Americans React to the NHS - How The UK's Healthcare System Works

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In this video we react to the NHS and learn how the UK healthcare system works. As Americans we have experience with a very broken private health care system, so there is a lot about the NHS we find intriguing. If you're from the United Kingdom what do you think about the National Health Service?
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👉 Original Video:
• How The United Kingdom...

[@keithrichardhallam]

"No society can legitimately call itself civilized if a sick person is denied medical aid because of lack of means." - Aneurin Bevan

[@BSteel583]

That’s the NHS. The systems in France, Germany, Spain, Italy etc etc are the civilised ones

[@CarolWoosey-ck2rg]

​@@BSteel583if we didn't have lots of people clogging it up who have never paid into it it would be back to what it was and should be- think what you like I don't care ,that's my view and I know because I worked in the NHS for 30 years

[@user-fq8rs7rz3i]

@@BSteel583They’re having trouble too, and so is the US. I loathe Brit bashing, especially by a Brit to Americans. It’s brown nosing!!!

[@user-fq8rs7rz3i]

I’m fascinated by Bevan and Attlee, who I consider to be Britain’s best PM.

[@ekatep6362]

How he would be turning in his grave right now

[@burnyboi]

I would rather spend a small percentage of my wages on a national health service than potentially going bankrupt, being in mass debt and having my life ruined for something as small as a broken leg or something equivalent.

[@lanah939]

Completely agree.

[@grahvis]

Or be like that woman who badly injured her leg on the Metro and was begging those helping her not to call an ambulance because she couldn't afford one.

[@lanah939]

@@grahvis bet that was horrific for her.

[@CarolWoosey-ck2rg]

Typical of the American system

[@kenhobbs8565]

I would pay more to keep the NHS

[@peterfhere9461]

The funniest thing when Americans are challenged about private health care is when they say that they don't want their personal contributions funding other people's illnesses! How they think insurance works is beyond me!

[@P5YcHoKiLLa]

Exactly, it's the exact same model just privatised. Same as car insurance, house insurance, ANY insurance.

[@hybridstreetmethods8860]

I've often wondered how they can't see this

[@user-fq8rs7rz3i]

🤣That’s so funny.

[@juliamacauley7062]

@@user-fq8rs7rz3iWhat is funny ?

[@_Hollie_]

Especially when you take into account theyd probably be taxed the same amount anyway

[@Yandarval]

All the UK parties know that to touch the NHS is instant death at the polls.

[@theapavlou3030]

Long may that be the case. We are looking at private healthcare options but I'd fight to the death for our NHS. Angels ❤

[@peterjackson4763]

The Labour party did touch the NHS last time they were in power, allowing for more private provision to the NHS. They can get away with it as they are seen as more supportive of it.

[@SendamYnot-yv8wz]

No longer. People are fed up with more of their taxes being wasted on a bottomless money pit that isn't fit for purpose.

[@akhilShah-wu7pp]

​@theapavlou3030 what needs to happen is public input into thr NHS for spending as we have both clue which brings up the rubbish stories

[@theapavlou3030]

@@akhilShah-wu7pp public input via their taxes already. We need to charge overseas visitors

[@nigelclinning2448]

NHS isn’t socialist healthcare, it’s social healthcare.

[@paulharvey9149]

And sensible healthcare, at that...

[@monkeymox2544]

As a socialist I have no problem calling it socialist. Nye Bevan was a socialist, and the NHS is founded on socialist principles. I don't think we should capitulate on the bizarre idea that 'socialist' is in and of itself a scary word.

[@kwlkid85]

I mean it also is socialist but so are loads of things like the military, police, roads etc

[@louiselane806]

Americans don’t like the words Socialism or Socialist, as they don’t understand

[@louiselane806]

I had hip replacement surgery last year, I waited only 4 months, from the day it was confirmed I needed surgery to the day I had surgery, that is not a long wait. It was NHS, and I paid nothing out of pocket. If I had to pay it would have cost anything between £15k to £20k

[@sarahealey1780]

I will happily pay more tax to support the NHS

[@alicetwain]

Same in Italy. If there the things that's worth paying taxes for are healthcare, education, culture, and art. And, yes, safety, but not the military.

[@djs98blue]

I think if a new labour gov said they would increase say NI contributions and we could see it was decreasing waiting times over an election cycle - e.g. 4-5 years - most people would support it. The proof would be in the pudding. Labour are planning to cut out the non-dom loophole to gain some extra NHS funding but it will not be enough and I am sure they know it.

[@sarahealey1780]

@djs98blue New Labour are Conservative light, I want a Corbyn Labour back we majorly fucked up in the last election

[@susanlee5508]

I had a heart attack was taken to the hospital no charge. 5 weeks in hospital before the operation I needed to heal cost? Nothing. This included food meds doc nurses I don't know what that would cost there . Just one example. If people can pay for private treatment fine.

[@andrewjames3908]

its a blackhole that lines the pockets of rich doctors who earn £100k+ for a 3 day week when theyre not on strike.

[@rosemarieross4277]

NHS saved my sisters life when she had a sub arachnoid haemorrhage, that a lot of people do not survive. 3 operations in 20 hours, 2 weeks on life support in intensive care, then just under 6 months being nursed back to health, with no bill to pay.The NHS are wonderful, amazing and thank God they are.

[@leeannecosgrove6802]

And that is why it's worth it. Despite refusing treatment for me this is why it can work and why higher tax earners should not grudge paying into it. I hope she's doing ok now.

[@rosemarieross4277]

@@leeannecosgrove6802 thankyou, she is, but because of the severity of the bleed she has been left with issues including dementia and epilepsy. I hope you are ok ?

[@leeannecosgrove6802]

@rosemarieross4277 that's a shame about the resulting issues now. I hope she gets great continuing care. I had my op privately and to say it's changed my life doesn't even cover it. I wish the NHS did priorise the right things and was there when everyone needed it. I'd never had an operation before other than wisdom teeth extraction (paid for lol!) so have no clue if the level of care was better or not but it was so good I will be eternally grateful.

[@rosemarieross4277]

@@leeannecosgrove6802 so pleased you are now sorted. I wish you continued good health. ( shame you had to pay for your operation). Good luck and take care going forward, 😀

[@robncarolhudson9803]

One thing to remember is that when private health screws up, and this happens more often than you'd expect, the private patients receive free treatment from the NHS before being returned to their private Hospital. When it come to excellence of care the NHS is second to none because the onus is about quality of care rather than profits.

[@isking1715]

I'm not sure how that makes sense when so many of the doctors are working in both sectors. When you use private health care you tend to go to NHS hospitals for treatment and the private companies pay for the room etc. Many people don't realise how many beds in our hospitals are reserved for this purpose.

[@SendamYnot-yv8wz]

Complete BS. The lack of intelligence of this leftie is staggering.

[@nigelthorn2062]

Lol excellence my ass. For nearly a year I couldn't walk properly because something snapped in my knee. The NHS mucked me about did the wrong tests. I had a right talk with my GP they got me in at a private hospital in four weeks they found what was wrong and did the op my leg is right as rain now.

[@SendamYnot-yv8wz]

@@nigelthorn2062 Your lobotomy didn't seem to go too well either.

[@nigelthorn2062]

@@SendamYnot-yv8wz nor your sex change bot

[@keithhealing1115]

So...do you call the police, fire service or armed forces "socialised"? If not - why not? Why single out healthcare?

[@budd2nd]

Oh that’s a good point, I’ve never thought of that but you’re 100% right there. 👍

[@geoffpriestley7310]

Don't forget the socialist roads

[@DSP16569]

@@geoffpriestley7310 socialist? - Public roads are Communist. Owned by the Goverment and they only allow you to use them but you have to pay them. The put them where they want and when they do not like you they never build one to your house or when a road exists they do not invest for maintenenance.

