Doha or London?

there's no private messaging on this site right ? email me on [email protected] - I may be able to put you intouch with someone who has been treated for breast cancer in Doha

Doha and London are two extremely different places that offer very different lifestyles. It's comparing apples and oranges. As for me, I would jump for London, no questions. Doha wouldn't even be a consideration except possibly if the package was exceedingly generous. For all the talk about the quality of health care in the two places, there's no question you will have a much wider range of choices and options in London than in Doha. There are thousands of cancer specialists in the UK and a huge choice of clinics and hospitals. I could be wrong but I get the impression you may be Canadian. If you have close family in Canada London is much closer and much easier for Canadians to reach than Doha. That may or may not be important for you in your battle with cancer.

Okay, I'll tell you from my experience. My mother was a doctor for the military (we're from Texas). I got married and moved to London--- then I had to start using their medical facilities. YUCK! YUCK! YUCK! The NHS hospitals (and even the private hospitals) are a horror. I had to have my son privately here in London after the NHS lost my records around 7 times during my pregnancy. During the pregnancy, I started bleeding (at 16 weeks) and they told me I had miscarried. I demanded an ultra sound and on the screen was my happy little bubbly baby--heart still beating. They never figured out why I was bleeding and even sent me home (still bleeding). I ended up delivering at 37 weeks (c-section) AND I had pre-eclampsia! Waiting that long and not figuring out I had such a serious condition was past irresponsible. It was absolutely third world. If I hadn't demanded a c-section the morning I did no one would have realized I had pre-eclampsia. London is not a great place for medicine. Not even Harley Street is that great. The medical practices are out of date. If my mother hadn't been a doctor I wouldn't know to go and call up her friends and ask them for advice regarding the next steps. My son is currently speech delayed, I've combined his treatment with Private and NHS help and let me tell you, I've got the best in the country and I've still had to quit work to help my son because the medical services here are out of date and overstretched. Having said all of this, I do have another American friend here who is undergoing cancer treatment here, but I think it's more out of necessity because she may not have insurance in America anymore (Her husband works here for one of these banks)...So perhaps their UK Insurance is paying for a private room at an NHS hospital. Also, the hospitals themselves are generally are a huge mess. Blagh. I think you will probably be eating your words once you move to Dubai. The NHS in the UK is FAR superior to ANY medical facility in the UAE. Did you know that most Arabs go to the UK/US or Europe for medical treatment? How can you give the OP advice when you have never lived in the UAE? I never compared the UK NHS to any medical care in the middle east. I was comparing everything to America. (re-read). I have no clue on how i'm going to deal with life in the UAE but I know how awful it's been here in London. Not sure how you can compare everything to America though as I thought you had to pay or have insurance for every little procedure done in the US - I worked for a US company and the health package costs for our US employees was mind blowing. Probably a case of you pays your money - you takes your choice. At least the NHS is free.

Okay, I'll tell you from my experience. My mother was a doctor for the military (we're from Texas). I got married and moved to London--- then I had to start using their medical facilities. YUCK! YUCK! YUCK! The NHS hospitals (and even the private hospitals) are a horror. I had to have my son privately here in London after the NHS lost my records around 7 times during my pregnancy. During the pregnancy, I started bleeding (at 16 weeks) and they told me I had miscarried. I demanded an ultra sound and on the screen was my happy little bubbly baby--heart still beating. They never figured out why I was bleeding and even sent me home (still bleeding). I ended up delivering at 37 weeks (c-section) AND I had pre-eclampsia! Waiting that long and not figuring out I had such a serious condition was past irresponsible. It was absolutely third world. If I hadn't demanded a c-section the morning I did no one would have realized I had pre-eclampsia. London is not a great place for medicine. Not even Harley Street is that great. The medical practices are out of date. If my mother hadn't been a doctor I wouldn't know to go and call up her friends and ask them for advice regarding the next steps. My son is currently speech delayed, I've combined his treatment with Private and NHS help and let me tell you, I've got the best in the country and I've still had to quit work to help my son because the medical services here are out of date and overstretched. Having said all of this, I do have another American friend here who is undergoing cancer treatment here, but I think it's more out of necessity because she may not have insurance in America anymore (Her husband works here for one of these banks)...So perhaps their UK Insurance is paying for a private room at an NHS hospital. Also, the hospitals themselves are generally are a huge mess. Blagh. I think you will probably be eating your words once you move to Dubai. The NHS in the UK is FAR superior to ANY medical facility in the UAE. Did you know that most Arabs go to the UK/US or Europe for medical treatment? How can you give the OP advice when you have never lived in the UAE? I never compared the UK NHS to any medical care in the middle east. I was comparing everything to America. (re-read). I have no clue on how i'm going to deal with life in the UAE but I know how awful it's been here in London.

