Fair points. However, I'd wager that for every inefficiency there is an example of profiteering or restrictive commercial practice gouging money out of the system.

I hope you haven't had to have a prolonged stay in hospital in recent times Hrolf. If you have, then you might see just how much actually gets done with limited "human resources" - the money sinks are the kit, inflated executive pay (not as inflated as the private sector) contracted-out provision / poor contract management, consumables and non-generic drugs.

Well I think Simon's head is large; always involved in espionage. (Name that tune)

I agree. Money is wasted and syphoned in a number of ways and it is only by the dedication of the few that the whole thing functions at all.
What I still find funny is when people tell me that more population using it makes no difference.

People in the U.K. love the NHS because they have never used another system.

Having used a part subsided system, where you pay £40 for an initial appointment I have to say I'm completely won over.

It eliminates the time wasters so doctors know you are actually ill and not another lying, lazy, workshy, a sick note, or hypochondriac. Surgeries want your business. The health service gets more funds. Doctors are incentivised to make sure your health issues are resolved, rather than just fobbing you off.

More funds mean they can attract better staff.

People also pay less tax and are have more of an incentive to look after themselves.

£40 may sound like a lot, but given the amount of money I squander on trinkets it's really not that bad for the once or twice a year I might need it.

Along the same lines, has anyone used that pushdoctor app servive that's often advertised on tv? It's £10 or £20 for an appointment I think, but I'm not sure to what extent they can assess health issues over a video chat? Maybe it's more for minor problems?

Using the NHS as a political football.

Good work

This kind of typical. Using one factor to dismiss another. Then the classic reference to foreign staff that are here because of lack of investment for the training and pay of British workers.
Of course, the ageing population is a big problem for the NHS but a growing population caused by immigration is no less a problem. It compounds.
Any young immigrant or son of an immigrant will soon be old too and their offspring will ensure that the population continues to rise sharply for another century or two.

Edited by Hrolf The Ganger (04 Jan 2018 1.47pm)