NHS Privatisation/Reform

[JLArthur]

What does everyone think of privatisation of our NHS system? As someone that is in complete support of privatisation, paid prescriptions and appointments to alleviate pressure on our healthcare system I'm interested in what others think. I feel like we have no alternative, no money, not enough resources and skilled healthcare professionals are available, many are choosing to work over seas.

Unless you're destitute or an immigrant/asylum seeker in need of immediate medical assistance on arrival then we should be paying for the healthcare and prescriptions received. Whether that's paid for by private insurance policy or without. With private treatment you'll benefit from reduced waiting times, more time to talk to your doctor, less time in waiting rooms and you sometimes be assigned a case worker who will support you through treatments.

I think this thread shows just how emotive this discussion is, for so many people. Imagine all those people with long term conditions and dependents who have complex medical needs, worrying about the advent of privatised healthcare. It’s absolutely essential we do all we can to keep the NHS a public good (I’m up for monetisation of some extra services/aspects as long as it remains free to people who really need it.

I remember my American lawyer friend describing how his daughters anorexia nearly bankrupted him, it went on for years. The finances destroyed his marriage. The cost was unbelievable. Long term medical treatment on insurance is for very very wealthy people. God forbid it happens to you.

Exactly. Who is going to insure someone like me - a chronic condition I am going to need medication and monitoring for life. Currently 4 prescription medicines daily (currently paid for with prepayment), and need blood tests every 2 weeks. I'd be a guaranteed loss maker on any reasonable monthly payment. I'm on the 'cheap' drugs at the moment. I am likely to need to change to ones that cost several hundred pounds a pop in the future. I work. Don't need to claim benefits. But I'd never be able to pay what I need out of my own pocket. And a profit making insurance firm is hardly going to want to fund me.

Generally my care has been very good and I am always thankful for the NHS.

Healthcare working have had enough, they are striking, quitting and in emotional
despair. if they stop working, what happens? Because they keep threatening to!

Show me the maths.

Please tell me why and how having rich people paying a lot for private insurance is fairer, better or more cost effective than everyone paying less through national insurance?

Private insurers pick and choose the easy predictable stuff which allows them to remain vaguely competitive. The minute they have to start picking up the dirty work like diabetic foot ulcers, intensive care, geriatrics, emergency medicine, complications of alcohol and Trauma, the cost will be out of reach for 99% of the population.

@JLArthur population growth isn't what's killing the NHS, that'll be the Tories!!

@Fuckmyliferightnow 👏🏼 Couldn't agree more! My role involves writing investment proposals for mental health services... I don't do that any more as there's no money to bid for 😞

Population growth from other countries is keeping the NHS above water! It need to be privatised.

Incidentally OP have you ever used private medical insurance in the UK? Not just paying for it but using it?

People tweeting "50 quid a month and I'm covered". Seriously, you have anything long term and you will be right back on the NHS

I’m using now and have been for four years. It’s night and day in comparison to the NHS.

@JLArthur, why does it 'need to be privatised'? Why can't it just be adequately funded?

*JLArthur · Today 20:53

bombastix · Today 20:52

I remember my American lawyer friend describing how his daughters anorexia nearly bankrupted him, it went on for years. The finances destroyed his marriage. The cost was unbelievable. Long term medical treatment on insurance is for very very wealthy people. God forbid it happens to you.
Healthcare working have had enough, they are striking, quitting and in emotional
despair. if they stop working, what happens? Because they keep threatening to!
*

What is your point? Either you are very short sighted in your views without considering the wider picture/population, or you are being deliberately goady.

Well without asking you what it is, I reckon you are unlikely to be using it for anything life threatening.

No I’m not.

@willingtolearn that is a perfect post. That is what I was less eloquently trying to say.
Myself and colleagues in the NHS dearly love it and want it to succeed and that is why we are still there. It is hard to remain, as, what we see vs what should be is, at complete odds, with what the NHS initially stood for. The amount of lifestyle inflicted illness we are seeing is multiple patients a week. I am not trying to lay the blame with patients but, we should take some responsibility for ourselves. I would rather not pay for insurance I have a DH & DD with long term chronic conditions which would make insurance unlikely or more than we can afford.

As a nurse I do take care of my family and self treat where possible, but, I have had to pay for tests/ referrals/orthodontic treatment. This has wiped out my savings but, I knew these issues could not and should not wait.

I suppose if insurance was taken put at source we would have no choice but how would low income families cope?

I think, perhaps a nominal charge for GP non refundable if DNA say £10? I guess those on benefits wouldn't pay but there we are again with the benefits system having to pick up extra. I just don't know. A conversation is needed.
I know times have changed but, I have worked under both Labour and the Tories and the change felt almost immediate when the Tories took over.

Did you change your name to post this op or just joined mumsnet to do it.

There seems to have been a proliferation of political posts in the last few months. Is this what mumsnet is going to be like in election year?

Personally, given that I know people who've been bankrupted by healthcare costs in the US I am not in favour.

My first ever post and quite frankly I don’t see this as political. This is people’s health, people dyers waiting for below average healthcare is a travesty!

yeah we really need to start charging for some things, at the very least for people who don’t even bother to turn up for their appointments, or turn up 10 minutes late to their GP and expect to be seen

Most people don’t bother taking their medication or follow advice - pretty sure there’s been compliance studies and unless it’s something fun like diazepam it’s getting shoved in a cupboard

We need a system that provides a basic level of care to everyone, to prevent creating a ticking time bomb that just creates a greater demand on benefits when people are to ill to work. I would support a system of topping up/waiting list jumping to bring in money.

I.e build a selection of ensuite rooms available at say £50 a night.

GP appointment - any GP assigned by the surgery at any time = free. You pick GP + time = £60

OOH GP - 111 or £100 cash

Weekend routine hospital appointment £200

Jump to the middle of the non urgent surgical list £1000

Top up procedure e.g. wart removal £50

Etc would set the prices somewhere that covers costs and puts a small profit that can be invested back into the system.

Maybe we could have a list of stuff where you need to go private;

Chilblains
Finger therapy
Ingrown toenails
Colds in child under three
Skin cancer
Any mental illness
Any genetic condition since it's mostly your fault for existing
Pregnancy as that's a choice
Etc

@Allthecatseverywhereallatonce I worked in the nhscwhen labour took over and the difference it made was immense. Its amazing what a tiny bit more funding and an injection of hope and listening can do.

If we just stamped out corruption , or made water companies pay for improvements out of profits rather than public purse for example we might be able to fund important things.

@SnakesAndArrows

Actually that article did state that NHS spending has increased but only that it is forecast to fall in real terms (after taking inflation into account) from 2025 onwards. At which point we will have a Labour Government who will spend more on the NHS meaning no fall in real terms.

Fair enough but there are a lot of first posters on political issues.

Seriously. For people with a low income this could be life threatening. Need is better gauge for society than the depth of your wallet.

This thread reminds me of people who moan about a lack of affordable social housing to rent. Really, it's like you want your lives to be tougher or something

In failing to see your point?