I hate the state of things in this country
I'm sorry. I feel defeated and I need somewhere to vent.
- Just had a call from an unknown GP at my childhood surgery to inform me my Shared Care request has been declined
- I was told no requests are being approved from private diagnoses in the authority (so from all surgeries)
- It doesn't matter if the provider is NHS recognised, uses NICE guidelines, and is used for RTC
- During my titration I went and spoke with the surgery, and they informed me they're accepting Shared Care. I don't know if that was incorrect information, or the truth is I've been declined and the GP just doesn't want to admit it
- GP informed me they're NOT hopeful of any update from the ICB on this decision
So I need to continue with the expensive private prescriptions.
I appreciate this is a story shared by many here, but I feel even more aggrieved at this moment when I remember:
- I've not used NHS services in 20 years. Not a single appointment, not a single NHS prescription (I've been fortunate to use private healthcare). So I've cost the NHS £0 (excluding the covid vaccine I guess)
- I only went for a private diagnosis because as you all know, NHS one isn't possible and I needed to get a grip on my life
- I was made redundant March 2026 so while I can afford medication for now, I don't know if that will be the case always
- I feel absolutely pissed off when I recall the amount of income tax I've contributed in a single year alone. (I wish I could share how much tax I paid last year but it would come off as a brag or trolling, but it's considerable)
I'm staring blankly at my local ICB's page; the Execs smiling. I'm sure their inflated titles and salaries give them satisfaction, but how can they when they confidently make these sweeping decisions denying those with genuine need?!
What's next? Is there any point asking for a review, or raising a complaint with the surgery? Contacting other surgeries to confirm their response, or should I speak to one of the many health departments, quangos, and other useless bodies wasting my tax?!
Ultimately, I'm left with this overarching feeling that the one time I needed something from the system, the system wasn't there for me.