How have the mighty fallen? OT.

[Mary Fisher]

Well, some GPs have decided to refer patients to homoeopathists, it's not part of the general service.

Pity though ...

Mary

[Andy Hall]

On Tue, 18 Jul 2006 09:01:32 +0100, The Reid wrote (in article ):

You are jumping to an incorrect conclusion.

Nobody said that removal of public sector *delivery* automatically leads to a for-profit arrangement. That can be one option for those who wish to choose it. other options can include non-profit foundations, charitable trusts etc. etc.

There is virtually nothing that can be done better in the public sector. healthcare delivery is a primary example of something in which the public sector, in the sense of central administration, should have no involvement.

[Andy Hall]

On Tue, 18 Jul 2006 09:01:31 +0100, The Reid wrote (in article ):

I don't need to prove it. Do you really think that an organisation of this scale can do a proper job? It would be the first time in history if so

[Mary Fisher]

Why don't you organise it, Andy? You could do that in the morning and give medical advice and dental treatment in the afternoon.

[June Hughes]

In message , Mary Fisher writes

Great minds think alike. I was going to say that too.

[The Reid]

Following up to Andy Hall

right, so it is then.

[The Reid]

Following up to Andy Hall

you need to prove it, not just assert your political view.

[The Reid]

Following up to Andy Hall

Now, thinks, would that be useful to the NHS?

[The Reid]

Following up to Andy Hall

like the NHS

[Derek ^]

Nope.

With reference to Robert Townshends book "Up the Organisation"

AAMOF ctually referring to the joint use public purchasing schemes in the US, but the NHS is certainly no better.

" For They actually *do* pay more for a pencil than you do at the 5 & 10 cents store". < NB from memeory>.

DG

[Ophelia]

Mike, as any fule no you are not *allowed* to do d-i-y with gas!

As I am sure *you* knew!

[graham]

I'm tempted! I'm tempted!:-) After all, homeopathy is the ultimate in quack medicine! There! I('ve said it!:-) Graham

[graham]

He was still thinking of the barmaid when he wrote that:-) Graham

[Ophelia]

Probably:)

[Owain]

The social security benefits bill would soar and the private sector would be inundated dealing with job applications from people incapable of honest hard work.

Owain

[Owain]

Oh dear Ophelia, you've unleased the demons now and are going to get thwapped with multiple citations of the Gas Safety Regulations.

Owain

[Andy Hall]

On Tue, 18 Jul 2006 17:17:58 +0100, Mary Fisher wrote (in article ):

It isn't. Despite qualifying for free prescriptions according to the current system, I cannot get a prescription for certain supplies that are recommended by the NHS's own clinical policy organisation, NICE.

That's a simple example. I am sure that you will have read about the debacle concerning Herceptin.

I could quote series of examples longer than your arm. It is not even close to being a universal and free service.

It is rather sad that there are still people around with the misconception that it is. Clearly the NHS marketing machine has done a good job.

[Andy Hall]

On Tue, 18 Jul 2006 18:01:04 +0100, The Reid wrote (in article ):

This is ridiculous. It very obviously is not.

How many examples would you like?

[Andy Hall]

On Tue, 18 Jul 2006 18:01:04 +0100, The Reid wrote (in article ):

There is only one useful thing that could be done to the NHS, and that is to shut it down.

It is not necessary to have over a million people on the payroll to negotiate a good generic drugs deal with Novartis, Roche or whoever the favourite supplier is.

[Andy Hall]

On Tue, 18 Jul 2006 17:15:54 +0100, Clive George wrote (in article ):

No. Nobody said anything about private and for-profit organisations bing the only alternative to a state run megalith. There are many other corporate statuses that could be used for structures for primary and secondary healthcare.