As a system the NHS needs massive reform. I think things may have tightened up recently but it was an absolute free for all for so many years without correctly recharging other countries for treating their citizens.

When I was in Spain a few years ago and my son, who was a baby at the time came out in a rash all over his body and needed medical attention the first thing we were asked for was our E111 cards before they would treat him (rightly so imo)

This is how the other countries in the EU have operated for years - recharging the costs back to the home country of the citizen but we have never really implemented this properly in the UK (or at least we hadn’t for a very long time). Whether this was down to incompetence/ lazyness I have no idea

    Old-Dutch Do we have any stats on that? I can’t believe it was ever done to a point where it had any great impact?

      Old-Dutch The fuck are you on about? The ‘pesky foreigner’ schtik? Fuck right off.

        Some ugly discussion in here, especially that Wal.

          Kinell. It was one example of how the system is not being managed properly. Not blaming anyone other than saying the system is at fault. So get fucked with your bollocks Wally you fucking wand

            Old-Dutch It was one example of how the system is not being managed properly.

            That’s how I read it too.

              The real issue is that people are living longer and living fatter. There needs to be a massive, massive push to incentivise healthier eating and getting more exercise.

              Surely no can disagree with that one right? Why is the govt. not interested in pursuing this?

                bosstrabs Then, you have to ask, what is the point in democracy or self-governance anymore?

                We might as well just all throw in the towel and be bonded serfs to the technocracy/tech oligarchy.

                Until, perhaps, they realise that extreme supply-side economics and thoroughly gutting the middle class is short-termist as it provides less consumer demand for their products.

                Keep the vibe / bants at the afters a little lighter than this Dave.

                But you know that.

                  C_J There needs to be a massive, massive push to incentivise healthier eating and getting more exercise.

                  Surely no can disagree with that one right? Why is the govt. not interested in pursuing this?

                  Er, pretty sure there is. Although it’s all coming from the ‘Nudge Unit’ which those on sink estates aren’t going to take any notice of anyway.

                  I agree on the sugar tax. Restrict the number of high street bookies and pretty much ban fruit machines while you’re at it - some paternalism that would do some good. The raiders of the working class’ household finances.

                    That is also a major factor, CJ - down to the Government

                    C_J The real issue is that people are living longer and living fatter. There needs to be a massive, massive push to incentivise healthier eating and getting more exercise.

                    Been on the chocolate all day.

                    Though running 5 times a week means I can eat what I want and still stay in top top nick.

                      bosstrabs Don’t give a shit. It’s a sloppy stereotype to wallpaper over the cracks. Fuck that.

                        Old-Dutch the first thing we were asked for was our E111 cards before they would treat him

                        Lunacy.

                        We have the worst, most profit-driven system of care imaginable here in the States. We still treat people before asking questions about reimbursement. It’s not like, “yeah that spear in your head looks cumbersome but what about paying us to get it removed?”

                            I think we probably need to decide on this board whether we want politics threads to be a discussion where a number of alternative viewpoints can be accommodated, or just deteriorate into an angry partisan slanging match.

                            And I say that as someone who is totally guilty myself of needlessly calling someone a cunt.

                              bosstrabs If Dutchy produces some numbers and genuine data that backs up his assertion about ‘healthcare tourism’, he’ll have my heartfelt and absolute apology.