Where's Charlie Fairhead when you need him?!

In my opinion, there is no place on earth that I'd rather fall ill than the good ole' US of A . . .

. . . if I was a multi millionaire that is.

The bile, lies, propaganda, vitriol and general misinformation that I've read, heard and watched over the last week regarding the UK's National Health Service simply beggars belief!

"Ted Kennedy, 77, would not be treated for his brain tumour if he was in Britain because he is too old." – Charles Grassley, Republican senator from Iowa.

"Government health officials in England have decided that $22,750 (£14,000) is what six months' life is worth. Under their socialised system, if a medical treatment costs more, you're out of luck." - Club for Growth

And my own personal favourite:

"People such as scientist Stephen Hawking wouldn't have a chance if he were British, where the National Health Service would say the life of this brilliant man, because of his physical handicaps, is essentially worthless." - Investors Business Daily

Now I'm not about to launch into a bout of Yank-bashing, although it is extremely tempting, but it strikes me that should you be asked for your opinion on such an important matter as health reform then surely it behooves you to actually read some facts first?
Real facts though, not the made up ones that the American healthcare industry have just randomly invented.

I spent seven years working in the NHS in my mid twenties and I know, not think, know that it's probably the best thing that ANY government that this country has had has ever done, and, like any public service, it's definitely not perfect, but it's pretty damn good nonetheless.
When my father was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, in 2007 his treatment began less than a week later. He recieved the best of care that the staff at the Beatson Oncology Centre in Glasgow could give him, and although ultimately unsuccessful, I can't imagine what more could have been done for him.
My mother, throughout the period of time my father was ill, received help, both financial and social care, all from the NHS.
All done as and when my mother and father needed it, not when they could afford it.

According to America's National Coalition on Health Care:

"About 1.5 million families lose their homes to foreclosure every year due to unaffordable medical costs"

and that

"A recent study by Harvard University researchers found that the average out-of-pocket medical debt for those who filed for bankruptcy was $12,000. The study noted that 68 percent of those who filed for bankruptcy had health insurance. In addition, the study found that 50 percent of all bankruptcy filings were partly the result of medical expenses. Every 30 seconds in the United States someone files for bankruptcy in the aftermath of a serious health problem."

As I said earlier, the NHS definitely isn't perfect, but what would YOU rather have, in imperfect service or a flawed one?

Answers on a postcard . . .