Wasting NHS resources

And then if the debate is about wasting NHS resources do we look at the costs of treating an ageing population if resources are shrinking? Very dystopian!

That's why I said "usually".

And why it's expensive! You can get certificates to cap the cost if you are on a lot of medication though. It's about £120 a year.

Over 60s tend to be on more medication. That’s one reason why it’s free.

But type 2 diabetes can be genetic so hardly self inflicted in all cases.

and then as I said should people with a genetic predisposition not reproduce or have to pay more?

Why pick on the over 60's?

I'm not sure it's picking on the over 60s to state it would be a potential way to save money. Plus it won't be free at 60 for today's youth.

Many of them are still working and paying taxes.

Early, so why not pay for prescriptions?

botox for excessive sweating

Genetics and luck are big factors in a lot of things!

Who said anything about "noble"?

Well why is somebody who skis different to someone who has a breast reduction? Why should one get NHS treatment?

And aren't breast reductions usually for health reasons?

Are they all? You could argue this about other cosmetic surgeries too surely? deviated septum's & nose jobs, ab separation & tummy tucks, etc

Why pick on the over 60's? Many of them are still working and paying taxes.

But type 2 diabetes can be genetic so hardly self inflicted in all cases.

The NHS waste far more in management and other schemes. This is nothing. It’s not for for purpose

There is a lot of “othering” of people here.

It's crazy as I reckon very few of us couldn't be othered by someone else!

Everyone has obligatory health insurance and are reimbursed according to individual means.

Everybody in France doesn't have private health insurance. Plus you have to look at the whole tax system.

Maybe people should be ranked in the queue according to income, BMI and nature of illness and injury?? High earners first, of course, as they paid most. Skiers and horse riders at the back. How would any of us like that???

There is a lot of “othering” of people here.

This right here!

Who said anything about "noble"? And aren't breast reductions usually for health reasons?

Yes I stand by my post. It’s what happens in many countries in Europe and it works well.

Which countries? And there aren't really any private A&E departments so how does that work?

“Poor lifestyle choices”. Define that. Obesity is a result of needing to eat. We all eat! It’s only a question of how much you eat of what and your metabolism.

Sporty and skinny people also get ill.

Yes I stand by my post. It’s what happens in many countries in Europe and it works well. Everyone has obligatory health insurance and are reimbursed according to individual means.

Because the Londoner who earns £500k will have contributed £225k in tax (I had to look that up on a tax calculator, I am very very far off this as a personal experience, mores the pity!)

Of course they should get A&E care and whatever other NHS or public services the same as everyone else. The alternative for the £500k earner is presumably private a la America - and would you rather the two tier system of Medicaid and medical insurance extortion?

Perhaps the argument here is that, by undergoing cosmetic procedures that perhaps aren’t essential to health and well-being which then go wrong, people should be treated for what may be a life changing result but should maybe have to contribute to the cost, perhaps some form of health insurance to cover potential risks. It’s difficult, the NHS is pressured enough without treating poorly administered private care but as many have said, where do you draw the line, no treatment if it’s the result of drinking too much or drugs or generally poor lifestyle choices, that’s not what the NHS does

I’m not worried about the high earners! They are putting in a lot more than they cost. Usually they will have insurance too but then A&E is still the place for emergencies.

Fine to charge for missed appointments but first the NHS will have to be organised enough to send out the correct appointment letters. There are still cases of people being told about their appointment after the event.

I’m not sure either about blaming people for their illnesses. Pregnancy is self-inflicted. Should we not treat that?

It's a false equivalancy to claim that choosing cosmetic enhancements is the same as choosing to play sports.

But why? Why is choosing to ski more noble than getting a breast reduction? What about criminals? What about people who have never paid anything into the system?

They could stop making prescriptions free for the over 60s if they want to save money.