oncologist, i had the best possible care in a private clinic, room was cleaned twice a day dr on call whenever i needed him and the nurses nursed, what more could you ask for.

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 09:09

Thanks for reply girne 29 . Health is the most important issue to look into if you intend to spend a while in another country , i would never expect treatment for free in a country i had never paid NI contributions in . But i have several friends who have been ill and treated in TRNC and all of the feedback was very positive in terms of care /treatment .

CarrieRBag



Joined: 23/12/2008
Posts: 1374

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 09:32

Coachie, who do we register with for Med treatment?



So far I have paid for any treatment I have had. Mammogram cost TL170 and was done and dusted in about 30 mins (with ultrasound too). Cost me about €30 in Spain (but no ultrasound).



So far, I cannot complain about med treatment here.

smithy


Joined: 17/07/2008
Posts: 5301

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 09:53

Teresa

Thats what I said, I havent been ill here, but I would have no problems if I had to go to any of the Hospitals in the TRNC from what I have heard they are superb, and very quick, which saves lives. So glad that you have the help you needed.

HildySmith


Joined: 02/07/2009
Posts: 1708

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 13:00

Some people manage to get it.

I has been on the news lately that foreigners are coming on holiday and calling the Swine Flu line and getting Tamiflu free. Apparently it is cheaper and easier for them to come here for a holiday and get then than pay for it in their own country.

fiendishpaul


Joined: 18/05/2008
Posts: 1720

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 15:10

Pipie

We have private health insurance which costs just under £2000 per year and has no excess to pay. It covers the vast majority of illnesses but does not cover existing conditions (few if any companies will!). My wife and I are in our mid forties, cost of coverage increases as you get older. Shop around, there are plenty of companies out there that will cover you and it really isn't as expensive as people think - In the end what cost your health and peace of mind !!.

Regards

Paul

cyprusairsoft



Joined: 22/06/2009
Posts: 2066

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 16:05

coachie we have done this nhs thing before



im interested to know how you can register and get same treatment as locals



turk workers here have to pay same as us ex pats any ideas

harita


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 1343

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 17:03

coachie hasn't got a clue .. Doesn't live here (thankfully) comes for a holiday & his cheap wine, thinks he knows it all ..

Coachie



Joined: 29/07/2008
Posts: 2135

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 21:58

Harita ..I certainly do not know it all by any means,and what wine I drink is my business,but if you were to go onto the site for the nhs and moving abroad section it tells you all you need to know..I certainly would not live their after listening to all the complaints on this forum.i.e.electricity ,water,medical ,house deeds,etc. at least I have no peoblems of that sort here and if I did i could talk to some one who understands what I am saying...The trouble is a lot of you moved over there without doing your homework and now things are not what you expected you are moaning about every thing.Just remember you have moved there on apermanent basis and the only things you are entitled to is the sunshine and your pension...oh.and much to my disgust the HEATING ALLOWANCE.....

Coachie



Joined: 29/07/2008
Posts: 2135

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 22:22

CarrieR bag ..If you had shown your Euro medi card you would have been able to get the money back of the NHS.When I was treated in Crete I paid the bill and produced my EHIC card ,was given the bill and directed to the local office of Medical care and was refunded the doctors fee,and told to claim from the NHS for the prescription charges and cost of medication,which I did,ok,it took 2 months to get my money back but I was happy about that..



Harita..just shows how much you dont know then...

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 22:41

Coachie. NHS choices website. EHIC is not valid in the areas of the Republic of Cyprus in which the Government of the Republic does not exercise effective control (the northern part of Cyprus) and you are strongly advised to take out private health insurance when travelling to this part of the country.

Godzilla


Joined: 23/07/2009
Posts: 24

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 23:13

I agree with Nurseaweful. Don't mock I do. Sound advice to me for anyone contemplating going back. As long as you have relatives over there of course.

harita


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 1343

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 00:56

coachie .. Crete is not the TRNC .. Your EHIC card is no good here neither was the E111 .. Further more we love it here warts & all .. Haven't been back to the UK for over 2½ years & no intention of going back ..



Harita..just shows how much you dont know then .. coachie .. more than you it seems..



