Great Britain: Toothache boy nearly died (Another triumph of Socialized medicine)

The Sun (U.K.) ^ | November 16. 2004 | ANDY RUSSELL

[Stoat]

Toothache boy nearly died

Battle ... Peter fights for his life
 

By ANDY RUSSELLA TEENAGER with toothache ended up fighting for life in hospital — after being turned away by a string of dentists.

Peter Owen, 19, was in agony for a week as he tried SIX times to have a tooth out.

He was eventually rushed to hospital after an abcess on the tooth swelled so much that it blocked his windpipe.

Peter had an emergency tracheotomy — where a breathing tube is inserted through a hole in the throat — and was on life support for two days.

Mum Wynn, 47, said last night: “Peter nearly died because there is a shortage of dentists.

“It is shameful that someone should be taken to hospital fighting for his life just because of toothache.” Peter was not registered with an NHS dentist when he developed raging toothache.

Wynn rang NHS Direct who told her there were NO available dentists near their home in Colwyn Bay, North Wales.

The nurse who answered suggested the emergency dentist at Royal Alexandra Hospital in Rhyl could see him — but not for six days.

Next day Peter went to a dental centre in his home town who told him the tooth must come out.

But he was quoted a total of £121 which he could not afford on his Jobseeker’s Allowance.

The next day he went to Colwyn Bay Community Hospital — but was told they were not taking any more dental patients.

The day after that Peter’s pain was becoming unbearable as his mouth began to swell.

 

 

Agony ... Peter nearly died
 

Wynn called her doctors’ surgery saying her son needed antibiotics for the pain. But she was told they did not deal with dental matters.

Desperate, the pair then went to Glan Clwyd hospital where a nurse said he HAD to see a doctor.

But after waiting two hours they had to go as Wynn was in agony with a shoulder problem.

The following day Peter saw the dentist at Royal Alexandra Hospital who confirmed he needed the tooth out.

He prescribed antibiotics — and Peter made an appointment for an extraction four days later. But his condition got worse and the next day Wynn rang NHS Direct again, saying: “You’re going to kill this lad.”

That night Peter could not breathe and dad Gareth rushed him back to Glan Clwyd, near Rhyl, where surgeons performed the emergency surgery. He was eventually allowed home a week later.

Wynn said: “It’s a terrible story. These kids can’t afford a private dentist and there are no NHS dentists anywhere.

“I also blame the Welsh Assembly for the shortage of dentists in our area.”

Conwy and Denbighshire NHS Trust said: “We can’t discuss individual cases. But if Mrs Owen contacts patient services at the hospital we will discuss her concerns.”

A Welsh Assembly spokesman said: “Steps are being taken to address the issue of dentists.”
  

[Stoat]

Remember this young man when you hear people singing the praises of Socialized medicine.

[jamesissmall218]

This after I had to suffer through my economics professor singing the praises of British and Canadian socialized medicine. Don't worry, I got up and left the class after a few minutes. I couldn't take it any longer.

[26lemoncharlie]

Bill would still be waiting in line for his Triple Bypass and Neutering.

[Just Lori]

Good catch, Stoat! This is exactly what the liberals want for the U.S., the country which, by the way, foreigners flee to when they need REAL medical treatment! Socialized medicine is a complete failure. Whoda thunk?


BTW, folks: STOAT IS A GREAT AMERICAN!

[MediaMole]

Who here wouldn't put in a few bucks for Bill's neutering?

[bd476]

My Welsh Grandmother died of septicemia right here in a US hospital from an infection from a bad tooth. However, that was when there were no antibiotics, when doctors re-used needles, when doctors didn't always bother to wash up or wear latex gloves and long before I was born.

Thank God this young man was given antibiotics, and eventually got medical care. I wonder though if he will make it.

[dementg]

No, socialism is really a 2-tiered system that reserves a special place for the elite. People like him would never have to wait in line.

[bd476]

No he wouldn't. If you have money in the UK, there are doctors who will take patients outside "the system."

[GeronL]

Mum Wynn, 47, said last night: “Peter nearly died because there is a shortage of dentists.

and why MUM, do you think there is a shortage??

and what in the world is a Job Seeker's Allowance???

[GeronL]

I hear you can wait 6 months for an MRI in some countries. Just awful.

In the US there are for-profit places where you can get them as a walk-in.

[GeronL]

Conwy and Denbighshire NHS Trust said: “We can’t discuss individual cases. But if Mrs Owen contacts patient services at the hospital we will discuss her concerns.”

DISCUSS????? CONCERNS?????

[HiTech RedNeck]

JSA - the Welsh equivalent of unemployment benefits?

[GeronL]

I suppose. But I bet you don't have to look very hard to get it.

[KillerMule]

This must be what Kerry was planning on putting in place.
:-P

[BykrBayb]

We should model our health care system after theirs. < /hitlery imitation >

[Heatseeker]

One of my best friends and his wife are recently moved here from north Wales; she grew up just outside Colwyn Bay and is an RN, and came here because the NHS was breaking down.

Having said that, north Wales is a great place, and when I was last there, when my friend's sister was getting married last year, I had a wonderful time and experienced none of the anti-Americanism I would have expected in London or other "enlightened" places.

[Porterville]

We should have all are best muscians to a LIVE AID concert to help these poor third world nations.

[Porterville]

are=our

[Martin Wellbourne]

"Peter was not registered with an NHS dentist when he developed raging toothache."

Which suggests he hasn't seen a dentist in years. Perhaps his mother or father should have registered him with one in the first place?

[LiberalBassTurds]

Wow what a bad deal. Thanks for the ping GeronL. I can tell you from personal experience that the English medical system is a mess. Glad this lad recovered.

Thanks for the logo Safrguns!