[@gtaylor331]

Keith, I have said this many times before, fed up of seeing so many thick Americans going on about 'socialist' healthcare.......

[@barneylaurance1865]

Well one of the main roles of the police and armed services are to protect private property. If some US workers illegally seized control of the means of production (e.g. factories, docks and warehouses) then the police and if necessary the armed forces would be sent to return control to the owners of capital. So they are integral to capitalism. Healthcare is not in the same way.

[@CMOT101]

Just to clarify. We pay less in taxes for the NHS than you do for your health insurance. Also - I had cancer last year. I could go through all the tests, doctors, treatment etc. But there is no need as you know what I am going to say. I did not get a bill afterwards. I only paid my usual NI payments. I paid zero in premiums, or excess or deductables. I never have to worry about using an ambulance. Last week I went to see my GP because I had symptoms that could be a sign of something bad. I am going for tests again. I will never ever have to worry about the bill, about being able to afford it, whether I should go or not to see a doctor. The fact that Americans are so against a system like the NHS is staggering.

[@JarlGrimmToys]

And the irony is not only do we pay less in tax for the NHS, than Americans pay in private insurance. But also Americans pay a similar about per capita in taxes for healthcare that they can’t access. I believe the figure for the UK is around the equivalent of $3800 in taxes a year per person. While in the US it’s $3300 in taxes per person. The difference is the UK tax payer is paying those taxes pay for all our healthcare needs. While the American tax payer is paying those taxes to cover all the people on Medicare, Medicaid, and for all the healthcare of all the people who have gone bankrupt because of medical costs. The American tax payer then has to get their own health insurance to pay for their own healthcare.

[@apriljoy1094]

No we pay less for BOTH the NHS and private than the US does for their healthcare. Those graphs include the cost of private and public healthcare.

[@jasonakamrdaddy5433]

I don't think the us citizens are against having a nhs...just the people profiting from it

[@apriljoy1094]

@@jasonakamrdaddy5433 they are against it. America is a democracy. They could have it if they wanted. That’s how every other democracy got universal healthcare. They voted for the politicians promising it

[@MostlyPennyCat]

​@@jasonakamrdaddy5433 Americans are, generally, "me first". They see state healthcare as handouts, which they've been raised to abhor

[@jacquieclapperton9758]

I live in Scotland and i was diagnosed with cancer twenty months ago. Six weeks after diagnosis, I underwent surgery. In those six weeks, I had a scan, blood tests, pre-operative checks such as ECG etc, a course on what to expect and how to help my recovery through the Maggie's Centre, as well as an appointment with the surgeon. After surgery, I spent one night in High Dependency and six nights on the ward. I was in a room of four beds with our own shower room with toilet. I wasn't discharged until they were happy that I could get in and out of bed on my own, and look after myself; once home, my house was checked and items such as a bath stool and a handrail for the outside steps fitted. On biopsy, cancer cells were found so I had a course of chemotherapy, complete with regular appointments with the oncologist. They even fed me lunch during chemo sessions as well as, naturally, tea and biscuits. A problem with my wound was dealt with by the district nurses and the out of hours GP at the local hospital. I was discharged from oncology a year ago, and had further tests on rhe anniversary of my operation; I was then discharged by the surgeon to the care of the specialist nurses for the next few years. During this time, the transport to and from the hospital for surgery and chemo was provided. Being in Scotland, I also didn't have to pay a thing towards my prescriptions. I paid nothing - except that I had been paying my National Insurance deduction from my salary all my working life. A GP at my surgery saved my life. She wouldn't re-prescribe a medicine for my arthritis until I had a blood test; the blood test showed anaemia so I was sent for further tests at the hospital which found my cancer.

[@missprettyyandpinkk]

They have saved my life twice, first appendectomy whilst pregnant with my daughter. And the second time with a haemorrhage after the birth of my son. I was always be so grateful for the care I received. I am so proud of our NHS they are incredible.

[@CarolWoosey-ck2rg]

Retired NHS nurse here - yes we pay for the NHS through taxes but thats it- no co-pay no refusal of treatment all free at the point of use - dentistry is another subject - you can have anything from a transplant to toe nail removal without paying anything- food ,meds all of it- why you Americans are scared of the phrase socialised medicine is beyond me - its an industry in your country, a golden egg for greedy business - the only country where people are bankrupted trying to get treatment when in any moral society its citizens should have the right and access to medical care as seen in most countries worldwide- shameful 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@ASMR.by.HIPPYCHICK]

To add to this, dentistry is free for those on benefits but you won't get any cosmetic care eg tooth whitening but they will provide crowns/dentures etc.. It's the waiting lists that's a problem here.

[@Hugeones]

I’m a nurse and the NHS is abused by both British and Foreign nationals and these last 20 years the standard of nursing as got worse. As I said here before I would say 20% of the nurses I work with are just lazy and feel they are more important than the patients

[@CarolWoosey-ck2rg]

​@@ASMR.by.HIPPYCHICKat least for non urgent - they still have waiting lists in america- that's if you have insurance that will pay

[@paulncott4587]

Except the NHS is on its knees due to intentional running into the ground and it's pissing money down the drain to employ "equality and inclusion" staff, who earn more than nurses and some doctors. It's a shambles and is nothing to proud of.

[@wulfgold]

I'm a Brit, but I believe the fear of "socialised medicine" is the word "Socialised" an President McCarthy's fight against Socialism/purge of "Socialists" and The Red Terror. That's a big problem for America/Americans, it seems almost like the "N-word" for a lot of Americans (of any race). It just seems a fundamental lack of understanding of the nuance of language. I don't want to "blow up" the comments section - especially on this channel - that I like + has a nice, comfy environment.... BUT - this is a nation that elected Trump - a cretin that uses (very) simplistic language to rile up people that are "none too bright". Outright lies and distortion of truth "alternative facts" lol. You can see it here, buffoons like BoBo that say easy things to understand - regardless of actual truth in them. Buffoons that have actively worked to harm the NHS in the interest of business. Look at the slow unfolding of the PPE scandal, how as soon as Covid happened predaTory politicians looked to take advantage of the situation. A stray question I've had for a while would be - if a foreign national walked into A+E needing treatment, would there ever be a refusal of treatment?

[@kevinthorpe8561]

The NHS saved my wife from cancer due to very prompt treatment. If I knew my tax increase was going to the NHS directly I would pay

[@reactingtomyroots]

Glad to hear that! Hope she's doing well now.

[@setreipchkasnoine]

I think that's a thing Americans maybe don't understand - there may be long wait times for certain things, and those things *can* affect your quality of life, but typically you get seen promptly for things that are time-critical (life threatening, etc). Also, I've heard reports of people (Americans) having to wait for treatment due to hang-ups with approval from their insurance, so... 🤷‍♀️

[@SendamYnot-yv8wz]

Anyone can offer to pay more tax. Just contact HMRC. But no Kevin, you won't becos sponging socialists love to get something for nothing

[@Impishcarpenter]

My father was the same his was picked up during his 'MOT' @ 65

[@jamesaubrey1110]

Such a breath of fresh air, 2 Americans that acknowledge countries beyond their boarders. I’m humbled you’ve given attention to our great country. 😎 I’m proud being a NHS employee.

[@Si_Vert]

I don't think there are many Americans that have the capability to understand the NHS, they are too institutionalised and it is such an alien concept to them. Virtually everyone that complains about the NHS is not complaining about the NHS but how the Government is running it and funding it. There isn't a specific NHS tax; It is paid for out of General Taxation. It can never be insolvent as it's not a business, that's like saying the US Army could be insolvent, which it can't be - the government can choose how well to fund it but that is a political choice and a reflection of the economy as a whole. The NHS is the 6th largest employer in the world and the UK Government owns everything and pays all the staff, It underpins the entire UK economy. If the government pays a Senior Nurse £50,000, it is technically only giving them £38,771 as they get £11,229 back immediately as income tax and almost everything that the Senior Nurse spends their £38,771 take-home salary on is also taxed. The government owns all the buildings, pays all the people and sets all the prices. There isn't many places to extract profit from in the NHS so you don't get the 'leaky bucket' effect of the US healthcare, where at every stage someone is syphoning off profits.