Long live the HEATING ALLOWANCE .. Nothing more nothing less

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 09:57

frienship paul . Thanks for reply , that sounds reasonable if that is full cover , we have full cover in the UK which is far more expensive . Cheers .

Coachie



Joined: 29/07/2008
Posts: 2135

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 18:38

Harita--Woodspeckie...I was answering CarrieR bag statement about how much she paid in SPAIN for a mammogram,30EUROS which she could have claimed back from the NHS,Spain being in the EU and TRNC is not...I think you lot out there might be in for a surprise about your heating allowance...When the Tories get in I wouldnt mind betting they scrap it for people living abroad..got to economise....

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 20:01

Coachie , in my opinion the retired brits who reside in TRNC should have the choice to have medical needs addressed in the UK if they choose , after all they have probably paid more contributions in there lifetime to warrant access to treatment as regards the heating allowance again there pensions are probably taxed so although they do not live in UK they are still contributing to the UK'S money pot , so why can they not access this bennefit , being a tax payer they should be entitled to , after all the winters in the TRNC can be very cold so it could be shown that they pay there winter bills with the winter heating payment .

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 20:50

Perhaps the retired brits should also claim a Summer cooling allowance for electric to run the expensive air conditioning everyone is moaning about.

keithcaley



Joined: 13/06/2008
Posts: 2521

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 21:22

Coachie,

I got a notification that I was entitled to heating allowance - I'm not sure whether the particular department concerned is even aware that I live abroad! - and I just chucked it in the bin. Isn't it intended for hard-up pensioners living in the oh-so-cold-and-damp UK?

Pipie,

I agree with you about what the situation SHOULD be, unfortunately the current regulations state differently.

Lobby your MP - and if you feel REALLY strongly about it, start an on-line petition to the government, see: -

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/

regards,

Keith.

Blackpoolfan


Joined: 03/12/2008
Posts: 1568

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 21:32

i have just returned from the trnc my little girl fell and banged her head nasty gash lots of blood. Shot down to the hospital in Kyrenia looked like something from mash. Staff were brilliant straight in no waiting stitched up returned every 2 days for dressing change excellent service put our nhs to shame................

Coachie



Joined: 29/07/2008
Posts: 2135

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 23:38

Pipie..When it was brought out, it was intended for the less well off in this country,but someone left a loophole in the system and those who were drawing it and left the country were allowed to keep it.Its like NHS,should only be allowed if you RESIDE in this COUNTRY. I am supporting my countries economy with everything I buy and earn,there fore I get the benefits that go with it.You are supporting a FORIEGN countries economy,so why should you get the benefits. Strikes me you want your bread buttered on both sides...

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 23:55

Coachie , no it was not it was for anyone over the retirement age , hence the reason retired people can claim it . you should thank the retired Brits in the TRNC for conributing the tax on there pensions that also support the UK'S economy !!!! by the way i am not a pensioner i just support them on this .

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 00:18

Agree with you Pipie. message 55



I think what originally happened was that residency was taken as proof of paying taxes,and therefore entitled you to healthcare. That need not apply anymore as at a flick of a switch your taxation details can be proven.

It does make me angry that after paying into the system all my life, apart from a few working years,I can lose my entitlement if living in TRNC for more than 3 months.

At the same time, the husband of my wifes friend-. the leech couldnt wait to leave the UK for tax purposes when left Uni 35 years ago. Has made next to no contributions throughout his life ,had to return permanently couple of years ago for health reasons and will take advantage of what my taxes have paid for,while I will be penalised for spending not 35 years abroad but only a few retirement years.



Its the same injustice that refuses to give state pension increases to people in non EU countries.

minertor



Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 1238

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 00:38

Robnjo, msg 20, I received an official letter informing me that if I was out of the UK for more than 90 days my entitlement to any benefits under the NHS ceased. This was about 5 years ago but it will be about somewhere. If I can find it I will scan it onto this site, with apologies to Hans. This was due to my doctor's practice manager. She said that I could no longer be on their list as I had "left the country" I had asked for 6 months supply of an arthritis treatment I was taking daily. I countered this by informing them that I still had a "local address". This was to keep me on the electoral roll. The Medical Practice had to keep me on but then I got the aforementioned letter.

minertor



Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 1238

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 00:40

ps presumably, when you return to UK you can re-register, providing you have an address.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 00:47

Minetor I was told they same. Im off the register. Fair enough. I dont get increases or fuel allowence as I informed them that I was here. I dont understand how some do and can claim the benefits. I understand the frustration when you pay all your life but if you move away from that. Surely you give that right up xx

teatime


Joined: 20/10/2008
Posts: 852

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 01:02

I don't mind "Giving the right up", if they (UK government) would like to reciprocate by giving up the right to tax me when I no longer live there.

