Time to abolish the NHS?

[Gonzo]

and your share for those who cannot afford to pay? Or were you planning to renegue on that responsibility?

A lot has changed in the world of healthcare since the NHS was set up.

The expectations of the public are a lot higher now and a lot more can be done - at a cost. The service that you would have received in 1948 is rather different to the one that you would receive today and is it reasonable to fund it in the same way?

Similar ideas apply to the State Pension which would only have had to support anyone for a couple of years before they keeled over 50 years ago, but maybe that needs its own thread?

[Pickle2]

and stopped paying NI, .

Whats this "NI" of which you speak?

[lambrini_socialist]

privatisation has done wonders for the trains and utilities. bring it on!

[TimberWolf]

Never used it myself. Hate those hospital/death places.

[pmeswani]

We still need the NHS. I don't mind paying NI (despite my accountant's recommendations on the minimum wage). I believe we need a service that allows one to make additional contributions in order to get better and faster treatment. Fair system? Probably not, but as long as the health care is available to all British Subjects, then I think it's an idea that needs exploring.

If, and only if, the Identity card is brought in, I hope the NHS will be allowed to tap into the system in order to make sure that the person being treated is not trying it on (i.e. free health care for foreigners).

[Lockhouse]

The NHS needs reform but it shouldn't be privatised. Private insurance is available for those that want it (I've got private medical insurance but it's not a panacea).

There are two main problems with the NHS (in my opinion);

1) Bureaucracy: Too many managers and far too many targets. My wife was a NHS manager who collapsed with stress so I know what I'm talking about here.

2) Too many people in this country using NHS facilities who really a) shouldn't be in this country or b) have come from abroad so should pay for their treatment.

[snaw]

For me, having lived in countries where healthcare isn't free it's still one of the greatest things about living in this country.

I don't mind paying, and so far I don't use it too much, but for me no one should be denied healthcare based on money, or lack of.

[Pickle2]

have come from abroad so should pay for their treatment.

What if they came from abroad 50 years ago to drive your bus or clean your tulipty toilets on the promise of not much, but access to health care being one them?

[PM-Junkie]

You clearly didn't watch Hospital yesterday.
I resent paying for self-inflicted drink-related injuries and feel no obligation to do so.
A full 50% of A&E cases at that particular hospital were self-inflicted.
The doctor was at her wits end.

OK, and I refuse to pay for treatment of those who drive to fast. Or who smoke. Or who eat too many doughnuts. Or who don't exercise enough.

Is this an early attempt for "idiot of the day"?

[snaw]

OK, and I refuse to pay for treatment of those who drive to fast. Or who smoke. Or who eat too many doughnuts. Or who don't exercise enough.

Is this an early attempt for "idiot of the day"?

Ban alcohol clearly is the solution!

Actually, I've had a self inflicted drink related injury ... clearly when I fell on that bit of glass and cut my wrist cause I was pished and messing about I should have just bled to death rather than bother the A&E doctor (ANd tax payer) ...