I know this is a bit yawn-worthy, but give me a couple of mins!
Now the NHS needs reforming, most people agree with that. Question is how you do it. The sensible way would be gradual evolution/change, using the existing NHS structure and building on/changing that.
The new health bill however is doing a British Rail - basically the entire NHS management will be broken up in to different "commissioning units" many run by the private sector in the long run.
The doctors,nurses, and NHS managers largely oppose the plans, yet the government presses on, mostly because people have no idea what is going on.
The beeb today reports on an article released jointly by the NHS managers, nurses and docs journals:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16788328
There's a good FAQ here:
abetternhs.wordpress.com/faq/
And if you feel the urge there is a petition here:
epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22670
Thanks for listening!
GDIT
Maggie4theNHS
Tue 31-Jan-12 18:20:26
£600 a month and that does not cover prescrptions, visits to the GP, hospital or A&E!
I am really worried about the NHS and the bill that is going through Parliment.
Most doctors say that in 5 to 10 years we will have an NHS like the USA so I e-mailed one of my old flat mats to find out what she pays for Health care in America.
How will we ever cope! It is time to sack the politicians and get a Mum in Downing Street.
Maggie4theNHS
and now this:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16861672
Maggie4theNHS
Mon 06-Feb-12 18:13:43
More info from the other side of the pond -
Living in a country without universal healthcare is difficult and complicated.
It means making a mental calculation every time you feel unwell: "Is this something I can afford to see the doctor for? Or can I tough it out?" Most of the people I know choose to tough it out. I am lucky to have a job that provides health insurance, but even so I am reluctant to see the doctor because it is never clear how much I will owe and how much the insurance company will pay.
It means holding on to a job you may not like because they give you benefits, instead of starting your own business or striking out on your own. You have a family, after all.
Living without universal healthcare means learning an entirely new language, full of codes and exceptions and exemptions, and getting into a mess of paperwork every time you have anything to do with a doctor or a hospital. It means getting three or four separate paper bills in the mail, and trying to piece together what was covered, what was not, and what you owe, and to whom.
It means getting told that they won't pay, because you have a pre-existing condition.
It means they won't pay, because you've maxed out your benefits for the year.
It means they won't pay, because you didn't read the fine print.
It means falling through the cracks.
It means going on State health care, if you're poor enough to qualify, and then getting kicked off when the budget is cut.
It means staying up late, poring over websites from different insurance companies, desperately trying to find private insurance that covers your family's needs. It means trying to figure out what on earth "Managed Choice CA 5150" is, and whether it protects you better than "Managed Choice CA 9072".
It means swallowing the rank hypocrisy of watching your elected leaders - all of whom have excellent, state-sponsored healthcare for themselves and their families - lecture you on the freedom of the marketplace... while you're working extra to pay for the dental operation your child needs and which insurance barely covers. Even though you have a good job.
Having no universal healthcare in the country means that getting sick is a privilege.
Having no universal healthcare is a statement that money is more important than people.
It is a disgrace, and I'm sick of it. But unfortunately, I can't afford to get sick. Because we all know they won't cover it.
Maggie4theNHS
Mon 06-Feb-12 18:28:40
The following organisations believe that the coalition goverment's Health and Social Care Bill will damage the NHS beyond repair -
The British Medical Association
The Royal College of GPs
The Royal College of Nurses
The Royal College of Midwives
The Royal College of Radiologists
Public Health for the NHS
UNISON
If you want an NHS for your children and grand children please add to this thread.
