Hunt says NHS problems 'unacceptable'

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Not sure how popular they are, or how much of a load they take off the NHS. Are they terribly expensive?

I haven't really looked into it much to be honest with you.

I wonder if introducing copays for elective treatments could help? Even small ones. I think one of the largest problems with free/publicly funded health options is that people go to the doctor for every fucking thing. If it's free, there's no thought. There are studies that show that people go in with the common cold and flu to get treatment, which ties up NHS resources. In the US, unless you are really sick you just go to the RiteAid and buy some Tussin and tough it out. Not sure if most people actually do that in places with public healthcare, but bringing small copays for treatments like that, and maybe larger ones for elective surgeries (like, for example, a non-critical knee surgery) could help allay the costs and decrease the NHS mis/overuse.

I think charging for some treatments would definitely take some pressure off the NHS, but it would probably cause outrage because people feel entitled over here. As you said yourself, they don't actually think of the costs since it is free for them.

NHS staff have been complaining about people abusing the service for years but they haven't done anything about it so far. They're implementing measures to combat health tourism but will not do anything about Brits putting strain on the system.

I seriously think that the UK will head in the direction of the US soon when it comes to healthcare if they fail to do anything about it in the next couple of years. Not even exaggerating.

Didn't see the "money" angle coming, or maybe it would be the only focus. I thought this started out as admin/access issues.

Money is a big part of it, but I suppose there are other issues that need fixing as well.