[@clarelawton4653]

Really appreciate the NHS was recently in hospital for three months, hundreds of procedures and tests and open heart surgery would estimate it all cost getting close to half a million and didn’t cost me a penny, thank you NHS and all the wonderful staff ❤

[@reactingtomyroots]

Hope you're doing better now, Clare!

[@alanelesstravelled8218]

Imagine a country where your health care is based upon your needs rather than your ability to pay for health insurance.

[@robinknox3569]

My dad was diagnosed with cancer in January, operated on in February and discharged from further treatment in March. All via the NHS. Excellent service.

[@iainsutherland1113]

Glad to hear that your dad is on the mend. I really get frustrated at the constant whining in this country about a such a wonderful service. We honestly don’t realise how lucky we are.

[@LouciferFlump]

@@iainsutherland1113you’re right. It’s a bit overstretched in places, yes, but it’s still excellent - the best medical care in the world. People *do* love their moaning…🤷🏻‍♀️

[@yorkshirehousewife784]

Tax increases for the NHS? Absolutely 💯. The NHS should be protected at all costs. No-one should ever be in a position of being turned away from healthcare. No-one should have to pay for an ambulance 🚑 in an emergency.

[@PaulK-ve1pu]

The National Health service is the greatest political achievement of the 20th century, anywhere in the world. It is THE sign we are civilised and no-one, no-one is left behind.

[@daftgowk1]

It was all those things, then the english voters betrayed us all

[@chrisperyagh]

@@daftgowk1 And some politicians who want to privatise it.

[@PaulK-ve1pu]

@@daftgowk1 It's been in terminal decline, since I joined in 1983. In my dark moments, I wonder if it's a relic, a dream from another time. We were prepared to work collectively then for the common good. I don't see that now.

[@CarolWoosey-ck2rg]

Certainly is and we should fight to keep it 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@lynjones2461]

Well said xx

[@user-yu9uw8wo9o]

The US health system isn't broken, it works exactly the way it was designed, to extract as much money as possible from its citizens

[@paulharvey9149]

Just like the UK Parliamentary System, then!

[@rbnhd1144]

Id agree, that's exactly how it is.

[@kellybarnett7862]

The US system responsible for most major breakthroughs and advancements in medical procedures because they plough millions into research which benefits the entire world.

[@paulthomas-hh2kv]

Always find it funny how we buy US medical drugs for a fraction of the price Americans pay 😊

[@Baptist7203]

Steve the question is how much would you be willing to spend for 24/7 peace of mind?

[@karenshadrach1467]

Where I live in Wales, just outside Swansea, lives a lovely lady called Aneira. She was the first baby born on the NHS and she’s written a book about her family history and how much health care used to cost. Her Mam, Edna, was told to hold on to wait for the clock to turn midnight and she wouldn’t have to pay for the delivery. She was named after a great Welsh man Nye Bevan who was the architect of our NHS. Aneria was a nurse during her career. More than paying back the cost of her delivery xx

[@Charleybah]

That is wonderful! I’m from Cardiff. I will look her up!

[@DakotaCrossed]

I get less salary in the uk than I would back home in the USA but I have more disposable income even making less. It’s because the national health service is amazing and I don’t go bankrupt for my care. Today I had a procedure done on my back which would cost me $20k in the USA but the uk nothing, even good drugs. The most I paid out was for a taxi there and back I also work for the NHS i am 22 years in and I love my job!

[@Raising_Runelords]

The NHS is loved by almost everyone in the UK, even those with private healthcare. I would happily pay more tax to help properly fund the NHS, they do an amazing job and have to put up with way more abuse than they should, and they deserve to be treated better. ❤ the NHS

[@JennyAmponsah]

Couldn’t agree with you more😊😊😊😊

[@PedroConejo1939]

Hear, hear.

[@alanwood9804]

Yep… and compared to the US private healthcare is very cheap in the UK as we have a choice of NHS or private, I can get very good private cover for £15.50 per person, per month if I choose.

[@applecider7307]

National Insurance has nothing to do with the NHS, that money goes to pensions and other benifits.

[@Raising_Runelords]

@@applecider7307 fair enough, I stand corrected.

[@stuartfitch7093]

Steve, I'm more of a conservative person on the political scale but I still believe the UK's best invention is the NHS and I would gladly pay a little more tax to keep the healthcare system we have. I hardly ever even go to a GP let alone a hospital but last year my partner banged her head, had a seizure, was rushed into hospital, they found she had a brain tumour. The swelling from banging her head was gone and she was home after about a week. About two months later she got a letter from the NHS for an assessment on her brain tumour. She went to the assessment then within a month or so she was in hospital having the tumour removed. After the operation she spent 5 1/2 weeks in hospital and a respite home recovering before she came home. I'm pleased to say that she is about 99% back to her old self and it didn't cost her or me a single penny at the point of treatment.

[@OneTrueScotsman]

I'm from the opposite end of the political spectrum, but glad to read that your partner's recovered well.

[@reactingtomyroots]

I'm happy to hear that she got treatment so promptly--hope she's doing better now! I know it helps to not have to worry about how you're going to pay for it all.

[@rmcwchandler]

Wonderful to hear your partner is on the mend

[@Charleybah]

So glad to hear your partner was well cared for and is doing well. It’s times like that when we realise what a gift the NHS is.

[@jodie1815]

This video was narrated to be critical. NHS is loved in the UK. Your taxes are minimal compared to what you could pay. I’m a Brit who has now lived in Sweden for last 12 years, system here is also nationalised healthcare with small difference in that you do pay taxes (much higher than UK) and you do pay up front at visit of doctor or for medication but it’s capped so you spend up to £100 (£10 per visit) for the doctor after that you pay nothing and you pay up to £200 at Chemist after that it’s free. So coming from UK I was shocked by this but got use to it. Healthcare works very well here. By law if you need a non urgent operation it must be done within required timeframe.

[@emmamcrankin1225]

Healthcare works very well here? Have you been in an a&e in the last two years?? Been on waiting lists for operations? Tried to get in to see a GP in the last 2 or 3 years?? Nhs is going to sh*t

[@ekatep6362]

From around 10wks pregnant you have midwifery care in a local centre/Drs. You then go to pre-natal clinics for scans, there you see Dr, nurse, midwife, but throughout the pregnancy you see a local midwife team, towards the end it is weekly. The labour/maternity ward is usually run by midwives/nurses, Drs when needed. Obviously we have different wards for complicated births. They will induce if you're 10days + pass due date, you can have a c-section if there have been complications in previous pregnancies. You stay in hospital after birth from a few hours only, in everything went well and mother/baby are fine, but will stay if more support is needed. You then have home visits from midwives, every day(these varies) for first few days, then in a week, then around the 2nd/3rd week you'll be handed over to a health visitor who will keep visiting over the next few months and will support the family for the first few years of each childs life. Hope that answers some questions

[@reactingtomyroots]

Thanks for taking the time to break it down!

[@mrskgiggles]

Don’t forget we have the option of having a home birth where two midwives will come to your house and stay for a couple of hours after to clean up etc. I’ve had 3 out 4 at home and much nicer experience for low risk pregnancies

[@emmamcrankin1225]

This depends on area and whether it's a complicated pregnancy or not. In northern ireland you don't see a midwife at home you see a health visitor.

[@CharlesDickson-nv2ol]

When things go badly wrong in the private hospitals following operations who do they call? An NHS ambulance to rush them to a NHS trauma unit.

