Health system report ranks UK first, US last
BMJ 2014; 348 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.g4080 (Published 17 June 2014) Cite this as: BMJ 2014;348:g4080
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I wonder how much attention this report will be given in the media. It's much easier to criticise and to find fault, than to note that the NHS is the least worst system available. Perhaps it's a bit like as Churchill said to the House of Commons on 11 November 1947, 'Democracy is the worst form of Government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.' And the emphasis given to equity underpinning the NHS finds favour with the population, who are - according to another study - strongly averse to 'postcode lottery', preferring truly national access. That's not to say there isn't plenty of room for the UK to improve, of course, and perhaps the low ranking on 'healthy lives' is the most pressing issue if the post-war baby boomers' expectations for health are going to be realised. That generation, of which I'm part, want to have a greater say in all things health related, and while the increased opportunities for patient and public involvement are welcome, the democratic deficit in the NHS has yet to be fully recognised.
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Re: Health system report ranks UK first, US last
Why has this very positive report not been presented more widely? I have read references on the Guardian and Daily Telegraph websites, but absolutely nothing on either the Daily Mail or BBC news websites.
This would have been be a welcome change to the negative news that is repeatedly reported on the more populist news channels, but I am concerned there is a lost opportunity here.
Is there some fundamental reporting policy influencing the release of more positive NHS stories? I am very concerned.
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