The NHS Debate

[Johnoco]

You must have heard about the furore caused by some septic slagging off the NHS.

Now while I am a supporter of the NHS I can't help thinking some people are missing the point. I'm sure there are 1000's & 1000's of people who have received first rate service from the NHS, I'm not arguing about that. What my concern is, is where is the money going to come from?

I pay a lot in NI every week yet I cannot get a dentist on the NHS, yet someone who arrived illegally can..I know this is true because I know first hand. Bear with me though, this is not a rant against immigrants, just one of simple maths. If people who have not contributed one penny to the NHS are taking out, how long can it last?

Allegedly, we already pay out more in benefits than we get in, so how long can it go on?

Surely one answer is to charge people who miss appointments? I don't know how much they must cost the NHS, but I bet it would be a few bob. A non-negotiable charge of £10 (regardless of if you are on benefits) for a missed appointment may reduce waiting times and costs.

Any other thoughts?


nb: Yes it is on the 'other' board.

[gateaux]

I'm sure I saw an article the other day saying that missed appointments cost the NHS £6m per year so I do think your idea is a good one, its not that hard to pick up the phone and cancel or change an appointment.

Other than the mess that has been made of the NHS though I think we are pretty lucky that we get free treatment regardless of your ability to afford the treatment/insurance. When I think of some of the treatment I have relieved thanks to the NHS yes there have been problems along the way but they have probably saved my life and on another occasion much improved my mobility without any cost to me or my parents when I was younger.