The NHS is collapsing - what can we do?

[FedUpWithTheNHS]

First of all, I am not interested to do more bashing on GPs, NHS, nurses and whatnot. I sincerely do not think the issue is with them. So let's leave it at that.

But I have been trying to get some support for myself and struggle to get anywhere.
I have family members who have been waiting months, turning into years for severe issues and they are left in pain and scared.
I read threads on here (the one on sepsis, cancer scare etc...) and it's more of the same.

The system is collapsing but there isn't a private sector to pick up the pieces. I had to wait 4 mnths to see a cardiologist privately.... And now another 6 weeks to be able to have the prescription from my GP (At more than £100 per month, I just can't afford to get said prescription privately).
It very much feels like we are left to die, from no healthcare, tbh.

So far, I have written to my MP.
I am supporting groups working against the 'privatisation of the NHS'.
I'd vote Labour but tbh, just now, I can't say theyve filled me with confidence they will actually do what is needed. Which is increasing funding and ensuring doctors and nurses are staying in the UK and the NHS (at the very least)

What else can I, we, do?
I feel like we need to start shouting. LOUD. Very loud. But I am at loss as to what else I can do :((

but how can they go after housing wealth without losing out themselves? Surely much of the wealth owned by those in power is tied up in property?

How would you do that? Do you mean targeting pensioners with low disposable income included so they have to sell

so like ... pensioners would be forced to sell sell their homes, downsize to a studio flat, and give the equity they've released to the gvt in return for a pension?

@SunnyEgg no target wealth, not just income. So for care in the home, housing would be taken into account like care out of the home but a charge could be put on the house for later. Or bring CGT in line with income, lower IHT thresholds etc. I'm not sure why a nurse should get shit pay & have to retire later & pay more income tax so that someone she's treating can pass on their wealth to their descendants?

but how can they go after housing wealth without losing out themselves?

They would have loopholes like there is now. How much IHT did Charles pay? Any tax policy won't target the elite.

so like ... pensioners would be forced to sell sell their homes, downsize to a studio flat, and give the equity they've released to the gvt in return for a pension?

No one would have to sell, the charge could be paid after death. Or as I said they will tinker with CGT & IHT. tbf they have frozen IHT bands already & a lot more will now fall into it.

Vote out the Tories.
Take reasonable steps for your own health- don't just go for short car journeys but walk, don't eat fatty food, don't smoke or take illegal drugs.

We have to admit that recital change is required. And yes that may mean paying for some stuff. After all we pay for eyes and teeth.

we need to look at how healthcare in other countries are funded, not just the US. We need to look at how and why hospitals are performing so badly

we need to look at end to end processes and how to streamline, Cut back on bureaucracy and management entice more people into the sector at nurse and Dr level

There is lots that can be done straight away, but often the unions won’t engage as all they see is job losses, make sure health tourists pay up, send results by letter if clear rather than appointments, allowing self referral for blood tests etc

and let’s not blame the Tories shall we, the nhs has been collapsing for decades, including under Labour, and just look at the nhs in Wales

politicians of all parties need to work together, with the unions to getth3 nhs into a better place

@LlynTegid

what makes you think Labour or any other party would be any better? Blair/Brown did nothing and the Welsh nhs is even worse that England

I'm OK thanks. Just sharpening my chain saw.

Does the welsh government have ability to raise their own nhs funding or is their nhs essentially funded by the central government? Do they get funding in line with he general poverty/ health of their population? Is the failing a result of welsh labour failure or lack of funding from a Tory government ?

@Tinkerbyebye those waiting in 2003 for operations for longer than a year numbered 114 people!

Tories stopped funding, halved the bursary for nurse degrees and cut Dr training places since 2008 under austerity. Plus massive pay cuts - about 35% in real terms.

It's such a stressy job and environment already, add in grossly dangerous understaffed and most people wouldn't dream of doing those jobs. Nhs staff truly are amazing.

Tory voters truly are not.

@Tinkerbyebye well balanced post

@CriticalAlert glad I gave you a laugh - I’d potentially hold off on any dangerous activities like sharpening chainsaws until the NHS has been saved - wait times at a and e are horrific right and now and the NHS is struggling as it is

NHS spending is equivalent to 40% of all income tax and NI receipts.