It is just not true what tally-ho said ... have you ever delivered in a UK hospital? [b'>Yep 3 of them one on the NHS and the other two privately in a NHS hospital. My youngest needed SCBU the staff were absolutely amazing and the care he received was second to none. I would not even consider having a baby in the UAE, I’ve heard to many horror stories[/b'>. The NHS in the UK is FAR superior to ANY medical facility in the UAE? That is just not a true statement on any level. http://www.photius.com/rankings/healthranks.html [b'>The UK is above the UAE in every medical rankings publication. The UAE is a small developing country it is silly to suggest that it is superior to the UK as it just does not have the facilities to deal with every medical scenario. [/b'>Did you know that most Arabs go to the UK/US or Europe for medical treatment? True - you can 't move in Harley Street waiting rooms for the Arab patients. [b'>Why do you think they are in Harley Street and not in the American Hospital waiting room?[/b'> How can you give the OP advice when you have never lived in the UAE? I think she was answering the original post - which asked if anyone could give their experiences of Doha or London medical treatments.

Okay, I'll tell you from my experience. My mother was a doctor for the military (we're from Texas). I got married and moved to London--- then I had to start using their medical facilities. YUCK! YUCK! YUCK! The NHS hospitals (and even the private hospitals) are a horror. I had to have my son privately here in London after the NHS lost my records around 7 times during my pregnancy. During the pregnancy, I started bleeding (at 16 weeks) and they told me I had miscarried. I demanded an ultra sound and on the screen was my happy little bubbly baby--heart still beating. They never figured out why I was bleeding and even sent me home (still bleeding). I ended up delivering at 37 weeks (c-section) AND I had pre-eclampsia! Waiting that long and not figuring out I had such a serious condition was past irresponsible. It was absolutely third world. If I hadn't demanded a c-section the morning I did no one would have realized I had pre-eclampsia. London is not a great place for medicine. Not even Harley Street is that great. The medical practices are out of date. If my mother hadn't been a doctor I wouldn't know to go and call up her friends and ask them for advice regarding the next steps. My son is currently speech delayed, I've combined his treatment with Private and NHS help and let me tell you, I've got the best in the country and I've still had to quit work to help my son because the medical services here are out of date and overstretched. Having said all of this, I do have another American friend here who is undergoing cancer treatment here, but I think it's more out of necessity because she may not have insurance in America anymore (Her husband works here for one of these banks)...So perhaps their UK Insurance is paying for a private room at an NHS hospital. Also, the hospitals themselves are generally are a huge mess. Blagh. Oh dear - there are superb nhs hospitals in the UK - sounds like you were unlucky. I think if I had anything very serious I would most definitely go to the UK for a 2nd opinion - you wait until you get here - there are not loads and loads of great drs and hospitals here - only a few who seem to be getting it right. My sister has gone through years of treatment with 2 of her closest friends and they have had amazing treatment and care. My Dad was treated like a king in 2 NHS hospitals last year and was treated and cured of a highly rare condition. I had a similar experience to you with my first little boy threatened miscarriage but I was admitted and scanned and assured everything was fine. they decided to put me on a high risk pregnancy programme and I was checked regularly and towards the end of my pregnancy I had to attend a special unit to have a trace - I was beautifully looked after and was happy to do whatever they recommended I did - I felt absolutely fit and well but at 37 weeks a blood test showed up something that pointed to pre-eclampsia with no outward warning signs (ie I had no headaches, no blurred vision, no swelling etc etc) so I was admitted and my little boy was delivered the next morning - all nhs and absolutely no complaints whatsoever - I could not fault my care from my dr surgery, antenatal care with my midwife, my hospital care, delivery and after care with the midwives and health visitor. I went on to have another baby the following year and had the same amazing care so it wasn't a one off experience. I think with everything - there are good apples and bad apples but it's sad to tar the NHS with the bad brush. We are very lucky to have such a service and others are lucky to be able to benefit too. A friend here had her cancer treatment at the American Hospital and she was very happy with her care - she's a picture of health now. The Royal Marsden Hospital in London is one of the best cancer hospitals in the UK - if not the best - it might be worth contacting them Natalie and talking to them. Many people travel from all over the world to see their specialists. Natalie8 - I hope the info on here helps you with your difficult decision. I also know, from friends who have had cancer that having confidence in your doctors and those who are treating you helps enormously. Good luck to you and I hope you continue to do well in your recovery.

