National Health Care

It has been longer than I wanted since the last time I was able to post a blog. First, whoever the kind person from whom we have been innocently borrowing their wireless shut it off for about a week and the only access to the web we have had has been our phones. Second, we have had some illnesses running through the house... which brings me to my post: National Health Care in the United Kingdom.
Essentially it can be summed up by a new friend of ours who stated: "In the US, doctors seem to look for more work for themselves. You know, every little thing could be cancer. In the UK, the doctors want to make less work for themselves."
Sophie has caught a bug or two over that last two weeks as well as bopping her head pretty well, coincidentally followed by a little stomach bug and then a nasty cold. We have had a paramedic to our house, a visit to the A & E (ER), an after hours doctor phone call, visit to a Saturday clinic and a check up at our normal "surgery" with the GP. So, I feel like we have had a good feel for the range of medical care available to us in West London (in the US I have never brought our kids to the ER or, thank goodness, had an ambulance called to our home). With all this medical attention, you should know that Sophie has always been just fine through this all- just had some scary symptoms and deep sleeps that alarmed even the nurse line. The drama never ends with these girls.
So which is better: paying through the nose in premiums and medical bills or waiting a little longer than we'd like for an appointment or at the emergency room? Right now I'd take neither. I really want the comfort of a pediatrician looking after my babies instead of a general practioner but I feel sick about the amount of money we spent each month on health care in the US. I am used to much more intervention than what has happened here with Sophie so far. The three doctors have all just said "ahhh, she's fine - its just a virus". Keep in mind she has been vomiting, unable to be roused, woke up screaming, shaking and unable to catch her breath all in the span of a week and a half. While it is becoming clear that the doctors here are likely right in that she just has a nasty virus, it has been an unfortunate week to been in the hands of a brand new medical system. I have to remind myself that the life expectancy is higher here in the UK than in the US.
Hopefully this weekend will go a bit smoother than the last two and I will have some good stories and pictures to add soon! Tim, the girls and I all really appreciate all the support many of you have showed us. Thanks so much for the well wishes!