@ Sarah in the Desert “…they fulfill both their contracts without compromise but

Comment on General Election 2010 Poll Results by Helen.

@ Sarah in the Desert

“…they fulfill both their contracts without compromise but at the same time their NHS patients wait longer, I don’t understand this.

Happy to explain. A consultant will be salaried to work for the NHS an fulfil their duties, as in do the amount of work the primary care trust has commissioned for local patients (for example enough work to maintain or reduce an 18 week general surgery waiting list (non urgent)). He or she may also spend 1 day a week working in a private hospital under contract to them, seeing private patients.

“If I even suspect I may have cancer I don’t want to wait for up to 5-6 days to see my GP and then another 2 weeks to see a Consultant (who occasionally may not be able to do so), I want to see someone within a day or two, 3 at most! What a horrendous 2 weeks that would be for anyone!”

Indeed it would be an awful wait. The reason it is two weeks is that the majority of 2 week wait patients do not have cancer. Specialists therefore have a lot of patients to see and discharge, with a minority to continue treatment. The idea is to allow GPs to make urgent referrals for anyone suspected to have cancer, so that those unfortunate people who do need further treatment do not slip through the net. It might not be good enough for you, but this system will be saving lives every day. The aim with more investment will be to reduce this waiting time.

I completely understand why people who can be seen quicker via private option would want to do so. Not least because of the emotional stress and worry. However, I’m talking about the general population. People who haven’t got that option open to them.

I certainly am loyal to the NHS. Not just because I work for it, but because I had my life saved. I appreciate what the NHS means to normal people.

“I haven’t got a problem with those who choose to go private for healthcare, that is everyone’s perogative” – you really don’t sound like it!

I wouldn’t have typed it if I didn’t mean it. I have got a problem with marginalising the NHS, a lifeline to the normal people of the UK.

“Oh, and who would be making a big fat profit out of this new health model?” Why is this such an issue for you?

I don’t agree with profiteering out of people’s misery. It’s quite simple. On your pojnt about tax contribution of private sector emplyees; equally people who work in the public sector pay tax and spend money. Healthcare professionals add value to themselves by training for years, and their earnings are then taxed.

“It’s throwing good money after bad.” – you think like this because by your own admission you can’t see the good the NHS does.

“Maybe, but can so much be different in 5 years?” – yes, improved waiting lists, a much more modern service. Things can get better too.