[@jazzx251]

Hopefully NHS Addenbrookes - I stayed one night in it, after unexpected finger surgery (!) and fell in love with a Spanish nurse who pricked me with a knitting-needle in the middle of the night. I winked at her ... like Sid James in "Carry on Nurse". I can't believe I did that, I had never done it before - but now I know where that instinct comes from.

[@geoffpriestley7310]

​@@jazzx251 what's the saying don't worry its just a little prick. If anything embarrassing they aways choose the pretty nurse

[@gillfox9899]

Years ago someone I knew went privately to Addenbrookes hospital in Cambridge for treatment for bowel cancer. He was told that if an NHS emergency came in and needed his room he WOULD be moved. Unfortunately his surgeon tried to maintain his dignity rather than his life and did not remove the cancer completely and he died as a result. As a cancer survivor I cannot fault the NHS. My operation was delayed due to my surgeon being on leave for 2 weeks but even so from diagnosis to surgery was 4 weeks. Also there is a 2 week rule which means that any cancer related repeat problems or potential problems must be seen within 2 weeks

[@crichardson4789]

Exactly, and insurance companies duck out of their liabilities and dump patients, who the NHS then has to help.

[@isking1715]

How naive. In such circumstances the private health provider gets a bill.

[@jessgunn6639]

Don't forget it is your doctor decides on your treatment in the NHS not your insurance company ! My mind boggles when I hear some Americans talking about medical death squads in Europe which is total garbage yet they ignore the fact that that is exactly what American medical insurers do when to save money they decide what medications you can have regardless of your doctors recommendation

[@Kerazzy.]

My husband had to have life saving surgery and to speed things along, due to waiting lists he was sent to a private hospital. We were treated the same as paying patients (it was like a 5 star hotel). We didn't pay anything as the NHS covered the cost. Yes, sometimes you can wait for certain treatments but when urgent, the NHS will usually find a way. I've also had two children and I never felt rushed at any point. I was able to rest with my baby and only went home when I felt ready and well. After my emergency c-section with my first child, I stayed in hospital for a week. They helped with feeding as I had probelms until my milk came in and even looked after my baby so I could rest. Honestly, they were amazing. The NHS isn't perfect but I couldn't imagine life without it. Thank you all NHS workers for everything you do for us and I hope that you get better support and pay in the near future ❤

[@ThePixey1000]

@Kerazzy. Do you know how many people die before they get treatment in a year NO the NHS do not find away. You were just lucky.

[@Kerazzy.]

@ThePixey1000 I said that they USUALLY find a way. I also said that the NHS isn't perfect and I hope that the NHS gets better support.

[@sharonmartin4036]

@@ThePixey1000 In that case 99,99% of people using NHS are "lucky".

[@robintaylor1296]

On waiting times, there is a problem in the UK but this generally is for non critical or elective surgery. But I have recently had an oesophagectomy, i.e., removal of my whole throat. From the decision to go ahead to recovering at home was two months. Of course, before that, there were tests and scans, but this was all done free of charge to me. And to add salt to the wound to our US cousins. I was paid 13 weeks full pay whilst recovering. But actually, I got more than that as the company I work for actually want their employees to be fit and healthy when they return. Love the videos, guys.

[@Rachel_M_]

In Britain preganacy is teated as a condition, in America pregnancy is treated as an illness.

[@reactingtomyroots]

I would agree with that!

[@johnleonard9090]

@@reactingtomyrootshere in the UK, there was a tv show called “One Born Every Minute” which follows the work of midwives on a maternity unit, others to try and find would be “Ambulance “ which follows the workings of the ambulance service from the control room and those on the front line, “24 Hours in A&E” which covers cases in an A&E department over a 24 hour period, the latest series is based in Nottingham and “Emergency Helicopter Medics” that covers the work of the various air ambulance services around the UK which are tasked to the most severe cases as they are crewed by doctors with paramedics or specialist nurses. Be warned these can be tough watches.

[@sirderam1]

In America pregnancy, and ill health generally, is treated as a "cash cow" to be milked to the very last drop.

[@jeanlongsden1696]

the Birth of my Daughter in the UK... Ambulance to the Hospital. Porter with Wheelchair to the delivery room. Midwife and Nurse. Gas and Air (painkillers). 1 weeks stay in the hospital, with Midwife teaching breastfeeding, bathing of new born and nappy changing Etc. obviously food and drink, as well as free nappies. Price ... FREE

[@AC-um2mk]

Yep, it's wonderful ... also for all those pregnant women from other countries who haven't paid taxes here!

[@user-ld6fr5tk9h]

Not free, but free at point of use. Big difference.

[@jeanlongsden1696]

@@user-ld6fr5tk9h my wife has never paid taxes, so it was free.

[@AC-um2mk]

@@user-ld6fr5tk9h The more you earn, the less free it is because you pay more tax to subsidise it. This is a disincentive to work hard to earn more. If you don't pay taxes then it really is free and paid for by those who do.

[@user-ld6fr5tk9h]

@@AC-um2mk that's true to a point, but considering the amount of hidden taxes we all pay on everything the public services in the UK really should be the best in the world. Sadly, as much as many are grateful, the services we actually receive are far from the best.

[@rowanpdx]

I'm an American who has lived in the UK for 6 years now. The NHS is far from perfect, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Especially in Scotland (as video stated different NHS from NHS England) where we get free prescriptions for everything. For me personally, also have Private Health care through my employer. For day-to-day healthcare (general checkups, prescriptions, appointments for common illness) I go to my GP. Never had an issue with wait times. But since I have it I do use my private health care for dental and specialist care just to cut down on wait times. I also feel since I have the privilege of the private health, I will use it so as not to fill up NHS appointment slots for those who really need them.

[@isking1715]

This is one of the problems. Nothing should be "free" after 6 years in the country.

[@rowanpdx]

@isking1715 not really sure what you mean? Can you clarify? Are you saying that I haven't been here long enough to deserve any "free" stuff yet? Cause it ain't free. I pay my tax and work hard to contribute to the UK economy (not to mention the £50k I paid for my uni tuition). Dont think my occasional free antibiotics or GP visit is the problem

[@isking1715]

@@rowanpdx Yes that's exactly what I'm saying. Your entitlement to services shouldn't be the same as someone who has paid taxes for 50 years as did their parents and their parents before them. What would I get for free in reverse if I moved to the States? Something has to give in this country very soon. That doesn't mean you're not welcome here though, I'm sure you're an asset. Services are just stretched beyond reasonable limits.

[@rowanpdx]

@@isking1715 In the US you would get a very large bill, as do even US citizens because our for-profit healthcare system is completely broken as well. Thing is, most non-UK nationals DO have to pay for health services as part of their visa - for example while I was a student I was paying roughly 500 annually for basic NHS access, not to mention the aforementioned international tuition fees. I appreciate you feel I am welcome here. I just hesitate to lay the blame on immigrants when anyone here legally (the vast majority) are paying into the system through tax and/or as part of their visa. I lay the blame more on government under investment and mismanagement.

[@isking1715]

@@rowanpdx Yes of course you're absolutely correct. My daughter is at Edinburgh Uni just now and most of her friends are foreign students. It blows my mind how much our international students have to pay. I stand corrected. All the best to you.

[@simonmetcalfe5926]

Five years ago (following a breakdown and suicide attempt). I spent 3 months in hospital, 2 weeks of that in a coma, had dozens of scans, physical and mental rehabilitation. I dread to think what that would cost in the USA, it cost me no more than my usual National Insurance payment.

[@paulknox999]

the NHS is not perfect and could be improved but its better than a lot of systems

[@katiperry8533]

I can't even get hold of my NHS doctor for an appointment atm ... we have to call at 8am to book and the phone just rings :(

[@nikkijayne4451]

It would work. If it was doing what it was designed to do. It wasn't designed to treat all the foreigners that come and use it.

