The NHS is still the envy of many, not just " leftist propagandists ", and not least Filipinos, who, if they fall ill in their own country, may well not recover and even die if they can’t afford treatment .



I’ve explained ( # 29 ) and elsewhere in the Forum, WHY the UK has so many foreign doctors, often in specialties which would otherwise be unfilled, in locations unpopular with UK graduates. With hindsight, some should never have been appointed, and have rightly been struck off. The system has improved in the 14 years since the late Leeds University graduate Dr Harold Shipman was found guilty of murdering his patients. Sadly it is unlikely EVER to be perfect.



• The vast majority of doctors and other healthcare workers ( of whatever nationality ) are dedicated to providing a good service and put their patients first;

• The " silent majority " ( both on the Forum and the UK public ) are happy with their treatment.


Ways to actively do something about perceived shortcomings of our NHS :-

• Informally, then formally if needed, complain about GPs or hospital doctors at a local level ( well established mechanisms to do so );

• Join local patient liaison committees, and/or national patient liaison groups ( every major specialty has one ) ;

• Attend public hearings / become a non-medical panellist on the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service - which runs the hearings for doctors whose fitness to practise is called into question ;


• Raise healthcare workers’ morale by appreciating GOOD treatment, and (re-)read my post 29 for helpful links ;


• As for " doctors knowing best ", they should ALL practise " evidence-based " medicine ( giving reasons for diagnosis and treatment ). " Informed consent " is a requirement, meaning they have explained planned treatment BEFORE it is given. If you don’t understand, ask !


http://www.gmc-uk.org/concerns/makin...laint/3841.asp