At £46k a year gross salary you pay about £15800 in income tax, employee NI and employer NI (which is from you but designed to be unseen by you to make you feel less bad).

0.4*£15800 = £6320.

So yes, £6k not £2k.

As far as I know Blair/Brown reduced waiting time massively.
You could also see a GP by the end of it.

Now?
5~6 weeks wait for what is considered routine.
GPs are told to redirect people to the private sector (for those who can afford it blabla).
A lot if the surgeries are now private Aka run by American insurance companies. Same with a lot if the ‘routine’ procedures. Which comes as a cost - to us -. Increased costs means less ressources available etc….

So yes you can argue Labour didn’t do a lot. But at least, they didn’t voluntarily destroy what was considered a world class system!

But at least, they didn’t voluntarily destroy what was considered a world class system!

Honestly, I wouldn't describe it as a world class system at any point in my lifetime. Adequate perhaps.

I'm fortunate to have private healthcare and it's been excellent. I've usually been able to see a consultant within a week or two, half an hour appointments so you don't feel rushed, tests often done there and then, nice facilities.

I've just had orthopaedic surgery. My consultant visited every day, food was great and privacy of my own en-suite. I know A&E or intensive care isn't covered well by the private sector (although the hospital has an urgent care centre) but I'd choose the private sector for routine stuff every time.

Not a gripe at the staff who I know work hard in difficult circumstances. My surgeon describes his two NHS days as the clinics from hell. Something needs to change beyond the usual party politics.

It's not a party politics issue so the Tories did this but Labour did that doesn't help. The NHS has no staff, it's not a money thing it's a there is a global shortage of healthcare staff across the board at the moment issue. Every country is advertising in other nations to fulfil its recruitment needs, the global population is increasing along with life expectancy. None of which is sustainable.

Unless we find a way to drastically increase fully trained staff quickly the overpopulation issue will resolve itself sooner than we may be happy with.

GP practices have been private commissioned services for decades. They aren't owned by private corporations but by the GPs themselves.

In France there's a massive problem with what's called désertification. It means many rural villages are having to close GP surgeries. They can't recruit. In addition, there are GPs that are stopping working as libérales and are taking salaried posts as they don't want the admin. Like the UK their income is around 100k€ and many do night and weekend cover to increase income.

The nhs needs better controls. Both over purchasing and stocks. 40 years ago, during a holiday job at Cadbury's one girl had a boyfriend who was a chef in a Liverpool hospital. He ran a mobile chicken and chips business around the pubs - all his supplies were provided by the taxpayer.
I worked with an accountant whose father was head of internal audit at the university hospital in Liverpool. I mentioned one of the benefits of Costco was cheap neurofen and paracetamol. He told me his were free. Yes, his dad stole them from work.

In France there's a massive problem with what's called désertification. It means many rural villages are having to close GP surgeries
this is what will happen with decreasing birthrates, towns & villages with only elderly people in them and no-one available to staff services & businesses

That has nothing to do with the health care system, which is actually very good.
There are deserted villages all over rural France because nobody wants to live in them, including health care professionals. It is a very big social problem. I don't know what the answer is tbh.

This

They've always been privately owned businesses since the NHS was set up.

Is it? there is Kent maternity services that came v close to being shut down and that 45 babies died needlessly, with the service actually getting worse, this just one of many health scandals in England

Just imagine the pain of knowing the death of your child was totally preventable.

Wales isn't an independent country.

Labour s recent plans on the NHS - reform/digital/tech/staff/training and investment will make a huge difference.

Wake up!

You can get soluble paracetamol at some pharmacies and can also buy it online

It definitely seems to be connected to the area/hospital trust you're in. We have a brilliant teaching hospital near us and the care is legendary. Although not connected, I can still get same day GP appointments and it all seems very efficient. A friend who has two serious health conditions is amazed at the amazing treatment she receives. Maybe it's because we live in a less densely populated area. I don't know but I can't complain and I'm very grateful.