I try to avoid posts on partisan issues - there are a host of blogs which push a particular ideological standpoint. This blog is intended to share information about the legislatures in the UK and the USA. It aims to explain the differences and similarities - and how each works. While I have my own views (I have been a Labour parliamentary candidate twice & a Labour European Parliament candidate once), this isn't the place to "preach the word". Republicans; Tories; Democrats; Socialists; Blairites; Lib-Dems; - all are welcome here.However, there is an issue I feel very strongly about - and would like to explain (particularly to American readers) why so many Brits are angered by some of the things that are being said in the current debate in the USA over healthcare reforms.
We may grumble about it sometimes (we can be great grumblers in Britain, perhaps it's the weather), but the NHS is something most Brits are both proud of and grateful for. My father had his first heart attack 32 years ago - he's had all the care he needed - including a quad heart bypass (when in his late 70s - so that story about no heart treatments for the over 60s is completely untrue) and continues to receive treatment. His health has caused us worries over the years - but we've never had the worry of his treatment being denied by an insurance company - or of funding expensive treatment which we couldn't afford. (And by the way, Senator Grassley, my father is two years older than Senator Kennedy!)
Everyone is entitled to treatment. Having just moved I needed a new doctor - I registered at the practice of my choice. No state official told me where I had to go. Routine tests were carried out to check my sugar levels; blood pressure and cholesterol levels. I didn't have to pay for them - or even request them. The Government's funding of such tests has enabled many people who have diabetes and other health problems to have their conditions spotted and treated. As one of those people who had diabetes, but didn't know it, I am grateful for this initiative.
As I get older, I know more and more friends who have fallen ill to (particularly) cancer and heart problems. The NHS has been great - and I wouldn't swop it for the current American system anyday. I am angry for two reasons with the campaign of misinformation being waged at the moment
* Americans are being denied advantages which Brits have taken for granted for decades - the number of uninsured is a disgrace to the good name of America. Health Care should be a right, as it is in Britain.
* "My" NHS is being lied about.
I'd be happy to correspond with any American about my personal experience of the NHS.
Tonight's Evening Standard states -
"Among inaccuracies that have irritated the Government are claims NHS patients over the age of 59 cannot get heart repairs and that women under 25 are “not allowed” breast cancer screening.
One advert said 40 per cent of UK cancer patients do not have access to a specialist. Macmillan Cancer Support said this figure was 15 years out of date."
You can also see what some Brits are saying at http://www.freelancesupermarket.com/forum/coffee-shop/459-proud-our-nhs.html
I've just joined the Facebook group http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=249360150703. Can I invite fellow Brits to join me.
