We are in the position of being able to make a direct comparison. To employ someone is hugely expensive in France and as a result we found the Health Service incredibly efficient. We have pinpointed lots of areas where savings could be made and efficiency improved. We've mentioned these, but no-one seems inclined to take it further.
All the medical staff we have encountered have been absolutely fine. It does seem that admin and grey areas are where waste occurs.
A quick example is referral to a specialist. I have arthritis in my left wrist, which had become incapacitating. My GP wrote to a specialist and I suffered for quite a long time (2 months) before I got an appointment. I am still struggling to get appointments on time, last time I saw him he said to see him in 2 months time, This is the third time he's said that, after 4 months I rang up and insisted on an appointment. Now I am about 1 week off the 2 months and still nothing - so I shall be ringing tomorrow.
In France, I needed an appointment with a surgeon to get a hip replacement. My doctor, having sent me for an X-ray, (took all of 10 days to get it done and get result and appointment) said, 'Yep! You need to see Mr. B - who did my other one' - and gave me his phone number and a letter from her which she wrote on the spot. I rang Mr. Bonnet's secretary same day, arranged an appointment and there we were. At that appointment in Poitiers, he agreed that I needed a replacement; told me all about it; dictated a letter to my GP (which I delivered - so saving postage) and before I left the hospital I had an appointment with the anaesthetist, prescription for blood tests, room and bed booked. All done in 1 two-hour visit. Included X-ray for surgeon. About 6 weeks from my first visit to GP.
Why don't we instigate the same 'patient rings specialist' system? It's a very easy saving of time and money - I'm appalled at the number of letters I have received telling me that they have got a referral and will let me know when they have an appointment. It could be avoided so easily. There are other things, too. :(