"A different service for NHS patients??"

I visited the Edgbaston Hospital last week to seek the outcome and future plan for my medical complaint. I arrived 10 minutes before my appointment time of 11am. I saw at least three other patients arrive after me and yet were called by the same Consultant to be seen. I then realised that a "secondary service " was in operation as I was an NHS patient. This belief was confirmed when I saw and heard a female patient state that she had an 11.20 am appointment, I watched with dismay as 15 minutes later she was called in to be seen by the same consultant, as I was left waiting. As by now I had waited nearly 45 minutes I went to the reception desk to ask for the reason for the delay. An apology was given and I was told it would not be much longer. I was eventually called to be seen at 12.01.

The outcome being there was nothing to be concerned about. This follow up lasted all but 10 minutes.

I now have the dilemma of what to do now- pay for private healthcare and receive a thorough comprehensive service and feel reassured? I have paid NI contributions for nearly three decades and believe decent healthcare should be available for those in need and I have made sparse demands of the NHS over the years. This was not an encouraging experience.