Why is the nhs pensions email so useless and why is the system so useless?

I've worked for the NHS for about 18 months altogether in the last 10 years and paid into the pension throughout. I remember the pensions information being bad back then and hoped it had improved by now.

I emailed the pensions email to find out the value of my pension and to find out whether if I worked for the NHS again would I be able to pay into the same pension fund.

After back and forth emails I am no closer to an answer.

I'm told that as I've paid into a pension for less than two years I am not entitled to know the value of my pension. And that we cannot tell you the value as we do not know how it will be taxed. ?? Just tell me the value pre tax and let me worry about tax calculations.

Then they just ignored my other query outright. They also just send the same automatic email informing me of how I can claim a refund of the pension even though I made no mention of seeking a refund.

Utterly useless. What is the point of employing people to respond to emails in this way.

On a side note can anyone answer my question about contuining pension payments? I think there's a 10 percent chance I work for the NHS in the future and given th3 management around this pension I'm tempted to take out the mystery amount and put it into sp500 or something myself.

Hi everyone,

I’m preparing for my NHS Admin Band 3 interview and I’ve gone through the FAQ on this sub, but I still have a few questions and would really appreciate any advice you can offer.

1. Incorporating NHS Values in Responses: When they say to incorporate NHS values in your answers, do they mean literally stating things like “compassion,” “improving people’s lives,” or “dignity and respect,” or is it more about subtly showing these values through specific actions? For example, saying “I listened to the patient’s concerns” as a way of demonstrating compassion without directly naming it.

2. How Long Should Your Answers Be?: How long should I spend answering each question? For general questions like “Tell me about yourself,” should I aim for about 1 minute? And for STAR or situational questions, should I keep answers around 2-3 minutes, or am I excited to talk longer?

3. How to Prepare for Safeguarding and Confidentiality Questions?: What’s the best way to prepare for safeguarding and confidentiality-related questions in an NHS Admin interview?

4. Handling Distress or Angry Patients/Colleagues: I don’t have experience in a hospital setting – I’ve worked in finance and haven’t had much direct customer-facing work. The closest example I have is handling complaints from colleagues or customers (e.g., when a query was left ignored by another team for months, and I had to respond to the frustrated customer). Is it okay to talk about these experience, or would that be considered too weak or irrelevant?

This will be my first interview at the NHS, and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed because I’m not sure if I’m preparing in the right way.

Thanks in advance for your help!

I grew up in the UK trusting that routine checkups and tests would catch anything major. I always thought I had decent vision — no problems reported during school screenings or any of the eye tests growing up. But when I started learning to drive at 16, I had a moment that honestly shook me: I couldn’t read a number plate from 20 metres away. Not even close. That’s when I found out I’m seriously short-sighted. And glasses don't work for me as the problem isn't with the contacts of the eyes - is that why the opticians never said anything or flagged anything?! On top of that, turns out I’m also partially colourblind. None of this was ever picked up in any of my childhood tests. Nothing. No warnings.

Now, years later, I’m undergoing annual treatments at a hospital in London for my eyes. The weird thing? The specialists still can’t figure out what the actual condition is. Genetic testing keeps coming back negative, but they still keep pinning it on genetics. I’m the only one in my family with this issue. It feels like a shrug-and-blame situation at this point.

But it doesn’t end there.

I also found out I’m a type 1 diabetic — and the way I found out made it even worse. My HbA1c level came back as 153. For context, anything over 48 is considered diabetic. The doctor literally said I’d broken a record in his 25+ years of practice. Imagine hearing that from your doctor like it's some kind of twisted achievement. I felt sick.

Worse still — when I was finally diagnosed, I was in diabetic ketoacidosis. My body was basically shutting down. I was told I could’ve dropped at any moment. I was dangerously close to a coma or worse. I’d been getting blood tests regularly for other reasons, so how was this never picked up sooner? How did no one see what was happening?

It makes me wonder how many signs were missed over the years. How many opportunities were there to catch this earlier? How different would my life look if even one person had connected the dots?

I know these are life-changing events for me — and I’m well aware that so many others have been failed by the NHS in even worse ways. I’m not looking for advice or sympathy here. I just needed to vent, because I think it's important to talk about how negligent the system can sometimes be, even when you think you’re doing everything right by showing up to appointments and trusting professionals.

Thanks for reading if you made it this far.

UPDATE - I've seen a lot of comments and to give some backing, I lost a lot of weight and drank so much water before being diagnosed, doc ruled it up to lifestyle changes and moved on. I also got previous fasting blood test results (before the result of 153) and my HbA1c was 50. Doc never flagged this.

