Marjorie Said:

Why was this Haitian child flown all the way to the UK for treatment, when the US is closer?

We Answered:

I really don't think there's as much of a disparity between quality of care and facilities in the two countries as some people like to make out.

The main difference is in the process of administering the health-care - that is, the political decisions that are made outside of the realm of patient-care.

Great Ormond Street is a world-leading children's hospital, filled with people and facilities that save and enhance children's lives on a daily basis.

There may be many reasons why the decision was made to take the child to the UK rather than any other country. It's probably a combination of the reputation of the UK hospitals in queston, and the fact that US hospitals may already be feeling the strain of caring for victims of the Haiti earthquake.

I don't really like to be cynical, but it might also have something to do with the fact that, as the article you link to mentions, "as always the surgical team are donating their services". That's not to say that American surgical teams are less charitable than those in other parts of the world; just that everything I've heard about the US health-care system strongly suggests that its aims and motivations are financial more than anything else.

Whatever the reasons for this decision, I'm sure that the child in question will receive the best possible care, and I hope very much that she makes a good recovery.

Jane Said:

if a american woman concieves in uk through a uk national & gives birth in uk, is the child uk citizen?

We Answered:

A child born in UK of NON british mother is NOT a british citizen - as long as the parents are NOT married. The child will take the mothers citizenship.

IF the father is british, and the parents not married - then the father MUST make an affidavit (or write something and get it notarised) to the effect that this is his child, and that he is an british citizen.

If the parents are married then the child is british because the father is british.

Herman Said:

How is Asphergers Syndrome diagnosed in a child -UK?

We Answered:

Aspergers is within the autistic spectrum but the main difference between classic autism and Aspergers is delayed or retarded cognition and language. The main investigations the Doctors will do are sight and hearing tests, chromosome analysis and IQ Testing for older children.

Dan Said:

How do i get onto the UK health sytem? or find out if i'm already on it?

We Answered:

If you think that you are gonna get a dentist on the NHS you can forget it. People who have lived here all their lifes cant get a Dentist. I think you will end up paying for that yourself.
With regards to a doctor call your local surgery and ask them. They will be able to help you whether you are still on the system or new to the system.