Is the NHS safe with the Tories? You decide

[Pete]

I saw an interesting article on the web this morning about healthcare in the USA. Knowing that the Tories were keen to remodel the NHS, I thought it a good idea to show what the Americans pay for their treatment - and what happens when you cant afford it (you die).

When a 20-year-old man got over the pain of having his burst appendix removed in October, he got hit with a hospital bill he wasn't expecting. The bill from Sutter General Hospital in Sacramento, Calif., said the total charges were $55,029.31! Thankfully the patient owed only $11,119.23 because his insurance had covered the rest.



Still this amount is extremely high! Imagine that according to the analysis of the bill, $4,500 was for anesthesia and the patient was also charged $7,500 for a two-hour stay in a recovery room!



The actual surgery cost $16,000.

The article also includes comments from folks in other countries, here are sample of them:

An Australian with appendicitis never even saw a bill.
A Canadian's mother had foot surgery and her only charge was $60...for cable.
A Malaysian paid the equivalent of $25 for an appendectomy.

And a few more examples from America

This American got cancer and had to file for bankruptcy. At age 24.
His cousin died because he had reached his "lifetime limit" for treatment.
He was 27. $2000 for a night's stay, a juice box and a pill.

Full details of these examples are available online at the address below.

I'm not saying that this sort of thing will become the norm here in the UK, just that we should be on our guard if the government decide to go down the US model route.

Read more at: http://www.amazingoasis.org/2014/08/how-much-does-appendectomy-cost-well-if.html

[Fly]

I can't see how they can just sell the NHS to Private companies. It would leave millions in the sh**.
Looks like the US are trying to barge into the deal with the EU

Two-third of voters in Tory marginals want NHS exempt from US trade pact
TTIP being negotiated between EU and US threatens to make privatisation of UK health services permanent, say critics

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/aug/07/voters-want-nhs-exempt-us-trade-pact-ttip-eu-privatisation

[Old Cruser]

To book in  as a 'private' patient we know can be costly.
I would imagine the cost to be the same level should it happen here.
I was speaking with a friend only last week who paid ten grand for a back operation.
In agony and unable to work he was told 'it wasn't life threatening'
Disgusting and it will get worse.

[Stuart]

I can't see how they can just sell the NHS to Private companies. It would leave millions in the sh**.

But it would make them and their wealthy friends even more wealthy. I don't think the second sentence even crosses their minds.

[therealjr]

Pete: This might sound like a daft question but when did you last catch a bus?

[Pete]

I think it was around 1998, why?

[Alsatian]

Pete: This might sound like a daft question but when did you last catch a bus?

Yes, it does sound like a daft question! 

[therealjr]

So why haven't you used a bus for 16 years?

[Fly]

Have you seen the prices, locals probably walk and saves a few quid going into town.
I dare say your going to comment on the bus ticket prices JR.
I have no idea what it costs from Boza to town nowadays ?

[therealjr]

I dare say you're wrong. I will wait for Pete.

[Fly]

I'm always wrong LOL
Broad shoulders, well broader than 2 years ago. Nearly 2st heavier LOL

[Pete]

>> So why haven't you used a bus for 16 years?

Because I have a car.

[therealjr]

>> So why haven't you used a bus for 16 years?

Because I have a car.

right answer.
So there's a cheaper alternative for those who can't afford a car but you choose to pay out.
People choose to spend their money on holidays to foreign countries, those that can't make do with Blackpool or Cleethorpes.
You choose to shop in M&S or Primark.
Life is full of examples where people can choose how to spend their money and what they can afford to pay.
Yet when it comes to the NHS it's always held up as this one unshakeable bastion of British Society that has to be universally free to all whilst still offering the best care in the world. There's never any suggestion counternanced that there should be a two tier system. Yet the NHS given our ageing population with more and more people not looking after themselves be that Obesity, Smoking drinking etc is a luxury that we can no longer afford in its present format. There's certainly an argument that the Tories are going too far too fast but I'm afraid reform is inevitable.