Creating anxiety about the NHS
Editor News editor A recent letter in the Maidstone KM talking about the suspension of non-urgent surgery “such as hip replacements and cataract operations”, as if all such operations will be delayed, is indicative of the anxiety and fear caused by much of the tabloid media, as usual, pigeonholing and exaggerating NHS issues.
I am absolutely sure if a hip replacement, cataract operation or indeed any other procedure is required urgently – and the stress must be on urgently – then it will actually be done expeditiously with little or no delay. Simon Smith Pennine Way, Maidstone
In response to the letters Jim Pragnell, Tony Monk and Clive Richards in the January 6 edition of the KM, I have summarised as there is so much to say.
If there was an easy solution to the ever present problems of the NHS why would any politician not take it.
They would be popular beyond their wildest dreams.
The question should be, how can we run a dynamic economy which is able to fund and meet the demands placed upon the NHS.
Our expectations exceed the reality.
We are all living far longer than previous generations and we want good health until the very last moments of our lives.
My take on this is that there will never be enough money. The argument is always the same.
We don’t train enough medical staff from the existing population, preferring to buy in talent from abroad because it is the cheaper option and then they tell us that they are cutting back on training places in the UK.
Clearly increasing the supply of medical staff and reducing demand would help or charging for aspects of the service. If there was an element of ‘pay as you go’ the public would take greater care of their health. Visitors to this country should have to take out a health insurance policy prior to arriving here.
I suspect the costs of running the service could be reduced if only the vested interests were defeated and patients becoming masters rather than supplicants. That means tackling management, doctors and nurses and introducing competition.
Do you think there will ever come a time when a politician will ever agree to any of this? I expect a robust response. Neil Cox Somerfield Road, Maidstone I agree entirely with letters from Jim Pragnell and Clive Richards