Paying for a GP

[TheCat]

Im aware the NHS and 'free at the point of use' is something of a religion in this country.

But...having now lived in 3 different countries, I can confidently say that the NHS is by far the worst health service that I have had the misfortune to deal with. Not the medical expertise, but the accesss, bureaucracy and patient service is bordering on comical sometimes.

I know it's par for the course, but step back and think how ridiculous it is that if you're unwell, you often have to wait 2-3 weeks for a doctor appointment...

I don't understand the intense objections to the idea of people paying a nominal fee for a GP appointment if this can improve access. If this type of thing is means/income tested....It's no different to taking it out of taxation really, and those that can't afford it can still be supported...

I understand that people might think any move in this direction is the start of a 'slippery slope'....but it seems people are terrified that any move in this direction would end up with an American system. There's plenty of good hybrid health systems that aren't the American system...Australia and Netherlands for example...

[Sephiroth]

I don't disagree with much of that

other than those of us who've lived in this country long enough don't trust a UK Conservative govt to handle that transition well at all, and indeed suspect the easiest/default/laziest option will be the US model - something made more likely by brexit and the appetite for US companies as part of any deal

The inefficiencies you are experiencing are the result of years of micromanagement by government which have left the service a shadow of what it was

People forget just how low waiting lists and response times were under Blair/Brown (albeit they are responsible for some of the current issues as well)

[Sephiroth]

(I mean, this isn't the thread I would start on Christmas Eve... but hey)

[TheCat]

Sephiroth Wrote:

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> (I mean, this isn't the thread I would start on

> Christmas Eve... but hey)

Ha...fair...Cat is hungover and just filling time until the traditional Xmas Eve Cat family fish and chips this evening

[ianr]

My grandmother's cat seemed to thrive on boiled cod heads. Have you tried them?

[Sue]

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