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BaW's latest comments
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2nd Feb 2024BaW commented on:
Is it right to consider cutting postal deliveries to three days a week?The Post Office had many of the financially rewarding services removed and/or opened up to competition, which has led directly to the problems there are today. The postmen and women (and local post offices) do sterling work - it is not they who are at fault but the poor management, and govt ministers who have permitted the running down of what used to be a wonderful community asset. However, many councils, government departments, medical providers, etc, still send letters with deadlines (eg doctor, hospital or dentist appointments) which don't arrive until after the proposed event, so it is nonsensical for the PO both to cut daily deliveries and reduce its service. I wish the right hand would consider what the left hand is doing.ViewDate:
2nd Feb 2024BaW commented on:
Do you bank online?I do bank online with some confidence in the processes, but would like to continue also having the option of face-to-face with my bank. I am not happy having to use parking apps. I installed one in late 2022 and, to date, have not been able either to get it to work nor to have any satisfactory response from the company about getting back the £25 I paid up-front to obtain reduced charges! So annoying. I don't go into the town any more!ViewDate:
5th Dec 2023BaW commented on:
Have you adopted a ‘life is too short’ attitude?As so often, it is assumed that folk have the funds and the time to travel to wonderful places or attend pricy gigs. Even going to the cinema or the pub is expensive. But life can be just as rewarding and fun in your back yard...go gleaning to benefit the food banks, take part in village events and chat to strangers. Take walks (however slowly) in nature. Do all the things you enjoy while you still can, don't give up without a fight!ViewDate:
5th Oct 2023BaW commented on:
Do you agree with the decision to axe HS2 northern leg?That's exactly right - there was no agreed costing or actual budget at the outset (nor, apparently was anything firmly set); most of the financial outcomes presented were developed on assumptions. Far too much was spent on consultants and, as we all know, management by committee takes too long and involves too many people - with the outcome that no decisions are made, consultants change, CEOs change and are paid off with huge sums; things drag on. Even in the HS2 cost and risk model report, wording was vague.ViewDate:
23rd Oct 2022BaW commented on:
The Crown: Should Netflix do more to ensure viewers know it's fiction?They should not have made this in the first place. It is an unpleasant, inaccurate and insensitive series yet it is what people will view in future, and it will be taken as the truth because audiences are unlikely to verify the authenticity of what is being seen, so they will accept it. As The Guardian pointed out...'the series garnered plaudits for its acting and brickbats for its inaccuracies, almost all of them derogatory towards living or recently dead individuals...historian Hugo Vickers has already detailed eight complete fabrications in the new series, all caricaturing the royal family in the worst possible light...Fake history is fake news entrenched... To documentary makers for whom ordinary facts are not colourful enough, not sufficiently damning, fake history carries the magic trump card: artistic licence'.ViewDate:
14th Jul 2022BaW commented on:
Should smoking be banned in beer gardens, cafe pavements and on beaches?My parents smoked. I worked in restaurants and offices when smoking was permitted. I stank of secondhand smoke a lot of the time. People are free to smoke if they choose to poison themselves, but even outside it is impossible to avoid the smoke if you are downwind. Vaping is little better. People's secondhand smoke-breath is not something I want to experience in a social setting.ViewDate:
14th Jul 2022BaW commented on:
Would you feel comfortable interacting with a robot that looks and feels more human?With the on-going staff shortages in the care and nursing sectors, I think it is inevitable that this will happen. I would be perfectly happy with a humanoid robot.ViewDate:
14th Jul 2022BaW commented on:
Who would you choose to be the next leader of the Conservative Party?I think there is a difference between leader of the Conservative party and the Prime Minister. I believe the PM does not need to be an MP - it is only by convention that this is the case. My vote for a Tory PM would be David Frost who led the Brexit negotiations. Honest, articulate, determined, an experienced diplomat, and with a clear conservative agenda. For leader of the Tory party we really need a good manager and closely aligned team to sort out the many issues of how the country is run and to regulate the way MPs behave; to work closely with the PM to drive forward the conservative policies and to ensure the staff, the civil service and all those involved in running the UK (including advisors and office staff of MPs) actually work together to do this, with no leaks, no undermining, no refusal to work, no need to whistleblow on poor HR practices or staff management...all the things that have brought down so many. We need to have a professional and experienced support team for the PM and the leader of the Tory party, something sadly lacking in recent administrations. My choice for leader of the party would be Penny Mordaunt.ViewDate:
