On Tues I wrote a popular post on here about how govt had let down the NHS spectacularly. There were A LOT of responses.
As NHS campaigners/supporters it's always helpful to understand the key/most common criticisms so we can properly respond, so (briefly) here we go 🧵
As NHS campaigners/supporters it's always helpful to understand the key/most common criticisms so we can properly respond, so (briefly) here we go 🧵
No1: There are too many [expensive] managers. Around 3% of the NHS are non-clinical managers, FAR less than any other org of 1.4m people. Not saying the system is perfect BUT a massive org without sufficient managers can actually be LESS efficient. See 👇 . lowdownnhs.info/nhs75/does-the…
No2: Too much is spent on diversity managers
Arguably thinly veiled racism, but whatever. Looks like we've moved on from the "all the money is going on health tourism" argument, but still not sure this is much better tbh. @DrLatifaPatel from the @TheBMA explains why they matter
Arguably thinly veiled racism, but whatever. Looks like we've moved on from the "all the money is going on health tourism" argument, but still not sure this is much better tbh. @DrLatifaPatel from the @TheBMA explains why they matter
No3: The model doesn't work
There's nothing wrong with a universal health system free at the point of use. In 2017 it was ranked best amongst comparable countries BUT we can't expect it to work well when it's been underfunded compared to need for the last 13yrs. Leads me onto...
There's nothing wrong with a universal health system free at the point of use. In 2017 it was ranked best amongst comparable countries BUT we can't expect it to work well when it's been underfunded compared to need for the last 13yrs. Leads me onto...
No4: The NHS has more money now than ever before
This one is *technically* true. HOWEVER, record funding is just a sound bite politicians hope you'll swallow, it means nothing because it's absolutely NOT record funding when compared to need...
This one is *technically* true. HOWEVER, record funding is just a sound bite politicians hope you'll swallow, it means nothing because it's absolutely NOT record funding when compared to need...
We have a growing, ageing population with increasingly complex health needs, and all of this costs money, a LOT of money. Social care in this country has basically collapsed meaning the NHS must routinely absorb these costs...independent.co.uk/news/health/so…
Figs from @ageuk in 2019 show that the cost to the NHS of our national failure to reform and refinance social care is £587 million overall, equivalent to £640,000 every day, or £27,000 every hour; and since then things have only got worse
ageuk.org.uk/latest-press/a…
ageuk.org.uk/latest-press/a…
No5: (My personal favourite) It's the fault of those greedy drs and nurses for striking
No one with such huge responsibility who's studied for so long and has around £100k of student debt should be starting on £14.09ph, and that's not even the worst paid amongst staff.
No one with such huge responsibility who's studied for so long and has around £100k of student debt should be starting on £14.09ph, and that's not even the worst paid amongst staff.
We can't expect to have a functioning health service that recruits and retains the brightest and best if we can't remotely compete with other countries. And no, a few days strikes are not the reason there are nearly 8m people on NHS waiting lists.
Striking staff are trying to save the NHS for the future, not to undermine it. All those critics saying they want a private system with an "I'm alright, Jack" attitude, I hope they have v deep pockets. We must fight to build back our NHS, not knock it down keepournhspublic.com/petition-we-ca…
And finally, a shameless plug to please join us @keepnhspublic or at least follow. We've been campaigning on the NHS and advocating for staff since 2005, and we're a lovely bunch. Thanks 😊keepournhspublic.com/support-page/
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
