I gather the NHS (UK) is similar to Medicare, in Australia, where I live.
Under Medicare, highest priority is given to life threatening conditions. For example, if you have a heart attack, you will be treated without delay and to the highest standard. Non-critical cases, such as a knee reconstruction go on a waiting list and it is relatively common for such operations to be postponed multiple times, as higher precedence emergencies arrive at short notice.
Basically, a person who might die will receive care over an uncomfortable person. It can suck if you have a painful, but not life threatening condition, but it is an attempt to give the best overall service within available resources. The public system will treat you if you're not going to die and normally do so well, but in the worst case (that typically makes the news) it can take a long time.
There is always the option of having an operation done privately, and either paying for it yourself, or having insurance to pay for it. Medicare has broad support within Australia.
Under Medicare, highest priority is given to life threatening conditions. For example, if you have a heart attack, you will be treated without delay and to the highest standard. Non-critical cases, such as a knee reconstruction go on a waiting list and it is relatively common for such operations to be postponed multiple times, as higher precedence emergencies arrive at short notice.
Basically, a person who might die will receive care over an uncomfortable person. It can suck if you have a painful, but not life threatening condition, but it is an attempt to give the best overall service within available resources. The public system will treat you if you're not going to die and normally do so well, but in the worst case (that typically makes the news) it can take a long time.
There is always the option of having an operation done privately, and either paying for it yourself, or having insurance to pay for it. Medicare has broad support within Australia.