The sickly NHS needs a dose of strong medicine
MONEY has been thrown at the NHS with no perceptible improvements, so other approaches are needed to solve the crisis.
There should be a cap on managers’ pay and a ban on golden goodbyes that enable them to return as management consultants. Procurement is a scandal, with the NHS spending far too much on basic items such as latex gloves.
There appears to be a reluctance to ensure that only those entitled to free treatment get it. If the Government offered to match the monies collected by hospitals pound for pound, it could change this mindset.
GPs should not be able to prescribe any drugs that are available over the counter from a pharmacist. This would also help to reduce the pressure on booking an appointment.
These changes would ensure the NHS does not need to seek more income, especially from taxes targeted at the elderly.
JILL FREEMaN, Waltham Cross, Herts.
Home truths
‘OUR accumulated housing asset’ (we call it our home) was paid for by both of us working all our lives. This has enabled us to pay off our mortgage while paying our taxes and National Insurance.
Our contributions paid to look after the generation before us, and we expected this to continue for us. We should not suffer because successive governments have not had the common sense to realise life expectancy has increased and built up a reserve to cover this.
SHEILa PEaRSON, Washington, Tyne & Wear. INSTEAD of taxing the elderly to fund the NHS, why not tax high earners? Start with NHS chiefs.
P. SUTCLIFFE, Newcastle.
Supermarket sweep
I AM not surprised the BBC Watchdog programme found bacteria on supermarket trolleys.
I have lost count of the number of toddlers I see standing and sitting in trolleys, rather than in the seat provided.
I have pointed this out to parents and got a mouthful of abuse. I have also asked supermarkets how often they clean their baskets, but have never received a reply.
As a retired biomedical scientist I know the dangers, as we routinely tested supermarket carrier bags and were horrified at the results. ELEaNOR WILLIaMS,
Shepperton, Surrey. WHEN it comes to keeping shopping trolleys free of germs, the simple truth is I’d rather not see children standing in them.
I have been tempted to ask their parents if I can go home with them and stand in their fridge.
Mrs H. DUCK, Chipstead, Surrey.
Empire’s lost children
I WELCOME the announcement that any of the Windrush generation who have suffered as a