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 01:22

well said teatime , totaly agree .

Coachie



Joined: 29/07/2008
Posts: 2135

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 23:29

Pipie ...I dont see why I should thank them at all.They come back over here and con the NHS that they are still resident here.No better than these immigrants..The law is the law ,if you reside abroad and have no permanent residense in the UK you are not entitled to it. I will concede that you should not pay tax on your pensions if you are no longer resident here,then you would have NO argument about what you are entitled to.



As far as I am concerned that is all you should get ..YOUR PENSIONS tax free.Perhaps it will dawn on some one in government that if they actually did that they would save millions on the "free entitlements" that would cease,but then, there are as many cheats out there as there are here....

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 00:51

Coachie , sorry but savings are taxed together with pensions by brits who have retired in the TRNC who do not tap into daily services that are available to such as you and other retired brits living in the UK you have no right to claim that retired brits residing in the TRNC are conning NHS , what proof do you have , shame on you !!!!! i am pleased to see you have the sense to concede that no tax should be taxed on pensions who reside in TRNC .

Again i say i am not a retired Brit in the TRNC who recieves a pension . but your suggestion that retired brits in the TRNC are cheats i find not acceptable , retired brits do not recieve free entitlements retired brits received what they have paid in to . If it was not for the hard working brits that have contributed into the UK's money pot , maybe you coachie would not have the lifestyle you have now .

harita


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 1343

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 17:00

Coachie ... We had central heating installed for the first winter we had here, came here February 2006 & had it fitted January 2007 .. One of the fitters was Turkish .. Harry he said I went for hoiday at Christmas to see my sister in London .. Great country, she has apartment all free, central heating on 24/7 paid for because she has a family .. You think we are cheating the system when all we get is the HEATING ALLOWANCE which is linked directly to our State Pension .. Get a life ..

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 18:34

harita

"central heating on 24/7 paid for because she has a family"



Below doesnt appear to bear that out.



" Cold weather payments to go up from £8.50 a week to £25 a week for pensioners, disabled people and unemployed families with children under five - if temperatures drop below zero for seven consecutive days"



'If you have arrears of fuel charges,and are getting benifits,you can arrange for for the arrears to be deducted weekly from your benifits.'



It appears therfore that there is no benifit that pays your fuel bills.

Next time you see your installer , ask him who or what Govt dept paid his sisters fuel, 24/7, bill.



Hope this is not one of those"I know someone on Jobseekers allowance who got a free car as part of his benifits"

Coachie



Joined: 29/07/2008
Posts: 2135

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 19:51

Pipie..My proof is that they saythey are doing and know that they are breaking the law ,because like you ,they seem to think that because they have paid contributions and taxes whilst they lived here gives them automatic entitlement when they choose to PERMANENTLY RESIDE IN THE TRNC. Sorry to say again,but once you leave these shores to permantly live elsewhere,your NHS cover ceases.You may well still be paying taxes on your pensions,but most of them have there savings in Turkish Banks where they get better interest rates, so the tax on their pensions is not all that great.I do not know what sort of lifestyle you think I live,but I was one of those "hard working Brits" on average 60 hrs a week,you mention,and I was only off work once, when I was injured at my workplace.What daily services are you referring to That I can tap into??



Harita..What your Turkish friend says is a load of c..p.Nobody gets their full heating bill paid,they may get some sort of help.

harita


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 1343

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 20:31

Coachie .. Being British you get only what you are entitled to .. Where have I referred you tapping into anything .. The heating allowance is nothing at all to do with NHS .. We cannot get any treatment via NHS ..

Heating allowance is pension linked .. Sorry that it upsets you but we are entitled to it & paid for it ..