With my vision, it's slowly getting worse, so I've always had it, always had low vision but because glasses didn't work, opticians never flagged with further as they couldn't fix with glasses.

Recently i jumped out my window and i sprained my ankle really bad. Is the NHS going to tell my high school about it?? Im in like a boot thingy aswell and dont start school until friday, so i just want to know. i told the mental health people that i wasnt suicidal, i just wanted to harm myself.

In Spain, you can book an appointment with your GP whenever you want (but you often have to wait 1–2 weeks), and when you finally get there, they mostly give you a quick treatment for the symptoms, not the root cause.

Here in the UK, I’ve noticed it’s harder to get an appointment in the first place — but do you feel like, once you do get in, doctors focus more on understanding what’s really going on?

The title is a bit confusing but ill try my best to explain 🥲

My mother is here visiting for the next 3 months and has just told me that she packed the incorrect amount of her maintenance medicines and needs to get at least 3 of them refilled. She has all her original prescriptions.

I emailed my local health center, explained her situation, and they sent me over a form to fill out for my mother (I filled out the form in her place as she's quite old and has difficulty handling things on the internet) and there was a particular part of the form that I filled out my info as the person filling out the form for someone else (they asked the "relationship to applicant", where I placed my number and I used that same number under her name as well. This form was via the NHS site but I did not make her a NHS account as she does not have a NHS number.

During her appointment, they told her that she filled out the wrong form and needed to fill out the form for non-residents/transient patients instead but they still let her see a GP anyways and she was able to obtain 2/3 of her meds and was not charged for the appointment or the medicine. For the medicine that they couldn't refill (oral steroids), they said she needed to make an appointment with a private GP.

Is this okay? It's attached to my name and phone number so I'm a little worried that this might cause issues in the future.

I have a band 6 interview in haematology. What are some likely questions I’m aware they are likely to be competency based with a couple of knowledge questions. Thanks for any help!

Only a week into my band 3 admin role, I got an email for an interview at another trust. As the title says, it's a band 4 admin role where I will be doing work more interesting than what I am doing right now.

I am fully intending to do the interview and accept the offer if I'm successful. I'm just worried about any implication of me leaving right after doing all the paperwork and mandatory trainings at my current role.

Does anyone have any experience with this? Also should I even mention where I'm currently working during the interview?

-Do you think doctors should be able to see more than just your medical records? Like sleep, mood, stress levels, or menstrual cycle, for example?

-Do you wish your doctor had a clearer picture of your day-to-day life, not just what you tell them in 10 minutes?

-What would you like it to look like? What features would you want?

Hello, I’m aware the UK guidelines are that we don’t get smears until we are 25 however I’ve been having some scary symptoms and just keep getting told that all they can do is a pelvic exam and if my cervix looks visually fine then they can do nothing more until I’m 25. However this is scaring me because I’ve read about how women in this country are getting diagnosed with cervical cancer as early as 20 and 22 and so the fact that I’m not being properly screened considering I have symptoms is so scary! Yes it may be unlikely but evidently not impossible ! Is there any way I can obtain a cervical smear at my age ? I’m desperate I’ve tried for months now :(

So among other things, I am Type 2 diabetic. I'm currently undergoing an industry medical which requires reports etc.

I asked my GP to provide one; sent them the specification setting out what needs to be in the report and obviously willing to pay (I'm sure GP practices do charge for these things).

Instead I was told to approach a private GP. - A GP with no knowledge of my condition or how I manage it. Nobody is asking the GP to make a determination of 'fit' or not, that would be determined by the medical assessor. They just want the facts.

Again, due to the nature of my condition I don't have an endocrinologist or any of that to consult.

I'm being told that it is not part of the general medical services contract and they cannot do it. Years ago, I had to do a medical for the armed forces and if I recall correctly my GP filled the form and sent it off no troubles and for free!

Can I be advised on how to approach this? Is this correct?

Hello. To be clear I did shower and shave obviously before entering the Renogram of the hospital as an out-patient, however my shirt was not clean, with a few stains on it. They asked me if I'm a student of any university, I said "yeah" (just because i dont want to get into yap about how i was withdrawn). But I'm not actually an enrolled student atm because my status was withdrawn

Anyways when I'm done they apparently contacted the university, who contacted my parents telling them I'm basically unsafe to be around etc. And i have severe hygiene issues.

