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Original poster

NHS listening exercise - Have your say. Contributions deadline looming

32 replies

Donki · 29/05/2011 14:58

If you want to put in your two pen'orth about the NHS, the dead line is tomorrow night (contributions due in by 31st May)

here

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jackstarb · 30/05/2011 22:15

This is the Transcript

jackstarb · 30/05/2011 22:08

For an interesting take on the wider issues facing the NHS, tonight's R4 Analysis program - Unhealthy Expectations? is worth a listen.

longfingernails · 30/05/2011 09:45

Donki As I said, I would prefer some elected representatives to be among the commissioners - so the public aren't completely disconnected from the rationing decisions. GP-led commissioning doesn't have this element - which is one of the areas in which I think the government should go further in the decentralisation of power.

Original poster
Donki · 30/05/2011 00:45

Goodnight LFN
Nice "talking" with you.

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Original poster
Donki · 30/05/2011 00:40

If the local decision makers are locally accountable, you may be right, but I don't see how the commissioning GPs are going to be locally accountable.

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longfingernails · 30/05/2011 00:35

Why? Providing the local decision makers are clinically competent, and locally accountable (I prefer directly elected commissioners) why should they not make decisions which are different in different parts of the country?

Treatment is being rationed all the time, mainly because the NHS is a total failure in terms of efficiency - but partly as an inevitable consequence of health inflation.

If one area decides that rare cancers are a higher priority than multiple IVF, but another decides the opposite, then that is completely acceptable. Very harsh for individuals, but totally "fair" in the aggregate.

tramlinky · 30/05/2011 00:33

Thanks, will do, but tomorrow. Thanks for the link and the prompt.

Original poster
Donki · 30/05/2011 00:31

Tram
I think a short response is better than no response.....

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tramlinky · 30/05/2011 00:30

What I normally find with surveys is I click on the link to start, then just run out of oomph. Will have to plan a time.

Original poster
Donki · 30/05/2011 00:30

LFN
Maybe not - but I am uncomfortable with what could be radically different access to some treatments from one locality to another.

Some cancer drugs for instance.

Or IVF. It seems inequitable to be denied treatment on the NHS in one area because of age, but be allowed it in another area. Or to be allowed only one cycle vs three cycles elsewhere.

Not that I am actually convinced that IVF should be available on the NHS anyway, but that is a completely different (and very emotive) argument.

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tramlinky · 30/05/2011 00:28

Gawd. That's enuf to put me off for tonight. Will think again tomorrow.

Original poster
Donki · 30/05/2011 00:26

Tram - it can take a while if you want to post a considered and lengthy argument.

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tramlinky · 30/05/2011 00:25

Does it take long to go in and comment? Looks a bit daunting...

longfingernails · 30/05/2011 00:20

I prefer "local decision making" myself - it is far less perjorative. I see nothing wrong in this.

Original poster
Donki · 30/05/2011 00:16

Thankyou LFN
There is some interesting reading.

One of the things that people have been very concerned about is the "post-code lottery" - I cannot see that this will be improved by GP commissioning. It would seem on the face of it that this is one aspect that could be made worse...

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Original poster
Donki · 29/05/2011 23:23

LFN
What Cumbria trial are you talking about? NHS Cumbria is a PCT...

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newwave · 29/05/2011 23:03

No privatisation at the sharp end in the NHS, by all means buy equipment and pills from the private sector but no involvement in treatment at all you only have to look at the disaster privatising hospital cleaning has been.

The inadequate cleaning of wards has lead to deaths.

Still as most Tories would say far better people die than private companies not make profits and not pay dividends and bonuses.

mercibucket · 29/05/2011 22:05

on the contrary, people like lfn must be encouraged to give their views in detail so people can see what lies at the end of this road - it's a scary picture

ttosca · 29/05/2011 21:57

Fingernails is a troll. Ignore it.

ada07 · 29/05/2011 21:52

I've 'had my say'. Doubtful.

longfingernails · 29/05/2011 21:48

Donki See the Cumbria trial

ednurse12 · 29/05/2011 21:06

Are we really in a day and age when we can't give our old people water?

How will giving the GP's funding help this?

Original poster
Donki · 29/05/2011 20:54

Especially since not one of the (several) GPs that I know think that it is a good idea....
Nor the HPA professional
Nor the hospital workers - nurses/scientists/HCAs

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Original poster
Donki · 29/05/2011 20:53

LFN
Please could you explain your views to me?
The govenrment tried something vaguely similar with fund holding GPs. I don't know of any evidence that it improved patient care or efficiency. Perhaps you can educate me?

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