As for my Turkish friend, his sister has no money but certainly gets more help than we would or you for that matter ..

teatime


Joined: 20/10/2008
Posts: 852

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 21:05

Coachie, have you been taking lessons from the m's, because you are certainly beginning to repeat yourself a lot. Or have you got C.O.D.

Coachie



Joined: 29/07/2008
Posts: 2135

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 21:34

harita..read again.Never said that you made the comment on tapping into anything,that was Pipie.No one ever said that the heating allowance was anything to do with the NHS. All I can say is they would not get it if I had my way...Nor would you get the heating allowance or me for that matter.Biggest bollock they ever dropped that was.They left the door wide open for abuse.



Teatime..No I have not taken lessons from any one but its time that those living out there should no what they are entitled to.They are quick to condemn the un employed and the less fortunate Brits,but dont like it when they are accused of the same..Most of them moved out their thinking they would make a quick killing on their properties and now that things are going pear shaped they are trying to con the the government for freetreatment when they no damn well that are not entitled to it.They have this impression cos they are British they are squeaky clean.Pull the other one,we are known as coutry of fiddlers...

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 22:15

Coachie , by tapping in to services that are available to retired people , i meant those who reside in UK , but as you are that age group , you also . Retired folk in the TRNC are saving UK a fortune by not tapping into services/entitlements as they reside in TRNC



Your descriptive expression ( which i find distaseful ) can be your opinion and i take that on board but the the fact of the matter is that retired folk in the TRNC lare legaly entitled to heating allowance so nothing is wrong in claiming it , this is not abuse as you call it ,just the retired entitlements .



Maybe and i say maybe the the retired folk who decided to move abroad ,be it one of the reasons they wanted to get away from the scroungers/ lowlife who scrounge in the UK and there only contribution is to bring the country to its Knees , but hey Coachie just we not respect Bladerunners post as we are going off topic , start another one and we can debate furthur . Cheers .

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 22:47

There are some changes coming up for those not living in the UK. Interesting article



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/6022670/Restrictions-on-access-to-health-care-are-set-to-be-eased-for-Britons-living-outside-Europe-says-Peter-Pallot.html

phylray



Joined: 21/09/2007
Posts: 1727

Message Posted:
15/08/2009 11:14

While working in one of the richest countries in the world I had to go through 3 hospitals

to try and get accurate diagnosis for a small lump seen on routine x-ray (back home in

Scotland) As they were not 100% sure it was not malignant they wanted to operate.

I got a flight home and was seen next day in West of Scotland Breast Screening where they

had the scan which showed it was only a small cyst. If I had needed surgery I was told it

would have been done the following day. Americans I worked with had to pay high insurance

and one girl told me her mother died of breast cancer as she couldn't afford the insurance.

It was certainly an eye-opener for me, and I think we are lucky to have a N.H.S

chick


Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 323

Message Posted:
15/08/2009 11:27

I must confess to being a knocker of the NHS after hearing and reading some horror stories, but having just

had an op, I have to admit I could not have recieved better treatment if I had paid thousands.

Coachie



Joined: 29/07/2008
Posts: 2135

Message Posted:
15/08/2009 12:32

Pipie ..My comments are completetly in line with blade runners original post of coming back here for treatment.Read Hectors post CAREFULLY.It does say that things might improve,but only for those who do not live permantly in TRNC.Instead of having to return to their UK address after three months it is being cinsidered to extend that to SIX months..So be careful if you decide to return for your FREE treatment that you actually qualify..Pipie ..what are thes free services I can Tap into????

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
15/08/2009 14:49

Personally I think the NHS is a wonderful organisation and the envy of many, many people across the globe. I'm sure many uninsured US citizens would be very grateful for their own NHS. Thousands of parasite health tourists to the UK every year can't be wrong!

I agree that like any huge organisation it has it's faults and it's not perfect.



Having said that I was suddenly taken ill a couple of months ago when on holiday in the Lake District. I went straight to hospital and ended up there for 7 days with ecoli blood poisoning. Treatment was first class, saved my life and even the food was good, once I was well enough to eat it.



Thank you to the brilliant staff of the NHS!