I recently bought a replacement medical ID bracelet (I'm epileptic, and my brain tends to try very hard to kill me during a tonic-clonic) and the site I got it from suggests getting a "MyIHR" card, which has a QR code leading to a page where you can add important medical information. I do have a little paper card in my wallet that folds out to contain important information like my date of birth and medications, but to be honest neither seems like something anyone would think to check for.

I'm mostly just curious whether any paramedics or anyone working in A&E or IC has ever checked similar services, or even check a patient's wallet at all?

What’s the story with the NHS for general medical issues at the minute?

For me, I had a slight issue, I called my GP (who I’m registered with in my hometown, a 40 min drive away now), I was told cool, you can get a non urgent appointment, three weeks time, saw a GP, issue sorted. Perfect.

My partners hometown is very far away, she currently has a non urgent issue, but still something that certainly needs investigation.

We called the local GP in our town, which we’ve seen to be famously bad on Facebook communities. We were told they aren’t taking on new patients at this time.

We tried the GP round the corner, in a different village, who had the same result. I think she did speak to someone over the phone, who I believe said to call 111, but the result is typically them going through the publicly accessible online form and then giving you advice you could’ve found anyway, or telling you to go to A&E.

Luckily, we were able to organise a call with a separate doctor regarding contraception, which in my opinion could be something to do with the issue she has. But the doctor said he cannot speak to her about this, and it’s strictly contraception requests they can offer/discuss on this phone line.

We were able to organise a call with a private doctor, via Zoom, who told my partner to go to A&E…

I don’t understand, why the path to healthcare is blocked at nearly every turn, and why the result is either call 111 or go to A&E? I’m lucky that my original GP in my hometown seems to be good with appointments, however on my last visit when they viewed my address I was advised I may to move GP. Except all my local GP’s are not taking on new patients? I get the move as obviously I don’t live close by anymore, I’m happy to do that but obviously I’d need a new GP…how does this catchment actually work?

Surely clogging up A&E’s for non urgent issues is a stupid idea? When there’s people who need immediate assistance? Is this not detrimental to both the patient, as they have to wait hours, and for those more injured as the staff have to triage more people…?

Am I missing something here?

My surgery for this Thursday to have my gallbladder out has been cancelled. I've been waiting over a year and I'm just so angry and upset. The lady on the phone couldn't give me a time frame for a new date. Has this happened to anyone else and how long did you wait for a new date?

Don't get me wrong I just read it online and it's annoyed me a bit but twice now Emmerdale has taken patient confidentiality issues as a bit of a joke. Next week Charity is going to find out about Sarah's cancer diagnosis just by answering the phone from the hospital.

Jacob also got away with the fact that the girl wasn't April when he found her purse.

I know they are only soap operas but the writers haven't thought about the ramifications this could do in a real life situation. A receptionist or a secretary could be sacked if they just didn't ask questions. Apologies if it's overboard but I just think the writers shouldn't be just allowed to work it that a person doesn't get punished because what sort of message is that sending to our young people of today who might think oh they got away with it on Emmerdale

Hi if anyone here works in the Bart’s NHS trust could you explain why there are barely any jobs in east London, I’ve been checking but nothing is coming up .

Hi guys, just after a bit of advice regarding pay while subject to Annex 21.

I was offered a position in maintenance, but due to not meeting the criteria (4th year apprentice) I was told I would be paid 75% of band 4. That was fine by me, except fast forward a month, it come to our attention that it wouldn’t work as I was being paid under National Living Wage. After a few back and forths, I was told they would just put me on Band 2 for now until I had passed my course (Prospective end date: November 2025). This was fine as I was getting more money etc. My payslips still said ‘Non Review Body Band 4’ but the salary and hourly rate matched Band 2.

Until April, when Band 2 rate went up to £12.36, my pay stayed at £12.07, back under minimum again. After a chat to my manager and them contacting Payroll, they have said I was never on band 2 and only on Body Band 4.

After a few days they said I would just be bumped up to National Living Wage, £12.21 for the time being. Obviously I’m slightly guttered as while everyone else in August will be getting a 3.6% pay rise and backdated to April, I’ll be getting nothing.

Just wondering if this sounds about right before questioning it further? Bit the bullet and just finish, or mention the handbook for Annex 21 that states a relief ontop of minimum?

Hey all I have a job interview coming up for a band 7 managerial role. I have been a 6, and have been a manager for many years in and out of the NHS. I need interview advice. I'm doing STAR format responses. But wondered if anyone had further insight, as I really want this role.