[@user-fg5fh9ps5u]

NHS is rubbish in the UK I feel like moving away a few weeks ago I had terrible tooth ache I rang 8 or more dentists no NHS Dentists I rang 111 told they can't do anything going to Turkey

[@robbpatterson6796]

It's not "all the foreigners" at all. It's the idiots that abuse the system and the government not giving a damn@@nikkijayne4451

[@user-fg5fh9ps5u]

​@@katiperry8533Spot on a friend of mine rang a surgery for a appointment it cost £7 for the call mobile they then put the phone down

[@britblue]

Do you call your Police a "socialist" Police force? - your Fire Service a "socialist" force? - they are funded exactly the same way the NHS is!.

[@G02372]

Well put

[@Ja-uu9ep]

The NHS provides a drug that costs 1.795 million a dose, and that recipient wouldn't have to pay any extra for it

[@Chris_Ford]

And what is the name of this very costly drug.

[@kittyxrx]

@@Chris_FordLibmeldy is a treatment for MLD and costs the NHS £2.8m for a single dose

[@kaspianepps7946]

@@Chris_Ford Zolgensma (although it is a one off treatment and the NHS said they negotiated a significant discount on the cost).

[@ukguy]

I have been unfortunate due to a couple of accidents when I was younger and have needed so far 9 major orthopaedic surgeries, all on the NHS and have never had to pay a penny. If I was American I would no doubt be wheelchair bound by now and bankrupt. I am so grateful for the NHS.

[@DarkSister.]

I love our NHS! I've had 3 children, 3 abdominal surgeries, my appendix taken out, a hysterectomy, my gall bladder removed, and my husband has cystic fibrosis, all his care and medicines are taken care of, he had a double lung transplant 7yrs ago... and out of pocket for all of that it was zero. If you need something doing in an emergency you won't have a wait time more than a couple of weeks, but if it's elective surgery for instance, you will have a wait time because it's not an emergency. I'll take our NHS any time over the US health system, which just seems cruel and disgusting to my British brain.

[@wholelotoflaughs]

As an NHS nurse, we also spend huge amounts of health promotion, cervical smears for over 25’s, AAA for elderly, breast cancer screening for women, over 40’s health checks to looks for things like heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol etc. When things are caught earlier, it’s easier to treat and catch things. Downside to NHS, people have forgotten how to use common sense, ringing GP’s because they’ve had a cough for a day or they have cold symptoms, sore throats, vomiting & diarrhoea etc…so many common ailments that can and should be treated at home, people are straight on the phone wanting antibiotics and doctors, when it’s not needed. If people used our pharmacies and over the counter products for minor ailments instead of wanting a quick fix, it would free up more appointments for those that need it.

[@lesdonovan7911]

yes this is now why we have to contact the doctor surgery first and explain why we need to see our doctor then the doctor will phone you up and decide if it is necessary to make a appointment all this is due to people without common sense, who has made it bad for everyone,

[@wholelotoflaughs]

@@lesdonovan7911 yes unfortunately so or they get told to ring 111 because we will assess whether it’s needed and if we don’t think it is, we will say the say the same but people think 111 is now an appointment service rather than an urgent assessment and advice service. Honestly people ring with things that I cannot even begin to tell you, it would make you wince. It’s a great service when used appropriately but how people expect GP surgeries who can have 20,000 patients and who receive hundreds of calls a day to see them all, is beyond me. Just at the 111 I work for, we get around 3-4000 calls a day on top of that. It ain’t hard to do the maths.

[@joyridgway6398]

Yes, for minor issues, you go to the chemist. If you're not sure phone 111.

[@SuzieLady]

Totally agree.. I have worked on and off for the NHS most of my working life and I saw what goes on.. People need to be more considerate. Thanks for your work and care hun.

[@wholelotoflaughs]

@@SuzieLady thank you, same to you x

[@lindsaymelia3668]

My twins were born 13 weeks early, were in nicu for 96 days, required surgery, intubation, specialist treatment, numerous scans, blood transfusions and my son was still on oxygen when discharged home. They continued to have specialist care for several years. We estimate that each child cost the nhs approximately £500,000 during this time. We did not pay a penny towards this. The nhs saved my family.

[@simonmetcalfe5926]

One of the main issues with doctors, nurses etc. moving more towards private practice. Is that they've been trained in the NHS, at great expense.

[@HillWalker-ws7tx]

I saved the life of a friend of mine recently and she spent 5 1/2 months in an induced coma in hospital , NHS = FREEDOM

[@Geashill]

Not just food quality. Also to do with investment in preventative care. And why do Americans have such a fear of the word ‘socialism’?

[@101steel4]

I bet they call the fire department when their house is on fire

[@Rachel_M_]

Hangover from McCarthyism. "The Red Scare" and all that. The American Heritage Dictionary gives the definition of McCarthyism as: 1. The political practice of publicizing accusations of disloyalty or subversion with insufficient regard to evidence; and 2. The use of methods of investigation and accusation regarded as unfair, in order to suppress opposition

[@mattsmith5421]

​@@101steel4I looked into that a little bit and some areas of the US they only come out to people who are insured with them.

[@grahvis]

Perhaps because it is directly opposite to that rugged individualism Americans are so proud of, despite it being a distinct disadvantage.

[@archieeast3021]

They think socialism is the same as communism

[@colinbason]

In January i had an operation to have my large intestine removed. The operation took over 8 hours, i spent a week in hospital and was given blood-thinners and anti-biotics to take home. I'm now having chemotherapy for 6 months. I haven't had to worry about the cost of this at all. I even get free parking at the hospital when I go for my chemo.

[@thefyrdman]

My father was blind for two years waiting for a catarct op with the NHS. My wife's grandma was blind, and while in hospital after a pelvis break they would leave the food at the foot of the bed, out of reach. My sister went years with an undiagnosed respiratory condition, dimissed as hay fever, until whe went private (upon which it was identified in two days). My wife nearly died of HELP syndrome as she was sent home with her platelets through the floor. My mother was a nurse for the NHS for 40 years and I can't even get into the stories shes told. I will crawl up Snowdonia in shorts with a bottle of whisky before being left in the care of the NHS as an old man.

[@gtaylor331]

I'm sorry, but the suggestion we might feel you get better care in the private sector than the NHS really angered me. Remind me again, which country has the lower mortality rate in child birth or who has the longer life expectancy, the US or UK? Enough said.

[@KarenThomson-yg6tw]

that's much more related to their poor diet and lack of quality food than anything else though, but yes, you wont get better treatment privately, but you will surely get it quicker than the NHS these days - I work in the NHS so I know.... !

[@101steel4]

I can't say anything negative about the NHS, I've always had an excellent experience whenever I've used it. My mum was recently diagnosed with cancer, and from the beginning her treatment has Been excellent. From the first scans right the way up to her treatment it's been fast and first class. I'm not saying every one will have the same experience, and where you live will have a massive effect, but personally it's a Godsend. Well done NHS 👏👏👏

[@reactingtomyroots]

Sorry to hear about your mom! Wishing her all the best in her recovery. I know it's gotta be a major relief to not have to worry about cost.

