Today I’m continuing with the A-Z Blogging Challenge. The aim is to write a post for every day of the month except for Sundays, with each post representing a different letter of the alphabet. This year I’m doing an A-Z of Great Britain, covering as much as I can about British music, literature, TV and film, food, wildlife and culture.
Foreign nationals also receive free treatment if they have been living in the UK legally for 12 months, have recently arrived to take up permanent residence, are claiming asylum or have other legal resident status. European citizens are also entitled to free treatment if they have a European Health Insurance Card.
British people love to moan about the NHS. We complain about the state of the hospitals, the ridiculous amount of admin, the huge waiting times, the quality of the food and the ‘incompetence’ of the staff. But most problems with the NHS seem to stem from them being short of staff, funding, space and equipment. Accusations of poor care are in the minority, but it is these incidents (rather than the success stories) that make headlines. The NHS staff I have encountered (especially the nurses) have been extremely hard-working and dedicated to their job. They are just trying their best with limited time and resources, yet their low pay doesn’t reflect this.
While the NHS may be far from perfect, I still think we’re lucky to have it. We don’t have to worry about medical insurance because most of our healthcare is covered. I’d rather pay higher taxes for the peace of mind that brings.
What are your views on the NHS? Is it a wasteful drain on our income or an invaluable service that we should be grateful for?
Very pleased to have the NHS who wouldn't be. I think you're right though we are quick to complain. Nice theme for the A-Z
The US is currently all ablaze with our Health Care Reform (Obama Care). But it is all in all a good thing for those who need health care. Far better than filing bankruptcy due to catastrophic medical bills or having to choose medicine over buying food for yourself or your family. A very, very hot topic here.
Hahaha, let me start with a laugh. I am no Citizen or european etc but I can comment right? and so here is my comment. I never knew one could have free health care I mean state funded even if you paid taxes. In my country Cameroon, forget it. Even in public hospitals, the free services could cost you your life. look up you tube, you could die in the waiting room etc. Well, all I can say is good for you all out here
Marie at http://myeverydaypersonal.blogspot.be/
While the NHS may be far from perfect, I still think we're lucky to have it. — Truer words were never spoken. Most countries would be lucky to have this sort of healthcare.
Damyanti, Co-host A to Z Challenge April 2014, My Latest post
Twitter: @AprilA2Z
#atozchallenge
My stepdad is from England…when Obamacare started, he was concerned healthcare is headed in that direction. We don't have free healthcare here at all, unless it's included as a benefit of employment. We pay hundreds, even over $1,000 a month for insurance…and I'm not hearing that Obamacare is any cheaper.
Visiting you from the A to Z challenge sign-up page. Great to meet you!
Stephanie Faris, author
30 Days of No Gossip
http://stephie5741.blogspot.com
Very interesting. I can't believe the service is offered to foreigners after a certain time frame. Great post.