Further to the NHS thread

I think therefore you are making a very good point for free at point of use NHS. that’s what’s free, the moment you use it irrespective of how’s its funded through national insurance.

 

Again the free part which people don’t use is “free at point of use”

 

I don't think anyone has a problem with NHS staff for the most part.

I do, however, think that the processes, procedures, and facilities leave a lot to be desired.
It's ridiculous the length of time that people are expected to wait before an examination/test for a serious issue

 

The NHS is a brilliant institution. If I'd have had to pay for all the nursing and ancillary care I have received,
during my illness and recovery period, I honestly don't think I'd still be here. Good luck with your life going forward FT. Hope your first day on your return to work goes OK bud.

 

I've made my point clear, as all males in my family are born with complicated heart problems, needing heart surgery. I was the first in my family & was operated on at the age of 7. My brother (7 years younger than me), has had 3 operations & my nephew 2. There is no way any private health scheme would touch us. I'm OK & have no kids, but my nephew & niece, if they have kids, if one of them was male, they would be lucky to make 30 without life saving surgery, currently available for free on the NHS. It pretty much dictates how I feel about things as far as privatisation of the NHS.

 

For balance; I’ve never spent a night in a hospital in my life, only had some minor health niggles, never broken a bone and see the GP about every 5 years on average.

And I’d gladly pay more too.

Because the reality is that even if I was paying twice as much, it’d still be less than half the cost of comprehensive healthcare insurance run by the private sector.

 

But please...

The NHS is largely funded by other taxes, we pay NI for pensions and benefits.

 

I should also add to this that the Tories decided to stop her invalidity payments that she has been getting all her life a few years ago. She was told to go to a job centre, which she did, in her mid 50 after never having a job, and where she was promptly told in no uncertain terms that they wouldn’t be able to find her a job and that there was no point her coming back and she should appeal. She appealed but they told her she has to get a job and can’t have any more support and the job centre stuck to the fact that they can’t help her and as my dad has a full time job she can’t sign on. As they recently changed retirement age for women who are now in their 50s, she has longer to wait for being able to get her pension too.

 

It's roughly an 80/20 split.
In 2018 the NHS was 80% funded from general taxation, 20% from NI contribution. Give or take.

 

JamDrop....I've sent you a PM.

 

If Mr Farage (or anyone else for that matter) is going to dismantle the NHS and in doing so is going to make us pay for the services the NHS provides then he will have to face up to the likes of me!

I am a normal chap from the concrete canyon in Bolton on Dearne, follow the reds, like blues music, not born into money (accident of birth) but have been given (genetically at least) health issues which are not of my making (another accident of birth)

A few years ago I was having blackouts and was diagnosed with a) an irregular heartbeat and b) a leaking heart valve.
My irregular heartbeat was fixed almost immediately with a pacemaker.
I am currently recovering from major heart operation having had an operation at the Northern General to replace a valve.

My parents and my grandparents often told me (horror) stories of how my grandparents could not afford things like doctors fees and the medication they prescribed.

I am sure I could not afford the medical treatment that I have had, nor would I have been an affordable insurance policy based on my genetics. This then puts me in a second tier of medical help (note the wording - second tier - ie none!)

I will do anything within my (limited) powers to stop anyone from dismantling the NHS. Farage (or anyone else) - you have been warned!

 

Amen to that. The missus came through cancer a few years ago and both my boys (young men now!) have epilepsy, so we've seen first hand, many many times, how utterly brilliant and amazing the NHS and everyone who works in it is. If proof of angels walking the earth were actually needed, just spend some time watching cancer care nurses at work. If Farage or any of his right-wing, profiteer cronies go anywhere near the NHS, then they'd better hope its services are available to them, because they'll need it.

 

Well said MF. I was amazed at the empathy and dedication of the lovely people who diagnosed and nursed
me through my treatment and after care. I honestly don't know how they do it. It's a true vocation.

 

Cheers Donny Red. Only done half day today for first day. Zonked on settee from half two to about quarter past six.

It brings it home reading these posts how much we all owe in different ways a massive debt to the NHS and it’s staff.

 

Pleased it went OK FT. A phased return is probably the best way to get back into the day to day routine. When I was recovering, as a result of the various side effects of my treatment, I was overcome with fatigue and thankfully, my loved ones got used to me sloping off for a kip.

The ongoing support I've had over the last five years has been brilliant. I have the e-mails of all my Specialist Macmillan practitioners and if I ever contact my Speech Therapist or Dietician, you can guarantee they will get back to me before the day is out. They have all become valued friends of both my wife and myself.

I've attended the hospital every three months over the five years for a check up. The 17th June is my very last one and whilst I will be chuffed to finally get the all clear, I know I'm going to miss meeting up with every single one of them.

 

Saved my life for sure after colorectal cancer. Became like family to me, I am forever indebted to them. I will fight to my last breath for my kids to enjoy the same privilage.

 

Wow. Watching the programme FT. Someone was certainly looking out for you that day mate. I bet it was eerie
for you to watch back something that you were completely unaware of.? Felt for your wife. Clearly devoted
and must love you very much.

So glad you're up and about and back at work. Must be a big relief for you and your family, that in the end the
outcome was positive.

As for the staff at Barnsley Hospital and the NHS in general, every man Jack and every girl Jill are selfless
heroes and deserve a medal as big as a dinner gong. We can never thank them enough.

 

Too true DR, I’ve been lucky. Was so emotional watching it last night, I was shocked at being bloated with the blood pressure - it was 200 when they took me in apparently - and the hospital controlling the oxygen.
Had my second half day back at work today, not feeling too bad with it.
It’s my wife who saved me, if she hadn’t acted so fast and in the distress she was in at the time then I wouldn’t be here.
She’s the best of the best and she’s mine, that makes me even luckier.
Thanks for your kind comments and thoughts. It’s all on the Daily Mail online and also the Sun online, with still pics from the programme and clips. I guess it’ll take a while to settle down a bit. Just waiting to see if Holly Willoughby calls.....

 

She needs to appeal properly. There are people to help. I will drop you a pm

 

The NHS saved my dads life when he had a heart attack. They provided him with a triple heart bypass. They look after my daughter who has a very mild disability immaculately. It’s the one issue that will get people out on the streets. Farage and anyone who supports his idiocy are just beneath contempt. Maybe they should all pay for private medicine.