It’s so easy to get caught up in the negative aspects of life. Sometimes we are just built that way, our subconscious leans towards the negative, failing to see the big picture. I am one of those people, I have to work hard to remind myself that some days are pretty crappy, but that they had good points as well.
I talk a lot on the blog about the public health system and it’s short comings. I talk about the things that have happened which are upsetting and unacceptable. Then I read a story from the US about someone being denied health care because they can’t afford it and I am so thankful that we live in a country where we can access health care without having to worry about costs.
I’m not naive, I know that by paying, there is less waiting times, often a better level of care. However I feel safe knowing that if I present to an Emergency Department I will get seen by a doctor. The treatment may not be to the standard that is required, but I’m not getting turned away. The first question they ask isn’t about money, it’s about my health.
I’ve seen both the good and the bad sides of being in the public health system. I’ve had things happen that shouldn’t have. However I have also encountered compassionate care, people who are trying to do the best they can in a system that works against them. I may not always be happy with the treatment I receive but I am thankful that I can voice these opinions, I can see another doctor. I am thankful that our country has the PBS scheme so that many people don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars for the medications they need.
One of the medications I was on was $250 a box. I couldn’t afford that, I don’t think many people I know could. I am thankful that the medication I am on is prescribed because it’s the best one for the job, not because it’s the cheapest one on the market. I am thankful that if Mr 4 needs medication that we don’t have to choose between eating and medication. I am thankful that we can go to a doctor free of charge, a good, caring doctor who understands our needs.
I am thankful that I have access to health care free of charge, but that doesn’t mean that I will stop fighting to have the system improved. We are so lucky to have a system that is low cost but it needs improvement. I am so thankful that we live in a country where I can express these desires and not have to worry about the consequences.
Linking up with Rhianna for Thankful Thursday.
Oh I hear you so loud and clear. While I get frustrated as hell with the ridiculous wait times at some of the outpatients clinics we go to, I’m thankful that we have access to them, and that when my girls need emergency treatment, it’s available and it’s free. Living with chronic illness is hard enough without having to worry about whether you can afford to see a doctor.
Yep, I just couldn’t even begin to imagine what it would be like to be at the mercy of a health fund which operates as a business. The trouble with health acting as a business is that it doesn’t take into account the individual circumstances.
Yep we are so lucky with the health system we have, flaws and all. I just hope the current government keeps it moving in the right direction. Thanks so much for joining in with #thankfulthursday
Me too. I worry that we are moving in the direction of user pays, which only serves to hurt those most vulnerable.
Yes we are lucky to have a okish health system here in Australia.
Although they need to buck up their ideas on mental health that is for sure!
coming by from #ThankfulThursday
They certainly do, although from my time on MH forums, it is definitely something that needs to be addressed worldwide.
Awesome post! I think so many people take our medical system for granted. Yes, there are shortcomings and failings but it’s better than the alternative, which is no health care at all, or care that’s so expensive that 99% of the population can’t afford to access it.
Yep! I often read stuff about the US healthcare system and I just couldn’t even imagine turning up to an ED with my sick baby and being turned away.
I too have seen the inside of the public health system and am thankful for all that it provides. It is too easy to get caught up in all the negatives because it isn’t doing enough, and I find myself somethings whinging and complaining that it should work better. But, thank goodness we have the system we do. I would not be where I am without our government supporting the health system.
I often find myself complaining too, and complaining certainly has it’s place but we also need to remember just how lucky we are that we have access to the treatment at all.
It is not perfect but it is better than many places that we most certainly we must be thankful for. Thank you for the reminder!!
People don’t realise how lucky we are here, although I must say I’m not too pleased about the decision to can bulk billing – surely not being able to go to the doctor because one can’t afford the $60 or $70 isn’t a step in the right direction!
So often we forget to be thankful that we have access to health care, but we really are so lucky aren’t we? Without that we’d be a lot worse off.