Rusty Nails
Upright Member
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/mar/02/private-healthcare-boom-two-tier-system-uk
It is worrying that the NHS, having worked so hard to help fight the pandemic, is now facing the challenge of a lot more people seeking private healthcare as a result of perceived failures in its handling of the more usual health problems of the nation, as shown by waiting lists and delays in diagnosis, specialist treatment and operations.
I am slightly conflicted on this issue as I believe the country benefits from a strong, effective NHS and am happy to pay even more in taxes to support it, but for selfish reasons am on the border of paying for private consultation and treatment if necessary.
I have been on the waiting list since referral by my optician to see an eye specialist for 125 weeks (the time I was told it would be) and after a phone call last week was told that they still cannot give a date. My wife has been told by the doctor that she is showing signs of some very serious problems but she is likely to have to wait for up to two months for tests and consultation with a specialist.
My prostate cancer diagnosis last year was handled really well by the NHS, as are most emergency cases after diagnosis, but things are clearly very patchy in other areas and I must admit that, when it comes to the health of me and my family, my principles will take a back seat.
To ease my conscience I can tell myself that I will be reducing the pressures on the NHS, but on the other hand if more people get private healthcare and are happy with the outcomes it can only lead to a growth in private healthcare and acceleration of the two-tier approach.
I know that sorting the problems of the NHS is not a quick fix after years of neglect/mishandling by governments of all persuasions to different extents, and I certainly do not think the Tories are going to improve it, but I worry that this could be a turning point in the Private vs NHS debate.
It is worrying that the NHS, having worked so hard to help fight the pandemic, is now facing the challenge of a lot more people seeking private healthcare as a result of perceived failures in its handling of the more usual health problems of the nation, as shown by waiting lists and delays in diagnosis, specialist treatment and operations.
I am slightly conflicted on this issue as I believe the country benefits from a strong, effective NHS and am happy to pay even more in taxes to support it, but for selfish reasons am on the border of paying for private consultation and treatment if necessary.
I have been on the waiting list since referral by my optician to see an eye specialist for 125 weeks (the time I was told it would be) and after a phone call last week was told that they still cannot give a date. My wife has been told by the doctor that she is showing signs of some very serious problems but she is likely to have to wait for up to two months for tests and consultation with a specialist.
My prostate cancer diagnosis last year was handled really well by the NHS, as are most emergency cases after diagnosis, but things are clearly very patchy in other areas and I must admit that, when it comes to the health of me and my family, my principles will take a back seat.
To ease my conscience I can tell myself that I will be reducing the pressures on the NHS, but on the other hand if more people get private healthcare and are happy with the outcomes it can only lead to a growth in private healthcare and acceleration of the two-tier approach.
I know that sorting the problems of the NHS is not a quick fix after years of neglect/mishandling by governments of all persuasions to different extents, and I certainly do not think the Tories are going to improve it, but I worry that this could be a turning point in the Private vs NHS debate.