28th May 2022BaW commented on:
Would you be happy to eat gene modified food?I suspect we already do as there is lackadaisical labelling when it comes to soya, flour or other engineered products. I would not choose to eat either gene-edited or genetically-modified food. There is much celebration of the benefits such as quick growing/drought or pest resistant, etc, but where are the studies of long-term effects due to such editing on natural world biodiversity and human health?ViewDate:
1st Feb 2022ViewDate:
27th Jan 2022BaW commented on:
Are you ready to stop mask-wearing?I shall continue to wear my mask and to sanitise my hands before and after going into shops. There is no hope of social distancing in those areas now, so it's my choice to wear protection, as it is other people's not to wear theirs. I don't often go to restaurants and very rarely to pubs, but if I cannot sit outside, it's unlikely I shall. Last summer when restrictions were relaxed, my grandson went to a big (super-spreader) music festival and caught Covid. I doubt things have changed now that Omicron is amongst us, but hopefully the hospitalisations and deaths will continue to decline. Thank goodness (and the scientific community) for the vaccinations.ViewDate:
14th Jan 2022BaW commented on:
Should the free prescription age in England be raised to 66?Hello MaryJ46 Let me say immediately that I sympathise with your situation. I, too, was in a position where I could not foresee retiring (I was in the first tranche of women whose retirement was postponed) and anticipated working on. Sadly, it was due to the deaths of my sister and my mother-in-law that circumstances improved slightly. You say your husband needs his medication; in reassurance, I believe the proposals published on 1 July 2021 are that existing exemptions from charges will remain in place, and that the raised qualifying age would be phased in by allowing patients aged over 60 years at the time of the regulation change to continue to claim free prescriptions. There will always, though, be individuals who fall through the gaps. I completely agree with your last few sentences, and would hope in future that those folk who can, would pay, although I don't foresee any government grasping the nettle and making everything means-tested, so it would have to be voluntary. I do, in fact, already pay for dentistry as there is no NHS availability in my area. I also have paid for medical treatment in the past when the alternative was a many-month wait (as I know is the case for so many), having a large cyst removed from my eyelid (for vanity rather than necessity). I am currently in the fortunate position of being able to do this. I do, however, accept free prescriptions for life-sustaining medication. There is so much argument around the NHS and it being free to all, but I do think there are elements of provision (such as vanity surgery) that should be paid for, and tightening up on health tourism. And prescription costs should be charged in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also, as these devolved countries are subsidised by the English taxpayer. So many savings could be made if companies were more ethically-minded, such as the huge repayments health trusts have to make due to Private Finance Initiatives, and the excessive prices charged by Big Pharma and other suppliers to the NHS - as well, of course, as the enormous profits made by some during the Covid pandemic. But until there is acceptance that things are not manageable as they are, we soldier on.ViewDate:
11th Jan 2022BaW commented on:
Should the free prescription age in England be raised to 66?I have questioned for many years (I am in my 70s.) why free prescriptions are provided for over-60s; it is just another cost the NHS cannot afford. Of course, if the medication is essential for life, it should be free. And there should be free prescriptions for those who cannot afford the cost, based on individual circumstance. There are already large swathes of the population who qualify for free prescriptions. But if I accept a prescription for something not life sustaining, why should others pay? And then there is the question of medicines which are prescribed but cost far more than they do over the counter, aspirin for example. As the population grows, the NHS really needs to be pared back to essentials and not be expected to provide everything that everybody wants, rather than what some people need.ViewDate:
6th Jul 2021BaW commented on:
The benefits of herbal and green teaI believe Clipper are the only brand with plastic-free bags! Their green tea is great, too!ViewDate:
17th Nov 2020BaW commented on:
Take a look at what series four of The Crown has in store for usI think it is completely wrong to make such a series without the express permission of those whose reputations and lives are being affected by the programme's implications and innuendo. This may be good viewing, but inaccurate portrayals of individuals, imagined-but-presented-as-'factual' story-lines, and social biases aplenty are prevalent, Sadly this will be how many viewers will remember the royal family and other characters.ViewDate:
8th Aug 2020BaW commented on:
Are you inclined to take up the Government's offer - 'Eat Out To Help Out'?Currently in my part of the world we are inundated with tourists, many of whom say they have come here 'to get away from the social distancing and coronavirus restrictions'. So, no. Not going out. I find it quite strange, in fact, that the government on one hand is saying we need to lose weight, yet they are permitting the fast food outlets (few of which use local suppliers and few of which provide 'healthy' low-fat options) to participate in the scheme.ViewDate:
15th Jun 2020BaW commented on:
Will you be venturing to the shops this week?Which is it...follow the science or shop for England? Want a little clarity. Personally, I would rather listen to the scientists than the politicians and business. No, certainly won't be visiting any 'unessential' shops for the foreseeable future.ViewDate:
10th Jun 2020BaW commented on:
Should controversial statues around the country be removed?I am glad to have been born in a country where we are able to have this debate, rather than in one of the many places where dissenters are 'disappeared', imprisoned, intimidated into retraction, or worse. The issue of police brutality in the USA – focusing on the black community rather than perceived police brutality in general – seems now to have segued, at least in the UK, into the issue of slavery, again focusing on black slavery. This ignores the fact that for aeons there has been tribal and religious rivalry, invasion, rape and pillage across Eurasia as well as Africa and the Americas. Britain, as with many African nations, has experienced inter-tribal, and religious, warfare and has also been invaded (think Vikings and Romans to name but two). Britons have been enslaved within their own countries due to warring tribes, and also by external aggressors. Slavery was wrong and is wrong, but protesting about what happened in history to one element of humanity when ignoring similar atrocities seems naive. Perhaps it is right to remove some statues of controversial (mainly) men and put them into museums with explanation of the context of their time. But to use violence and cause damage to other people's property? To injure innocent police doing their job? Absolutely not. Martin Luther King rightly called for social justice; he also denounced physical violence.ViewDate:
13th Feb 2020BaW commented on:
Have you been affected by the shortage of HRT products?Having friends who had bad experiences with HRT, I declined it, but did change my diet to include the Linda Kearns HRT cake. This really helped me through - providing estrogen, vitamins and other nutrients to help manage the effects of menopause. The cake is more of a bread-pudding-style texture,and I added cherries and/or cranberries, or spread cream cheese on a slice. I believe there are now many more recipes to help balance hormonal changes, and would recommend trying this HRT cake. Am still baking it 15 years on...ViewDate:
14th Jan 2020BaW commented on:
Speakers Corner CommentsRegrettably, this was one of the outcomes of demands by the feministas for equality. The issue was not anticipated by those demanding equal rights, but inevitable. I, too, was affected, and consider the change was done too hurriedly as it gave very little time to adjust plans, However, I felt I was well-informed about the changes so, if you were not, then your company's HR department was lacking. I was lucky enough to be in a job I enjoyed even though it was low paid, but was happy to continue throughout the additional years and, in fact, deferred my retirement so that I then enhanced my pension income. Have you spoken to your company about flexible working, so that you can spend precious time with your new grandbaby and help out your family; they may have a policy?ViewDate:
14th Jan 2020BaW commented on:
Speakers Corner CommentsTV news channels and presenters seem to be broadcasting their own opinions more and more. I would like to see them all simply report the news rather than speculating and - endlessly - giving their own interpretation of events. The news is what is or has happened, not what might be. If a programme is advertised as 'news', it should be: a simple report of fact. If broadcasters wish to make assumptions or outline personal theories, then perhaps the programme should be put out as a 'talk show', fronted by the presenter.ViewDate:
27th Dec 2019BaW commented on:
Do you believe in setting New Year's Resolutions?For 2019, my resolution was not to procrastinate...still working on it.ViewDate:
8th Nov 2019BaW commented on:
Would you like a ‘standing’ GP appointment?When I saw the headline, I thought...yes, good idea...having a regular appointment every 6 months like a dentist, with emergency appointments if necessary? But then I read the synopsis of the suggestion. It would feel more like an interview with a headmaster! I can see where the concern is, but perhaps like all other sedentary workers, the GPs could make the effort to get up and move around occasionally take a walk at lunch time and coffee breaks.ViewDate:
30th Jul 2019BaW commented on:
Is July too soon for shops to be stocking Christmas products?I think Christmas should only be for December, with a big splash of magic to excite youngsters: from Advent calendars to letters to Santa, and definitely including the nativity. We need to get away from the horrendous over-commercialisation and make sure children (and adults) in this country - of whatever race or religion they may be - continue to understand that we are basically a Christian country - and that without Christ there is no Christmas.ViewDate:
8th Jun 2019BaW commented on:
Would you buy your supermarket produce loose, out of packaging?I voted yes, and take my own bags to put things in if they are available without plastic packaging...but do have concerns over other people's fingers on fresh produce...ok these items are washed before use, but I shudder at the thought of a fingernail breaking the skin of an apple or whatever. Soft fruit or other such vulnerable produce would need to be in cardboard perhaps. There are alternatives to plastic for wrapping...the National Trust send out members' magazines in a fully biodegradable envelope made from potato starch...and there are possibilities using hemp.ViewDate:
14th May 2019BaW commented on:
Would you drive an electric car?I'd be happy to use an electric car...if: (1) the infrastructure for recharging and travelling distances is in place, which in rural areas it certainly is not; (2) I could afford one; (3) the batteries didn't use lithium and cobalt and other metals mined under appalling conditions for those mining it, and the dire effects of the mining process on the environment.ViewDate:
14th May 2019BaW commented on:
Will you be voting in the European Elections this month?The Brexit Bus said: 'We send the EU £350 million a week. Let's fund our NHS instead.Let's take back control.' It was always clear that this money would only be available if we left the EU. It was also a correct 'gross' amount, before the UK's rebate is applied, and any subsidies received. However the rebate and subsidies are all paid in arrears, so the bus statement may be accurate! However I completely agree with your last sentence about voting for the Brexit Party in these elections.ViewDate:
14th May 2019BaW commented on:
Will you be voting in the European Elections this month?Don't quite understand why the parties are campaigning for European election on stopping Brexit. Surely that should be their campaign for a UK election. It is the UK Parliament that has let us down and is likely to stop Brexit - unless the EU kick us out because they are sick of it (unlikely because of our financial input!). However, if as I expect, a true Brexit does not happen for whatever reason, we shall be tied to Europe and will need to be thoughtfully yet strongly represented rather than having a school-yard attitude of 'yah, boo, sucks'. If we are still in Europe, we need people who will work for our best interests in what is likely to be a hostile environment. I shall not be voting for any of the Remainer parties, and think that (in my area) independent candidates are the way forward, as they can consider and vote for policies they actually believe in and want to enact rather than following any party whip. I hate the PR system. There are several good candidates – one is the first-placed Tory, but they are allied with some pretty hopeless ones on the same party ticket. I wish I could select the several individuals I wanted rather than a party list.ViewDate:
27th Apr 2019BaW commented on:
Should the government address the issue of tree netting?I'd guess these nets are being deployed so that when the Environmental Impact Assessments for any building development are done, the developers can then say there were no indicators of birds/wildlife, and thus the planning departments in the local council will give their approval. I doubt councils will do much about the nets. And the government gave the go-ahead for the very high numbers of new houses to be built with minimal environmental concern, so I doubt they will do much either. Up to local people, perhaps, to take down the nets...I certainly would. But would I then be prosecuted? Mitigation plans offered by developers against loss of hedgerows, trees, etc, are waved through by planners but rarely if ever enforced. The destruction and loss of such valuable wildlife habitat is rampant. The whole planning system needs to be overhauled in favour of the environment, rather than open to such abuse by planners and developers.ViewDate:
19th Mar 2019BaW commented on:
Does the UK need another political party?This new Independent Group smacks of New Labour mark 2. When do we expect David Miliband back from America to front it? Or to learn that Tony Blair is one of its founders? (Is it true that TB is advising President Macron of France on how to avoid Brexit happening?) Perhaps the BBC should develop a People's Government Reality Show, where the public could vote for individuals who have demonstrated the skills to lead the country.ViewDate:
18th Mar 2019BaW commented on:
Is a bad deal better than remaining in the European Union?The question posed is difficult to answer as of course I prefer neither of these options!...So please excuse the lengthy response, I wish there had been a question in the referendum to 'Remain and Reform', reflecting a similar vote across the EU. Populism of the left has Paris burning. Opening Germany's borders to millions of immigrants was sure to trigger a backlash, and Blair's demolition of our immigration system has changed the face of Britain. Italy's coalition is resisting EU budget rules. Hungary and Poland seem to have embraced illiberalism. Spain is confronting Catalan nationalism. Greece has the highest unemployment...I could go on. The future in the EU of democracy, prosperity and peace feels uncertain. If the EU doesn't reform and recognise the public's concerns, they will probably regret it. I agree with other comments that the Brexit process has been mishandled throughout. There were lies peddled on both sides of the argument to leave or remain, but I do not believe everything I hear from politicians (of whatever doctrine) or read in the press or social media, and I made my own judgements. I do not want unfettered immigration into our country = which has only limited capacity and an already struggling infrastructure. The UK is one of the most multi-cultural and diverse nations of the world. We have, and always should, welcome folk who believe in and want to integrate into our democratic, free-speaking, hard-working way of life – but not those who wish to exploit our generosity or destroy our democratic and catholic (small c) traditions and laws. I want to be able to oust a government or elected representatives when they fail to deliver the best for this country, not be a vassal to an unelected officialdom. I sympathised with the French student protests in 1968 - and also the many protests across the world against bureaucratic and military 'elites'. And 50 years later, those in power have not learned their lesson. I voted against EEC membership in 1975. It is not that I have become more right wing: I still object to eurocrats telling me what I should or cannot do; this is all part of why I voted for Brexit. I don't have access to the statistics, but understand the 52% which voted leave was largely composed of older folk, which may be a bone of contention to the young, but at least they turned out to vote. If those who did not vote now regret it, perhaps they have learned the lesson that to vote is both a right and a responsibility. But...their laziness should not result in another referendum just because they are shouting it's unfair, supported by remainers. It may have been a small margin between the Brexit remain and leave votes: 52.5% to 47.5% from a turnout of just under 72% of voters, but this was the largest democratic turnout since the general election in 1992...Consider the very small percentages and low electoral turnout by which general elections have been decided in the last 22 years. In 1997 Labour, with Tony Blair as leader, was elected as our government with 43.2% of the votes from a turnout of 71.4% – but we did not demand a re-election. In 2001, Labour won with 40.7% from a turnout of only 59.4%. Again no re-election demands. And in 2005, they won by a mere 35.2% from a turnout of 61.4%. In 2010, God help us, we got the coalition from a slightly higher turnout of 65.1%. In 2015, the Tories won 36.9% from a turnout of 66.1% of the voters. My point? In a democracy, the majority vote wins and we should not re-run any vote just because some don't like the result. Many European regulations were proposed by the British because we have brilliant minds here, experienced businessmen, entrepreneurs, scientists, financiers, conservationists et al. There is absolutely no reason any current European laws and protections we want to retain cannot be enshrined into our legal system and managed by our own parliament. Let's make our MPs actually work again. We should make such decisions. But do you truly think we shall no longer be able to enjoy Europe? That our young people will not be able to travel or to get jobs or choose to be educated in these countries? That business will not be able to recruit employees from around the globe, or export and import goods to and from the continent? There are countries adjoining the EU which manage just fine with border crossings and trade. Or that we will not cooperate on security, or reciprocal medical arrangements, or any other issues which have been raised? These are all still to be negotiated. The EU power-brokers are being intransigent not only because they do not want us to Brexit with our many billions, but also to deter other countries from attempting to regain independence. In my naivété I wish for our nation to be led by strong, independent-minded, non-partisan, honourable, elected representatives who actually work for the good of the nation and its people rather than