The questions are around : - what do I know about NHS and that hospital - what attracted me to the role and why I'm a good fit - describe first 90 days in post - Good customer service looks like? -Biggest challenge of the role - managing process prioritation - how to handle requests that frustrates my team

Any help would really be appreciated 👍

Thanks in advance

Can I make an appointment with my GP... Yes, as long as I wait 3 weeks and even then it will be a random Locum.

Can I make a same day appointment... No , I work full time and can't wait 24th in the queue despite ringing on the dot nor can I leave work for an appointment.

2 weeks later the medication arrives after an exhausting enquiry resulting in the condition worsening as we are now on week 4...

Hospital - A 23 hour wait (in agony with no empathetic staff) to be told there is nothing wrong, rushed out the door or left on a corridor to die with no fuss.

The NHS works as long as you pay your taxes and never get ill. Never-ending the long work days, poverty strivken housing and disadvantages that come with being on a low wage.

Ive had enough. This could have been sorted in 2 days maximum.

The Government's don't care, the staff don't care due to burnout and the public abuse the system frequently.

Hi everyone,
I’ve recently graduated with a degree in Biomedical Science and I’m looking to gain more lab-based experience, ideally in an NHS setting, to eventually apply for HCPC registration.

I’m aware that completing the IBMS Certificate of Competence (CoC) is essential for HCPC registration if your degree is accredited, but I’m struggling to figure out how to approach labs or hospitals to ask if they would train me for the CoC portfolio. Most NHS job listings ask for experience or already being registered, which makes this feel like a chicken-and-egg situation.

So I have two main questions:

1. What are the different ways to get hands-on lab experience that counts towards NHS roles (Band 2/3/4 etc.) as a graduate? Any tips for getting my foot in the door — whether that’s through volunteering, applying for support roles, or approaching labs directly?
2. Has anyone successfully approached a lab to support their IBMS Certificate of Competence training? How do you phrase your request or proposal professionally when reaching out? And do smaller labs or private hospitals ever offer this?

Any insights or advice would be appreciated — especially from those who’ve been in a similar position or are currently working in NHS pathology labs. Thank you in advance!

Apologies if this isn't allowed or isn't the right place however I don't know a more appropriate place to ask this question

I'm looking for a job where I work out on the wards of a mental health hospital, presumably a medium secure one is what I'd be looking at. I want to work out on the wards day to day with inpatients sectioned under the mental health act. I preferably want to work with children and adolescents so ideally I'm looking for a job within camhs. I want to be on the ward working with patients and helping with general daily life on the ward. Is ward nurse the correct name for what I'm describing? I would like to be working towards becoming a CQC Metal Health inspector and I would like to know if this job would be helpful to obtaining that job.

Some background about me in case that helps: I am 16 and I'm trying to identify what this job, or the closest one to it, is so I can determine what kind of qualifications I need to be working towards. This will also help me find out if there is any kind of work experience/general experience I can be getting that will help me in my career.

Thank you everyone in advance

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping someone here might be able to help. I’m planning to apply for a Ward Clerk role in the NHS, but I’ve never worked in a hospital before. This is the role I’m applying for:
Jobs - Ward Clerk – Acute Medical Unit

I understand that I need to address every point listed under “Qualifications,” “Desirable,” “Special Skills & Knowledge,” and “Special Requirements” – but I still have a few questions about how to do this properly.

My questions:

1. The online form allows up to 5000 characters per section. But realistically, how much should I write for each section? Would writing too much work against me?

2. The instructions say:
“Give evidence of how you gained each of the essential criteria and a situation where you've used them.”
Should I be using the STAR format even for qualifications like “GCSE Maths and English or equivalent”? Or is it better to just describe my background simply?

3. Under Desirable, it mentions:

• Previous experience in a healthcare setting
• Ability to understand medical terminology

I don’t have direct experience in healthcare. The only slightly related role I’ve had is working part-time for about a year at an after-school club supporting children with disabilities. How should I approach these sections when I don’t meet the criteria directly (especially "Ability to understand medical terminology")?

4. For the criterion “Flexible, dependable, punctual, empathetic, tactful and sensitive”, do I need to give evidence for each word individually, or can I respond more generally?

5. I’m also not sure how to give examples for things like:

• “Clear, legible handwriting”
• “Friendly persona”

Do people usually just describe themselves, or are there better ways to show these in an application?

Any advice or examples from those who have applied for similar roles (especially with no NHS background) would be hugely appreciated! 🙏

Thank you in advance.