It is just not true what tally-ho said ... have you ever delivered in a UK hospital? The NHS in the UK is FAR superior to ANY medical facility in the UAE? That is just not a true statement on any level. Did you know that most Arabs go to the UK/US or Europe for medical treatment? True - you can 't move in Harley Street waiting rooms for the Arab patients. How can you give the OP advice when you have never lived in the UAE? I think she was answering the original post - which asked if anyone could give their experiences of Doha or London medical treatments.

My brother was treated at The Royal Marsden and travelled from the south west as their treatment for cancer is second to none. And of course it's free for the majority not like in the USA.

Okay, I'll tell you from my experience. My mother was a doctor for the military (we're from Texas). I got married and moved to London--- then I had to start using their medical facilities. YUCK! YUCK! YUCK! The NHS hospitals (and even the private hospitals) are a horror. I had to have my son privately here in London after the NHS lost my records around 7 times during my pregnancy. During the pregnancy, I started bleeding (at 16 weeks) and they told me I had miscarried. I demanded an ultra sound and on the screen was my happy little bubbly baby--heart still beating. They never figured out why I was bleeding and even sent me home (still bleeding). I ended up delivering at 37 weeks (c-section) AND I had pre-eclampsia! Waiting that long and not figuring out I had such a serious condition was past irresponsible. It was absolutely third world. If I hadn't demanded a c-section the morning I did no one would have realized I had pre-eclampsia. London is not a great place for medicine. Not even Harley Street is that great. The medical practices are out of date. If my mother hadn't been a doctor I wouldn't know to go and call up her friends and ask them for advice regarding the next steps. My son is currently speech delayed, I've combined his treatment with Private and NHS help and let me tell you, I've got the best in the country and I've still had to quit work to help my son because the medical services here are out of date and overstretched. Having said all of this, I do have another American friend here who is undergoing cancer treatment here, but I think it's more out of necessity because she may not have insurance in America anymore (Her husband works here for one of these banks)...So perhaps their UK Insurance is paying for a private room at an NHS hospital. Also, the hospitals themselves are generally are a huge mess. Blagh. I think you will probably be eating your words once you move to Dubai. The NHS in the UK is FAR superior to ANY medical facility in the UAE. Did you know that most Arabs go to the UK/US or Europe for medical treatment? How can you give the OP advice when you have never lived in the UAE?

I agree Babyrat, the NHS whilst has it's problems it's pretty good and would trust their medical skills 100%. However the poster may not be entitled to NHS treatment, if she has good health insurance i.e. BUPA etc their hospitals and Nuffield hospitals also have very good track records. She may be treated privately in a NHS hospital if that's the best place for her and her insurance should pick up the bill. Good Luck Natalie8 and good health wherever you end up.

I just wanted to add no country's medical practice is perfect but I think the NHS is amazing. Doctors are only human and yes they do make mistakes. My father last summer was diagnosed with cancer of the colon. Within 6 weeks from the time he went to see the doctor who then referred him to consultant he was treated and back home. Unfortunately for us it has returned again and this time he has again been seen quickly and is now in St Thomas London undergoing treatment. The doctors and nurses work very hard are underpaid, long working hours, conditions etc but they still soldier on.

