NHS ? ..... What NHS ?.

[Petertherabbit]

We need a serious review of what the nhs is for and for what it is not. That said every review I've witnessed (34 yrs NHS front line, now retired) has involved increasing management and outside consultants (no not Drs, advisors).
The nhs is a gigantic machine that has run away with itself. It does many valuable things, saves lives, relieves misery etc but is also incredibly wasteful.

What treatment is essential, what treatment is desirable ?
What should be free, what should only be available if paid for ?
Who is eligible for treatment under the nhs and who should pay for their care ?
Do we really need the number of managers, outside consultants etc ?

In my area, during the last few yrs prior to retirement, we had far to many nurses promoted, to management grades and a lack of nurses to do the actual work !
I can never remember, in all my yrs, ever hearing of an agency being called to supply a relief manager, because a manager went off sick. The staff simply managed themselves.

We are trying to do too much, with limited resources, the public expect instant care, after a lifetime of self abusive lifestyles and to top that, we will treat anyone, from anywhere, that can make it to a hospital AND employ interpreters to communicate with them. It is unsustainable.

If you add in the crisis that is social care, the bills will cripple us to the point, that care and treatment will break down over time and will be privatized whether we like it or not.

Add in again the welfare bill and as a country we will be able to afford little else but basic care. Infrastructure, defence, housing etc etc there will be no money for.