Forum Topic

NHS

In my and my family's dealings with the NHS during the past 2-3 years I have found the service usually satisfactory and responsive, perhaps the odd administrative hiccup, maybe some delays but no major issues with medical treatment. Unlike the US system which seems very disjointed with many specialists and no coordinating GPs even if one is paying vast amounts for health insurance, and if you don't have insurance don't get a chronic illness. Beware of Dr Foxes advocating deals with US medical companies with profits before patients unless one wants stories like this in the UK: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/01/30/689543362/patients-suffer-as-insurers-and-big-health-systems-spar-for-market-share?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=20190130

Michael Ixer ● 2842d3 Comments

I cannot extol the virtues of the NHS strongly enough.  When we had dealings with the NHS a few years ago, the doctors and the nurses in the hospital were beyond fantastic.  I will defend the NHS tooth and nail.And I agree Michael, an American style health service would be horrific!

Ivonne Holliday ● 2842d

Seconded. Having lived in other countries (many copy the US system)where you pay directly there is massive incentive for doctors to provide unecessary treatment.NHS if anything can be the opposite, but at least in an emergency you dont need to worry about cost

Peter Miles ● 2842d

The NHS aim of keeping the population healthy in the most cost-efficient way aligns nicely with patients wish to be given necessary treatments but no more than necessary.My wife's experience with private medicine in this country (being treated by consultants who often work also for the NHS) is that a lot of expensive but necessary treatment gets recommended. Doctors are only human and subject to the temptation to earn more money.If properly funded and managed, the NHS could easily be world-beating in every area (although it could learn much from our european neighbours)

Sean Hodges ● 2842d