[@101steel4]

@@reactingtomyroots thank you 🙏

[@Niki-xr6cw]

My mother had successfully cancer treatment on the NHS ,she is now 90 so amazing ,she had stints in her heart after two heart attacks on the NHS ,and had hip replacements on the NHS I was infected with hep C while in india and had amazing treatment from the NHS and cured ,which because if the strain was difficult There are more than one strain of hep C the indian ones are particularly hard to cure . and of course gave birth in an aNHS maternity ward , I had a very difficult birth over 30 hours in labour ,the NHS saved both our lives yea to the NHS ❤

[@hannahbromham3356]

My parents pay about £60 a month for some scheme which is considered half private half public health care. They use the NHS for general checkups and things they would need a prescription for like an infection etc. However, if they were to need a surgery they would be able to get it done privately. For example, my mum needed her gaulbladder removed and with the NHS it was a 2-3 year waiting list whereas with the private healthcare scheme she would get it in 4 months. Lots of the waiting list time is due to something called ‘bed-blocking’ this is where older people who have needed healthcare for whatever reason have gone to hospital and are using a hospital bed or room. After their healthcare is done and they do not need to receive any more treatment, they are unable to live independently at home due to different reasons so it is not safe to dispatch them from hospital. Social care settings are also understaffed or full so they are unable to send the person there either which means the person stays in hospital unable to be dispatched yet still not receiving further treatment which prevents new people coming in as beds are full. Hope this makes sense love your videos ❤

[@ekatep6362]

Who told her it was a 2yr wait? My sister went to her Dr a few months ago, a couple of weeks ago her symptoms got worse, they booked a check up, and then she had it out yesterday.

[@enemde3025]

In the UK we DO NOT call the NHS a "socialised" heath system. I hate it when Americans call our NHS "socialist " !!! They akin this to being like Russia or communism !! At the moment, in the UK, you have more chance of getting an audience with the Pope, than getting a face to face appointment with an actual doctor/GP ! I'm over 60 so all my prescriptions, 3 a month, are completely free. As are my eye tests. My late wife had cancer. All through her 4 year struggle she had numerous doctor and specialist appointments, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, stays in hospitals for operations, all her medication, wigs (for when her hair fell out), use of ambulances, her last 6 weeks of life spent in a hospice and ALL this was FREE !! God bless the NHS.

[@thomasmumw8435]

Yes, they seem to get a bit mixed up!! It's supposed to be about looking after each other, they're so hung up on one word....

[@andyonions7864]

This not the NHS that I experience. A non urgent GP appointment is of the order of 10 days, but I can get an urgent appointment same day and sometimes a GP callback within minutes.

[@Spiklething]

Depends where you live, I called my GP midday on a Monday, asked for an appointment and told them I could wait weeks if necessary, I got an appointment 2 days later. Also, only in England are there costs for prescriptions, everywhere else is 100% free

[@pds8475]

It is socialist. It's democratic socialism. It has nothing to do with communism but Conservatives, nationalists and fascists liken socialism to communism even though they are totally different. But you have to remember that even though the Conservatives first thought of a national health service they wanted a system like in the US. Where they could profit vastly from it. They voted against the current model time and time again and even to this day want to replace what we have with an American style system.

[@broontroosers]

We don't call it that, but that's what it is. Of course, the US has a capitalised health service - how awful does that sound in isolation?

[@HereticDuo]

Breaking bad is getting a remake set in the UK. Its one episode long and has a happy ending...

[@burnyboi]

🤣

[@mxbubbles4753]

😂

[@keithrichardhallam]

external-preview.redd.it/_jD5gJYGyuOxgpnNvs0SIcEfaGUqWNLDQ2ST7yFq6sQ.jpg?auto=webp&s=069850ced4f48594dc563d5de6a7808ccdd4ad7c

[@cgillman2744]

🤣🤣👍🏼

[@gloriastill1211]

The current wait for cataract surgery from first consult to operation is 10 weeks at my local hospital and you can be referred by your optician

[@Colourmad314]

The NHS has saved Me, my daughter twice, my in-laws, both of them all of us with unusual or emergency needs, my Grandfather was not treated fast enough in 1943 as he thought of cost….he left a daughter aged 11 & a son aged 8, now nobody in Britain has to think that was when their appendix burst.

[@joannewall5499]

After a traumatic accident I was taken to hospital, ended up 17 days in hospital, new hip, pins in leg and wrist, sent home with all the equipment I needed, 12 weeks of intensive Physiotherapy, Also my girl who has severe learning difficulties and epilepsy has had first rate care over the years from the nhs, four years ago we nearly lost her and the skilled doctors and nurses cared for her so diligently, she would not be here today without them, she still get weekly Physiotherapy to support her mobility.

[@webbsfan1]

I'm quite happy to know that my relatively small contribution paid through my taxes over the years has helped treat people when needed. Now I'm a lot older I'm receiving the same help when I need it.

[@Janeswhitfield]

I wouldn’t live anywhere else,I love the nhs I have always has positive experience with the nhs 🌹🇬🇧🌹

[@climbingbow]

had both my knees replaced by time i was 21 on the NHS due to trochlear dysplasia, neither of my knees have dislocated in 6 years since which is fantastic. privately it would have costed 5 to 7K, instead i met the criteria of how serious it was to get it through the NHS. also helped with my asthma and breaking my wrist 3 times, suffering a TBI and some other things. The NHS should stay public for those who in our society need it, Living opposite a hospital i see daily the people who have needed the care.

[@helenwood8482]

There really isn't anyone in the UK who doesn't like the NHS.

[@andyf4292]

oh I dunno. theres quite a few tories are trying to dismantle it. they can smell profit,,, they're basically the Ferengi

[@jjsmallpiece9234]

The Tories

[@Loulizabeth]

Yeah that's the only people who don't like the NHS. The people who can see all those extra stacks of money that American Private Care companies and pharmaceutical companies make through their ability to charge what they want from their patients. I did find it interesting hearing that one guy speaking from someone that had "Thatcherite" in it's name, and the clear want and belief for more people to go for private health care. Margaret Thatcher was the main Primeminister that wanted to privatise all state provided services. If you underfund the NHS it won't do as well thus making more think that they have to go private. Instead of paying a little higher tax and improve the NHS again to a higher standard. I would also much prefer a doctor who knows the care I actually need being a gate keeper to my health care than an insurance company that doesn't want to cost their company more money than they've been allowed to. Plus also remember medical emergencies are always dealt with first. There are no wait times for emergencies.

[@bvfckyou]

i hate it, its evil

[@irene3196]

@@bvfckyou Your KZbin sign-in says all we need to know about you.

[@lanah939]

It's crazy when you look at the spend difference. All about money for America. Healthcare is just a business instead of looking after the people and doing things better. Im fine with a tax increase. Wed be paying more if it went private!

[@SECRETORDEROFTHEKNIGHTSTEMPLAR]

That's what out of control unfettered capilism for you and the American mentality is *I'm not paying for someone else*

[@rbnhd1144]

You'd be paying lots more, you cant even imagine, that's if you could afford it, they have plans for all budgets but the cheap ones are not worth the paper they are written on, what most Brits do not realize, is that these insurance policies only cover 50 - 80% at most, and they don't pay out until you've reached your deductible which is can be $2000- $10.000 per calendar year, you pay towards your doctor visits too, it all adds up, at the end of the year it all starts all over again with a new policy. The only people I know with 100% coverage are our elected politicians and the folks with top class jobs. The working class are the ones that pay the most. Healthcare has always been my biggest cost and worry, its why we drive cars that are 30 years old, you can only spend the money you earn once.

[@wendypoole7041]

If its an emergency there is no wait time. If its non life threatening, there might be a wait. I waited 4 months to have my ganglion removed at day surgery. NHS IS AMAZING.

[@susanmalcolm3434]

I love the NHS twice now I’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer and in both instances I was seeing a consultant within a week and had surgery within a month then home nurse visits for approximately 4 weeks and one of those times was in the middle of COVID.

[@marklowe1393]

I’m 61 years old and 5 years ago I was diagnosed with T2 throat cancer. I had radical chemo radiotherapy over 7 weeks and I didn’t have to worry about a bill.

[@mattsmith5421]

One thing I've never seen anyone mention or you mention is district nurses here in the uk, these aren't based in hospitals, they come to your home to help with certain issues.

[@joyridgway6398]

They are a forgotten branch of the NHS, and they are a vital part too.