I will post this on the Qatar forum. I was debating that as it seems pretty quiet over there and many of the posters post on here. So it looks like that hospital has had great reviews. I'm relived about this as I would like to stay in this region (mainly for the warm weather all year round), :cool: and the fact that this move would be very soon, as in the next 6 weeks. GGP, thanks for your review. that sounds like hospitals in Canada. Ugh! The icing on the cake was how my grandfather was treated when he had a heart attack and a stroke. I think the move to Doha would be a nice change of scene for both of us now too. Thanks again, everyone. I wish you the best with whatever you decide. :)

Okay, I'll tell you from my experience. My mother was a doctor for the military (we're from Texas). I got married and moved to London--- then I had to start using their medical facilities. YUCK! YUCK! YUCK! The NHS hospitals (and even the private hospitals) are a horror. I had to have my son privately here in London after the NHS lost my records around 7 times during my pregnancy. During the pregnancy, I started bleeding (at 16 weeks) and they told me I had miscarried. I demanded an ultra sound and on the screen was my happy little bubbly baby--heart still beating. They never figured out why I was bleeding and even sent me home (still bleeding). I ended up delivering at 37 weeks (c-section) AND I had pre-eclampsia! Waiting that long and not figuring out I had such a serious condition was past irresponsible. It was absolutely third world. If I hadn't demanded a c-section the morning I did no one would have realized I had pre-eclampsia. London is not a great place for medicine. Not even Harley Street is that great. The medical practices are out of date. If my mother hadn't been a doctor I wouldn't know to go and call up her friends and ask them for advice regarding the next steps. My son is currently speech delayed, I've combined his treatment with Private and NHS help and let me tell you, I've got the best in the country and I've still had to quit work to help my son because the medical services here are out of date and overstretched. Having said all of this, I do have another American friend here who is undergoing cancer treatment here, but I think it's more out of necessity because she may not have insurance in America anymore (Her husband works here for one of these banks)...So perhaps their UK Insurance is paying for a private room at an NHS hospital. Also, the hospitals themselves are generally are a huge mess. Blagh.

I live in Doha but am here for delivery of my second child. I chose not to deliver at Hamad Hospital in Doha, because they wouldnt let my DH or any other person into the labor room. They are backwards like that. I dunno about cancer, but, during my last pregnancy i had a problem at 31 weeks and they were so thorough, it was amazing! And all we paid was AED 84 for a scan, CTG, urine test, doctor consultation, blood test and i cant even remember wat else. Also, when my DS fell sick, we went to the pediatric emergency and they checked every possible thing, and it was totally free. When my DH's newborn niece fell sick, they were very very thorough with her and found out exactly what was wrong with her. And again totally free for a 1 week hospital stay for mother and child. My Sis in law delivered 2 kids there, for free, and natural delivery. It is not luxury of Dubai pvt hospitals, but the treatment and diagnosis is excellent. Till very recently, they were giving open heart surgeries for free. If you compare Doha and London, well you cant compare. Doha is still developing, and no where even close to Dubai. HTH

I can't comment on cancer treatment in Doha, but if this is if any help whatsoever, a family member had a stroke in Doha...was taken to the Hamad Hospital, where he received the most amazing, and most importantly timely, state of the art treatment. We were all hugely impressed. And in all honesty, perhaps not as many up front frills as Dubai hospitals, but a damm sight more competent.

I would recommend that you post this on the Qatar forum as there might be ladies there who have had direct experience. Yes, the government cancer hospital (can't remember the name, but there's only 1) is well, the only one in Qatar. It has an excellent reputation. I was speaking to my internist at one of the private hospitals here (I'm in Doha) about a relative who had been diagnosed with lung cancer, and my doctor said "if it was my relative, I would try to get them to Qatar to the cancer hospital - top notch!" Last weekend I met a British woman who is a radiation therapist at that hospital. She spoke really highly of the facilities and overall level of care. She's a friend of a friend and I can try to get her email as I'm sure she'd be in a good position to compare treatment options in Qatar and the UK. Send me your email and I'll try to connect you. I'm at: rachelawad at gmail dot com Best of luck to you!

I think desert rose might live in Doha- if I am right, I think she would be a very good person in get in touch with.

Hi Natalie8, so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. A year ago I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Having not long moved here I would be very interested to hear of your experiences with the American Hospital as only today I made an appointment to go there. I'm sorry I can't help you with the info you are looking for.