Safe in her hands
Nicola Sturgeon has said the principle of the NHS being free for all is “not up for discussion” despite NHS leaders discussing the potential creation of a “two-tier” system that would charge the wealthy.
According to reports it was one member in the meeting who raised the point and now the Unionist press are blowing it way out of proportion as usual.
Kenny Carmichael I suggest you look at the American private companies the SNP have done deals with.
Dave MCD Nae smoke without fire.
Geoff Werner No matter if it was one or one hundred and one – It was discussed – genie now out of the bottle and very hard to put back in.
Bill Long Of course it was one person who raised the point. That’s what usually happens in meetings. The Chief Executive was happy for it to be discussed and Nicola hasn’t denied that she or Humza Yousaf didn’t know it was up for discussion.
Gordon Gillies Answer the question you were asked! “When asked if she or her ministers knew NHS leaders were taking part in these discussions, the First Minister said: ‘I don’t dictate to NHS chief executives what they can and can’t discuss – we live in a democracy’.”
Harriet Maclean Clearly it was up for discussion.
Jim Swift The NHS is struggling because it never negotiates sensible prices for anything it uses. From syringes to bookshelves, they pay way over the odds. Somebody has to get the NHS cash savvy, not sling more money at them.
Christine Wooley The point of primary concern should be that the situation is dire enough to warrant the discussion at all. No vision from SNP or UK government. Two cheeks, same backside!
Cath Cunningham It’s hearsay, like Chinese whispers.
Marcus Hamilton The patients with money are already paying NHS consultants who are carrying out private work .The NHS should step up their game and have two-tier system in operation in NHS hospitals. Employ managers with clinical experience, it would help the recruitment situation.
Maggie Macdonald Thankfully when Scotland regains control of its vast wealth & resources we'll be better able to protect our NHS and public services.
Philip Stewart It’s already two tiers. If you don’t go private you’re stuffed unless literally at death’s door. The system has failed. All that holds it together are the underpaid staff. Thanks to the idiots we put in charge in both parliaments consistently!
Darren Mcgrory The problem for a Scottish Government with the principle of possibly charging "wealthy people" for access to NHS Scotland would be twofold. Firstly, at what level of income would someone be deemed wealthy enough to pay for access to NHS Scotland? Secondly, why would anyone deemed wealthy enough to be charged for access to NHS Scotland wish to continue paying into a system where they would not receive any benefit, and instead would use their money to purchase private healthcare?
Anna Mosspaul