[@mattsmith5421]

@@joyridgway6398 Do you think they are forgot about or do you think it's just a case of they're not known about because you have to be in certain situations for them to assigned to you. I think anyone who has needed their assistance certainly won't have forget about them.

[@joyridgway6398]

@mattsmith5421 I think you're right there, even though there was a program about district nurses.

[@reactingtomyroots]

That's pretty cool!

[@lulusbackintown1478]

My gp decided I would benefit from iv antibiotics. I said to him I'm not taking up a bed in hospital just so I can have one iv per day. There is a scheme which is a closely guarded secret apparently that the hospital can ask a district nurse to give you an iv at home so my gp arranged with the hospital for me to have this service. I had to go to the hospital to fill out forms etc. Unfortunately when I got there the doctor said they were giving me oral tablets instead. Consequently 1 week later after my gp had a blood test taken to see my level of infection it was still too high so now 2nd week of oral tablets. The hospital doctor wouldnt explain why I couldnt have the iv. at home. Thought that was a brilliant idea perhaps the gp surgery might take this on my gp surgery is very close by. Just really annoys me that no explanation was given even when asked.

[@ruairi_d]

We pay for it through out National insurance contributions, but ultimately it's free at the point of use. I know the NHS has issues, but I'm so grateful and thankful that we have it in the UK.

[@cgillman2744]

We pay for it through income tax. It’s a common misconception in the U.K. that NI contributions pay for the NHS. NI is for pensions and unemployment benefits,

[@ruairi_d]

@@cgillman2744 It's all the same to me lol

[@chrisdickinson7099]

I’m a huge fan of the NHS. I had emergency hand trauma surgery yesterday. 2 Hour wait time, no cost at point of use. Some things involve a longer wait though. I would pay a bit more in Tax to improve the NHS waiting times

[@duntalkin]

Yesterday I had to go to the Drs and I was seen within 2 hours of calling my GP he decided that I need to be seen at the hospital, I was told to go to the hospital and I got seen quickly and diagnosed having an MRI scan and bloods done with nerve degeneration. All for no cost hurray for the NHS 🎉❤

[@johnwellbelove148]

I've commented on this before on NHS videos, but my last experience was this. In bed with a stomach ache all day Saturday. On Sunday the pain had moved lower, so called NHS 111 helpline. NHS helpline booked me in as priority in at the local 'walk in' centre. The doctor at the centre booked me into 'surgical assessment' at the local hospital with suspected appendicitis. Assessed at the hospital, and placed on a ward awaiting scans. First thing Monday morning I was in surgery. Kept in for two days on antibiotics (partially burst appendix) Went home on Wednesday. Prescription for follow up antibiotics (free to the over 60s) No forms to fill except name, age, address. No 'exit' fees.

[@danielroche114]

The NHS has saved my life 3 times I can't thank them enough I won't hear a bad word against them

[@Lemonbonbon]

I was diagnosed with cervical myelopathy in February this year. I had surgery in mid March under the HSE, (Irelands NHS, its quite similar) I paid nothing, as my taxes covered the cost. Its not a perfect system, some areas need major reformation. If I lived in the USA I couldnt have afforded the surgery.

[@Peterraymond67]

Nobody in the UK would call our NHS as “Socialist/socialised health care”. These are terms we use for communist feelings, we do not, I repeat we do not use in regard to our NHS. I’m sorry to say that the US is the only place or people who use that term. We live with the NHS and are glad for it’s service. I have several health issues and I feel I would be broke or dead if I had to rely on a private health scheme. I have Type 2 diabetes, sleep aopnea and chronic kidney failure. For these from the NHS I get glucose sugar testing equipment and insulin, 2 types. I have a Phillips Dream machine and it’s testing/servicing. I need kidney dialysis for 4 hours three times a week. I get all my prescriptions for no charge and an ambulance for the transport to and from dialysis. Obviously I pay taxes on my income and pension, both state & company plus local council tax. So it’s not free but no charge at presentation.

[@charleshowie2074]

I'm every bit as British as you and I would describe the NHS as Socialist. It is. And it's none the worse for it, by the way.

[@djs98blue]

@@charleshowie2074yes I don’t see anything pejorative about the word socialist if it means solidarity among people in times of need

[@nichotto]

American society is run to benefit a tiny tiny percentage of the population who have won life’s lottery, with the rest dreaming that one day it will be them, so best buy a ‘ticket’ (!). The idea that maybe enabling everyone equality to live better lives is labelled socialist and hence bad in their minds. They should check out the Scandinavian countries!

[@llamagirl2679]

I try to explain to my US friends that it's just like the Police Force and Fire dept in the US, yet they don't call that "socialist" If the NHS is socialist then so are those depts. I lived in California for 10 yrs and Medical Care is one of the top reasons I returned to the UK, secondly was guns. In the US even people on disability have to contribute to their medical cafe every month, as do retired people. A friend of mine is disabled in the US and she has to pay $174 per month out of her disability and some $ towards her meds(co pays) Whereas in the UK if you are disabled , retired or on benefits you do not contribute anything to the NHS out of your income and we all receive the exact same treatment as someone who is wealthy. I had 4 kids in the UK and we always have midwives throughout our pregnancies as well as doctors and consultants if necessary.. They also visit us at home after giving birth.

[@Paul-yh8km]

But what about when the NHS was first set up by Labour? I'm sure it was referred to as socialised or similar and for some time after. Maybe not widely or in every day conversation. Today it is taken for granted, but that just shows what passage of time does.

[@nadeansimmons226]

Given a choice between US health care and the NHS I know which I would choose.

[@lisap6584]

My friend had a hip replacement, he lived on the Devon and Cornwall border and selected to have the operation in Bath as the wait was shorter than his closest hospital.

[@markwheatstone5943]

My cousin, was diagnosed with lung cancer on 29.1.24, had her operation on 1.3.24 (to remover 2/3rds of her lung) and was givin the all clear on 2.4.24. All thanks to thr NHS

[@amandag5072]

We cannot just walk in and see a specialist. You have to be referred by your GP and go through a series of visits with other doctors. So "people who don't need it" getting appointments and wasting resources are not a thing.

[@isking1715]

Sometimes people die in the meantime too. Nice to see a common sense comment.

[@sueedgar8825]

As a 68 year old woman, i have received excellent care. It was known as the cradle to the grave care. I have recently had 2 scheduled surgeries, i waited 10 weeks for one and 12 weeks for the other. If you need life saving surgery/care it is immediate, no waiting at all. Most of the private doctors work in both the NHS and private simultaneously. I had both my surgeries in a private hospital to reduce my wait time, paid for by the NHS. I do not pay for my 7 prescribed meds, all prescriptions are free from 60 years onwards. I am no longer working so do not pay National Insurance, which is a tax that basically pays for your health care, pension and benefits. We all love the NHS and very protective of the institution. Calling it socialised health care is a political scare tactic.

[@vwdubnut7437]

The NHS rocks guys. I’ve been employed by the same company for over 30 years so paid NI all this time. I’ve currently got a bad cough and called my GP this morning at 8:30am. Got an appointment for 9:30. Got a course of antibiotics by 10:30. Does it get any better than that? Also, I’m a Type 1 Diabetic and the NHS covers my insulin pump. Dexcom Sensors and insulin. Not sure what I’d do without the NHS. All I can say is that most are underpaid and deserve medals for long hours and commitment to work. NHS is the best part of our Government. Great Video as always. Paul.

[@Kez81]

Our NHS is amazing!!! People here slate it for ridiculous reasons sometimes but i also understand they too make mistakes. In 2020 my 13 year old daughter was with her granny in a head on car crash her injuries were near fatal (broken neck and extreme abdominal injuries requiring immediate surgery) She was airlifted to a children's hospital underwent major surgery and had her neck stabilised the required around the clock care and physio for months after and that care was outstanding Fast forward to today and she's still needing more surgery on her abdomen and in counselling. we never had to think about money throughout any of it and nor do we now. I couldn't imagine going through all that and the worry of paying for it.