their own elevation and enrichment. I want a government that knows how to balance a budget, and make decisions on good economic principles leavened with humanity. I want people in government who can also work with their peers on a global scale to consider issues such as climate change and deforestation, ocean pollution and acidification, population explosion, and other critical environmental matters. I want leaders who will collaborate to enable reclamation and rebuilding in those parts of the world devastated by war, tribal bigotry and despotic rulers so that the desperate immigrants being exploited by people smugglers would not want to leave their countries for what they believe are pots of gold in Europe (only to find how wrong they are as they languish in sordid camps). I want leaders with knowledge of how the world works. My Utopian dream does not include being ruled by unelected bureaucrats and career politicians.ViewDate:
7th Dec 2018BaW commented on:
Would you use robot help around the home?Definitely to do housework, and if the Japanese perfect it, I would be happy to have a robot as a carer rather than asking my family to do it!ViewDate:
24th Nov 2018BaW commented on:
Should the British monarch always remain neutral?I would hope that if they have a concern about how the government is ruling the country and how its decisions are affecting the monarch's subjects, that the king or queen would raise those concerns with the government and thus represent their people. It is noticeable that the younger generation of the royal family are taking on the mantle of conscience that Charles has so successfully undertaken during his many years of writing to government departments and ministers on so many subjects. He was absolutely right years ago about the dangers of climate change and GM foods, social deprivation and planning, has been active in assisting many youngsters, and has spoken out in support of rural communities...I hope he continues to be the 'dissident prince',ViewDate:
24th Nov 2018ViewDate:
24th Nov 2018BaW commented on:
Will you be spending on Black Friday?Only buy things I would otherwise be buying, and making sure they are actually cheaper. That said, I do not like the blatant consumerism that is Black Friday and now, sadly, Christmas. We are losing sight of what is essential and what is greed.ViewDate:
18th Oct 2018BaW commented on:
On World Menopause Day: 5 myths you really need to stop believingYes, the sweats were embarrassing; yes, uncontrollable and unexpected bleeding was humiliating in public, but the worst for me, in hindsight, was the bitchiness to others...imagine PMT x 100. Even knowing that hormones were causing it didn't help stop me hurting loved ones, and never being able to erase the things I said.ViewDate:
22nd Jul 2018BaW commented on:
Should we have a second EU referendum?Referring to WhizzLiz specifically... Point by point... You must understand that the bus slogan that the NHS would benefit by £350 million a week was related to what the UK pays into the EU, and what we would save – which could then (when we leave) be spent on the NHS. Leave EU was not the only organisation to overspend...it was rightly fined £61,000; however, the Liberal Democrats were fined £18,000 for breaking spending rules in the EU referendum (and they were pro-Europe, yet we hear little about that). And the (also pro-Europe) European Movement UK's return for the EU referendum was deemed "incomplete and inaccurate" and was fined £8,750. With regard to Russian involvement...people must be stupid to believe without question everything they read or see on social media; perhaps they should make the effort to do a little research to check on accuracy before jumping on bandwagons and blaming other countries for the result of what was a democratic process in the UK. The Good Friday agreement would only be in danger if both sides are intransigent. Which, as we are talking about nationalists and unionists, catholics and protestants, and longstanding enmities, could be the case. I actually agree that Mrs May has not been clear about what her government intends...but as not only the Remainers in the Commons (some of whom are not representing the wishes of their constituents) and the unelected House of Lords, many of whom are failed politicians with vested interests, but also a large proportion of the civil service seem to be doing their best to scuttle anything she puts forward, I actually feel very sorry for her. It is her own fault for the atrocious general election campaign she ran, but she seems to be trying to deliver what was voted for in June 2016. I don't understand why there should be a loss of EU doctors and nurses ... the UK would be sure to recruit to the NHS – hopefully the brightest and the best from any country. The UK has possibly the best multi-cultural society in the world. We have always welcomed those who wish to contribute to the country and helped those who are in desperate need. That won't change. Our relationship with the President of the USA is not relevant to the Brexit discussion. As to the tiny margin between in and out votes, may I point you to the very small percentages