Coachie



Joined: 29/07/2008
Posts: 2135

Message Posted:
15/08/2009 15:58

Hector ..Nice to see some say some thing good about our Health Service.The Americans dont have alot of good things to say about it till they take ill over here.Mr Obama does not want to introduce a similar system there,why I do not no,probably does not care about the 50million or so who cannot afford insurance and have to go begging on Saturdays at the one or two free clinics.Some Tories would like to see a American system adopted here where you have to have insurance.OK for them they get theirs paid for out of the public purse.It will be very interesting to see if he stands by his quote"We are the party of the NHS it will develop under us".I remember hearing that sort of statement from a certain female politician in Tort Party and then set about dismantling it into hospital trusts with more chiefs than indians...The NHS saved my life 6yrs ago and I will argue with any one who says it is a load of crap etc etc.MRSA,C-Diff and all other problems they have had...

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
15/08/2009 16:33

Coachie,

I agree there are far more Chiefs than Indians in the NHS. I believe current statistics also show that there are 3 administrative staff for every nurse. Certainly things started to go wrong under the conservative government but the present government have continually added to the problems. The bureaucracy is unbelievable and nurses now spend much of their time dealing with paperwork rather than at the bedside. This government will certainly be remembered for the hundreds of reforms introduced to the NHS which has neither the resources or will power to deliver them..........yet still they keep coming!



This present government is also responsible for introducing even more targets for the NHS to meet. What a shame they are not accompanied by the finances or staff to make them workable. When they are not met hospitals are penalised by a reduction in the following years finances. The NHS is a wonderful institution if only the politicians would butt out and allow self management

Coachie



Joined: 29/07/2008
Posts: 2135

Message Posted:
15/08/2009 17:25

They should have left it alone,let the nurses do their job ,the matrons and ward sisters were the backbone of the system,and doctors did as the matrons told them.A s far as ward hygiene was concerned the ward sisters were the bosses and the wards were clean enough to eat your dinner off.The momement that disappeared the system fell to pieces. Its being run like a circus where the tightrope walker is the hospital manager,the matron is ring master..the nurses are like trapeze artists..jumping from thing to another,doctors are like magicians..trying to work enormous hours and still pull the odd rabbit out of the hat...There is plenty of money in the NHS but it is being taken up with the wrong things.To many white collar workers and not enough medical staff. Perhaps some one will sort it out one of these days..

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
15/08/2009 17:39

Hi Coachie , after working for NHS for 39yrs and through all the changes " for the better of !!! " all i can say is in my opinion you have got it down to the T

Take care , Simbas

teatime


Joined: 20/10/2008
Posts: 852

Message Posted:
15/08/2009 18:48

Coachie: "Mr Obama does not want to introduce a similar system there"



It's Mr Obama who does want a similar system there, that's why he is losing popularity.



Hospitals were very clean when they used to directly employ their own cleaners, they had pride in their work. The hospital my wife works in still does this and it is always complemented on it's cleanliness.

minertor



Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 1238

Message Posted:
15/08/2009 18:54

I haven't moved away, I split my time between TRNC and UK. When in UK my wife and I pay NI and tax. If we spend lass than 90 days at a time out of UK we ars still classed as f/t UK residents.

Geejay


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 475

Message Posted:
16/08/2009 15:13

Coachie.... Your comments show a certain basic unfairness and injustice.



Since I am only temprarily resident in the TRNC (as a visitor), am an EC citizen in an EC country, have paid tax in the UK all my working life, pay income tax on my pension income, paid NIC until retirement under an agreement with government to provide healthcare. Why should I not be able to claim the benefits that I subscribed to ?

I'm entitled by virtue of my contributions to the UK economy which I am STILL MAKING !

Coachie



Joined: 29/07/2008
Posts: 2135

Message Posted:
16/08/2009 19:13

Teatime ..He was on tv on Friday saying"I do not a Canadian system,UK or French,"all based on NHS.He wants a uniqually American System that suits all.



Minertor and Geejay..Quite rightly so.If you do not reside permanently in the TRNC you are entitled to all the benefits.

Geejay ..you may bee an EU citizen but TRNC is not an EU member. She is a member of the EEA which is different. There is nothing unfair about my comments because I do not make the laws on these matters. Simples ,tch...

Coachie



Joined: 29/07/2008
Posts: 2135

Message Posted:
16/08/2009 19:21

Simbas ..Was that A play on words as they say..".down to the T...."