[@HillWalker-ws7tx]

FYI "go forth and multiply" is a polite English way of saying " f*** off"

[@lisanelson9979]

I am watching this with admiration for our NHS. I have an illness called Ataxia and I can't walk anymore, and struggle to swallow now, my right hand is screwed. The doctor came out to the house and then a nurse to do bloods, and I thanked her SOOO MUCH!

[@emmas1893]

Wow how lucky are you, my Dad had MND, he got told in a 10 min appointment and was left to fend for himself. His GP never came near, we had no help whatsoever and nursed him 24/7 in the 6 months from diagnosis to death. I won't thank the NHS for anything.

[@kaspianepps7946]

To clarify what he meant by the NHS contracting out to private hospitals: a doctor working in an NHS hospital is an employee of the NHS, a doctor working in a private hospital is an employee of the company running the hospital. The NHS (usually on a regional basis) will pay the private company for specific services. Some doctors work part-time for the NHS and part-time for a private hospital - which is probably where the confusion comes from. I don't think I know anyone with health insurance, but I know a few people who have paid out of pocket for private treatment - waiting time was the reason in every case (there are also certain medications that are licensed in the UK but not available on the NHS). Also if you're interested in childbirth in the UK there's a fly-on-the-wall documentary series called "One Born Every Minute" filmed in a British maternity ward.

[@davewilliams3800]

Never hear complaints about socialised millitary

[@andrewbutler7681]

I have lived in Devon ("DEV'n" NOT "de-VON"!), Yorkshire and Greater London and have had excellent NHS care in all three, without excessive wait times. In America I would be bankrupt, if not already dead...

[@proudofyourroots9575]

Things have changed drastically in the past few years with so many migrants though ,especially down south. Its putting far too much strain on the system as so many of them are earning low wages , and we dont charge anywhere enough to them on entry to cover their healthcare until their taxes have made up enough to cover it. Which takes years and years if theyre on low wages. And dentistry is in an absolute shambles. Everyone i know is opting for private dental treatment no matter their wage. many going abroad for it too. For lifesaving treatment its still good, but for non life saving stuff its got very bad recently down here.

[@kwlkid85]

People's complaints about the NHS are usually about it not being funded enough, they're not actually against having the NHS. It's very rare to find someone who wants to get rid of the NHS.

[@monikaprzymuszala4183]

We love NHS and need to protect it at any cost. I fractured my ankle just before covid happened and only paid £18 for injections I needed cos I was smoking so didn't mind paying for that but they fixed me and did it with so much empathy it was unreal. NHS rocks!!

[@antonytyler7234]

We get an annual tax summary, so it’s easy to see what we contribute towards each thing. For me, £1,970 of my taxes went to the NHS last year.

[@DaveWeston]

I've seen a clip of Americans discussing 'socialised' health care and even when it was explained to one individual that by taking part in it so everyone benefitted that their own costs would come down they flatly refused to entertain the idea. Rather they pay more than let others benefit. The fact is with the NHS collective purchasing keeps medicine costs down, which prevents the exorbitant prices that private health care alone can profit off. My wife also works in the NHS and often it can be patients treating the service like it's private health care [or even a hotel] that can put pressure on them helping everyone. Taking up beds by refusing to go home, or families reluctant to take elderly relatives out of the hospital, because then they have to pay for care at home... So yes, the service is not without its flaws, there is wastage, staff worked too hard, those who take advantage and bureaucracy, but it is also amazing. My son went from diagnosis to brain surgery within 6 days. About 25 MRIs, radiotherapy and chemotherapy drugs costing over £120,000 a year is the tip of the iceberg. So, we're currently taking out more than we put in and the 'collective' is supporting my family. But I'm still contributing [roughly 9% of my wage, as is my wife]. But we are not bankrupt to keep our son alive, it's one less thing to worry about.

[@Debbieanne51]

Our NHS is precious we need to support it!!

[@mrskgiggles]

When I had a breast cancer scare in Oct I was seen by a specialist consultant and diagnosed with begin tumours within a week on the NHS! We have a two week window where all women must be seen with suspected breast cancer. It seems to run efficiently. I also used a private paediatrician last month because of the waiting list to get my son to be seen my someone who could prescribe him the drug he needs for migraines. Some waiting lists are for years. The Specialist emailed me at 7am and we were seen in his clinic at 7:30pm that night, finally with a prescription his GP can now put on repeat for him. Best £200 spent to help my son get what he needs much quicker. The private clinic we took him to was an NHS paediatrician doing work outside of his hours.

[@graemedewison1330]

The NHS gave me a hip replacement in 14 weeks no charge! I was struggling to walk properly for two years before! We love the NHS it covers any human being who needs help in the UK! No questions asked!

[@ChloeAndBetty]

Universal health care is not considered 'socialist' in most of Europe as it is generally supported by the main right of centre parties in most countries. A statistic that struck me recently is that the US spends more money on administering its insurance for health care than the UK spends in total on health care.

[@jasonakamrdaddy5433]

Shocking!!!

[@maidenitw]

I have a child with down syndrome the NHS have constantly helped us we r very lucky to have something like this I am a proud English man

[@GrahamScarborough-ov8hl]

My teenage daughter was suffering from regular severe headaches, we took her to the GP in December and got her referred to a consultant. The first appointment with the consultant via the NHS was August, but going privately (I have medical insurance via my employer) we were able to see the consultant in February, 6 months sooner. Oh yeah, and it was the same consultant.

[@isking1715]

Terrifying for you both. Hope your daughter is doing better. ❤

[@tracygilbank6118]

On Thursday, i was attacked by a dog, injuries to all around my waist and leg arm was in shreds. I got to the hospital, i was seen by a nurse within 5 mins in a busy A&E, they triaged me and put me in a side room as i was a bit of an emotional state lol Within an hour i had seen the doctor, had my arm dressed, meds given and was sent on my way. The doctor and nurses i dealt with were absolutely fantastic and the care was 100%. I have a number to call on monday to get the arm redressed and i can pick a clinic to attend in my city. On wednesday i then get a hormone injection that i require every 12 weeks while waiting for a hysterectomy. Been waiting 4 years but thats ok, because every bit of the above care was already paid for and i didnt have to add a huge medical bill to an already traumatic situation. In Scotland, you do not pay for prescriptions either, so all out meds are also taken from the NHS pot. For the hormone condition i have, people will pay privately to see someone who has the understanding of the condition, to get the go ahead to have the surgery. The NHS then have to honour that and privide the surgery on NHS.

[@struebz]

Long live the NHS. If you’re not happy about it in the UK, go private. Don’t understand why anyone would not want it?

[@geoffpoole483]

Free health care at the point of delivery; what's not to like?

[@ohlookitsmikey]

For people who go private though, they're still paying for the NHS, just for other people to use it. So if people do go private, it's not to the detriment of the NHS users

[@CarolWoosey-ck2rg]

​@@ohlookitsmikeywell to a degree it is as the consultants you see privately also work for the NHS so while they are raking it in seeing their private patients , NHS patients wait longer!

[@struebz]

@@ohlookitsmikey I get that argument. However, it probably wouldn’t affect the persons finances if they can afford private healthcare. It’s really not that much per person per year. I’ll throw back the argument on taxes going to the Royal Family.

[@struebz]

Might have misread your last part

[@amandag5072]

We don't pay a specific amount for the NHS, it comes out of general taxation.

[@hayleysyril943]

I would say a well off UK person could pay privately for say, a hip replacement and get it done within a month or two. Others may sometimes wait around 18 months.

[@pudupudu9837]

Re: delayed umbilical cord clamping in the UK, generally even surgical births will now allow for this (and immediate skin to skin) unless there’s a medical complication which needs immediate attention