[DonaldFisk]

Many of the problems are due to the internal market, with NHS staff encouraged to work in their own self-interest rather than in the interests of the patient, which in practice means they game the system. This, and the reasons behind it, are explained in a 3-part documentary called The Trap by Adam Curtis.

The NHS is good value for (taxpayers') money: it's about half the price of the American system for the same quality of care.

It's a fairly open secret that the Government is encouraging patient dissatisfaction and privatizing the NHS by stealth. It's only a matter of time before patients have to pay for treatment.

My experience of it as a patient is generally favourable. I usually get seen promptly, and it's free at the point of use. I've experienced the health services in two other countries (Hong Kong and Belgium).