I must congratulate the author for a very balanced and unbiased
article. It has, however, highighted some very complex issues.
The philosophy behind the NHS is noble and ofcourse generates envy.
Nowhere in the world can people expect a world class service for free. NHS
is probably the only exception to the saying, Nothing good ever comes
free. Closure of NHS hospitals, as suggested in this article, seems the
likely course in the foreseeable future and means an end to this noble
philosophy.
Also important to note is the fact that NHS allows patients access to
probably the best doctors in the world, and allows doctors access to
probably the best training in the world. No wonder you see doctors pouring
in from all over the world for training.
Shortcomings do exist and I agree that waiting list is an important
issue. While it is important for ministers to deliver the goods, it is
equally important to draw the line somewhere. The answer should lie in
expanding the NHS services in the future. I am sure ways can be worked out
for the same.
Transferring health services to the private treatment centres is the
least of the answers. While it may seem the most viable service
alternative in the short term, it may not be the best option for the
future. The least we can do is to transform holistic health care to simple
service provisions.
Implications also exist for training as pointed out in earlier
letters. Training in the UK is already being eroded by the implementation
of the EWTD. Add to that the impact of privatisation. It is a huge loss to
training. A loss of 500000 procedures in the near future is a big big
loss. I am not quite sure if we can boast of continuing to produce world
class doctors in the future.
By the way, once all the NHS hospitals are closed, dont forget to
close the medical schools as well. That will be a huge saving . We can
send a few interested students to train abroad and ofcourse to work
abroad. There will be no vacancies on the independent treatment centres
should these doctors wish to return.
I will be interested to read the remainder of the article this week.
Rapid Response:
Surgical training within the future NHS
I must congratulate the author for a very balanced and unbiased
article. It has, however, highighted some very complex issues.
The philosophy behind the NHS is noble and ofcourse generates envy.
Nowhere in the world can people expect a world class service for free. NHS
is probably the only exception to the saying, Nothing good ever comes
free. Closure of NHS hospitals, as suggested in this article, seems the
likely course in the foreseeable future and means an end to this noble
philosophy.
Also important to note is the fact that NHS allows patients access to
probably the best doctors in the world, and allows doctors access to
probably the best training in the world. No wonder you see doctors pouring
in from all over the world for training.
Shortcomings do exist and I agree that waiting list is an important
issue. While it is important for ministers to deliver the goods, it is
equally important to draw the line somewhere. The answer should lie in
expanding the NHS services in the future. I am sure ways can be worked out
for the same.
Transferring health services to the private treatment centres is the
least of the answers. While it may seem the most viable service
alternative in the short term, it may not be the best option for the
future. The least we can do is to transform holistic health care to simple
service provisions.
Implications also exist for training as pointed out in earlier
letters. Training in the UK is already being eroded by the implementation
of the EWTD. Add to that the impact of privatisation. It is a huge loss to
training. A loss of 500000 procedures in the near future is a big big
loss. I am not quite sure if we can boast of continuing to produce world
class doctors in the future.
By the way, once all the NHS hospitals are closed, dont forget to
close the medical schools as well. That will be a huge saving . We can
send a few interested students to train abroad and ofcourse to work
abroad. There will be no vacancies on the independent treatment centres
should these doctors wish to return.
I will be interested to read the remainder of the article this week.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests