Our NHS isn't perfect but ...

[Moorlandman]

I think there is a role for private sector in the health service

Most of us think nothing about paying to see an optician or dentist. There could be other services we could pay for to help prioritise funding for other issues

[Nic1982]

Couldn't agree more. My son is in end stage renal failure and requires dialysis every night. I can't imagine what the cost of this must be not to mention everything that goes with him! I am in a group with other mums whose children have the same condition and a lot of them are from the us. It is really sad to see them trying to find a cheaper drug that does the same as one they already have because the insurance will no longer cover it. Must be a massive strain on top of what is already very stressful!

[nolypops83]

Originally Posted by Moorlandman

I think there is a role for private sector in the health service

Most of us think nothing about paying to see an optician or dentist. There could be other services we could pay for to help prioritise funding for other issues

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Have to disagree. Lots of people do think twice about going to the opticians and dentist. When you're working for minimum wage £20 for a check up is a lot.

[EssexSue]

Originally Posted by nolypops83

Have to disagree. Lots of people do think twice about going to the opticians and dentist. When you're working for minimum wage £20 for a check up is a lot.

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You just beat me to it.

[Moorlandman]

I guess if we want all treatment to be free we will need to pay more tax.

Unfortunately, when the chancellor announced an increase in N.I there was mass uproar from the Self Employed!

[EssexSue]

Originally Posted by Moorlandman

I think there is a role for private sector in the health service

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Thin end of the wedge!

[Clare]

I was reading a report by the Kings Fund recently and it was saying about Ireland charge for non essential a&e visits, France introduced nominal charges for things such as ambulances and other things ranging from as little as under 1 Euro to 18 Euros. It made interesting reading as although very small charges it enables the health system to function. However, I can see this wouldn't be the preferred route with our government, private (expensive) insurers would no doubt be brought in, charging extortionate premiums to keep their shareholders happy, making it unsustainable for those with pre existing medical conditions, but equally penalising those in good health once they have to claim.

Something has to change it's obvious but it needs to be done in such a way so that if you need care or develop a chronic condition you get the treatment you need and not line some fat cat insurers pocket.

[Loftus]

I'd be happy to pay an extra penny in the pound on income tax if it was hypothecated for the NHS.

[Clare]

Originally Posted by Loftus

I'd be happy to pay an extra penny in the pound on income tax if it was hypothecated for the NHS.

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This was one of the funding alternatives they listed.

[EssexSue]

Originally Posted by Clare

I was reading a report by the Kings Fund recently and it was saying about Ireland charge for non essential a&e visits, France introduced nominal charges for things such as ambulances and other things ranging from as little as under 1 Euro to 18 Euros. It made interesting reading as although very small charges it enables the health system to function. However, I can see this wouldn't be the preferred route with our government, private (expensive) insurers would no doubt be brought in, charging extortionate premiums to keep their shareholders happy, making it unsustainable for those with pre existing medical conditions, but equally penalising those in good health once they have to claim.

Something has to change it's obvious but it needs to be done in such a way so that if you need care or develop a chronic condition you get the treatment you need and not line some fat cat insurers pocket.

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Because of our family circumstances I have been following the story of Lucy O'Connor who has childhood cancer (lymphoma). It was her mother Angela, who fought the government to get free treatment for children with cancer. I wouldn't hold up Ireland as a good example either.