by which some recent general elections have been decided. I for one really did not want Mr Blair the first time he was voted in, let alone the second of third. As you say, the UK voted for Brexit by 52% to 48%, from a turnout of just over 72% of voters. In 1997 Tony Blair was disastrously elected as our Prime Minister winning 43.2% of the votes from a turnout of 71.4%, so not even a majority of those who voted actually wanted him – but we did not demand a re-election. In 2001, Labour won only 40.7% from a turnout of only 59.4%. Again, a minority, but no re-election. And in 2005, they only won by 35.2% from a turnout of 61.4%. In 2010, God help us, we got the coalition from a slightly higher turnout of 65.1%. And in 2015, the Tories won 36.9% of the votes. My point here is that in a democracy, the majority vote wins and we should not re-run an election just because we don't like the first result.ViewDate:
11th May 2018BaW commented on:
Would you be prepared to pay more tax to fund the NHS?I have nothing but good things to say about the NHS; I have received excellent treatment whenever I have asked for or needed it. That said, I have used private practitioners when unable to access NHS care in a timely fashion to deal with injuries and illness which would only get worse without treatment. So, what about introducing incentives to reduce the load on the NHS? Perhaps tax breaks for anyone who chooses (and of course can afford) to go private because of having to wait on the NHS for weeks/months/years for treatment, or for folk who are obliged to go private if they cannot access NHS services close to them (for example dentists). The NHS is for everybody who is a citizen of the country, or for anybody in emergency...but all users should contribute towards it. So, given that workers in this country pay tax and NI, implement a proper recouping of money from foreigners not entitled to our services (including emergency treatment) - other countries manage this very well. Other commenters have covered other means of saving, but I would add no vanity surgery should be paid for by taxpayers. One certain way of increasing NHS funding would be to reallocate the ridiculous amount the UK gives to the Overseas Aid budget (£13.3 billion last year). What a vanity law that is. Overseas Aid should be given on a well-balanced assessment of need and as a moral duty, not just a pumping out of tax payers' money because our politicians feel good about it and to meet a European target - and in sums which are nearly double that compared to the average of all countries. Any cost-savings must go hand-in-hand with reorganisation so that there is a cohesive NHS strategy to manage a patient and their needs. This would include all GPs, specialists, social care either at home or in recuperation units, and hospitals. Many agencies and even departments in the same medical facility simply waste time on revisiting symptoms, treatments, etc, on every visit, rather than being able to see what a patient has already been through and reported - so improvement of how notes are held would save precious staff time. A centralised system (I know it's been tried, but surely there is the expertise somewhere to do this efficiently) would be best and most secure in this day of GDPR , but perhaps an individual smart card (as mentioned by another contributor is implemented in Spain) for each patient to carry with all their records, NHS number, etc, which is updated every time they access any medical treatment. If we can chip a pet, then technology is out there to enable much better efficiency.ViewDate:
11th May 2018BaW commented on:
Would you move into a retirement home?I prefer the option of going to a country with assisted suicide when I want my time to end, rather than having staff and visitors being 'caring' to my face but then laughing about my dottiness, or being unable to care for myself physically and being roughly manhandled into excruciatingly uncomfortable contraptions for baths...or many other examples of treatment I could cite. No way do I want to go into a care home. Consider the astronomical cost for what can be dubious service. I have friends who are in sheltered housing villages where some enjoy their life and others do not (and besides these places are only for folk who can afford it). And I have recently seen elderly or terminally ill friends go into care homes as their families could no longer continue to keep them safe at home while caring for them. My two greatest fears are (i) being mentally capable but locked inside a physical body that cannot communicate, or look after myself. That could happen at any time by many means...accident, stroke, disease...and (ii) forgetting my life and loved ones. Either of these scenarios would inevitably involve my family in distress and hardship while trying to care for me, or make the horrible decision to put me into a home. I have been there, done that and know how sad and distressing it is to see the inevitable and ongoing deterioration, with no alternative. Of course, the problem is when the time comes that I have had enough, as did for example the Australian scientist who made the news this week, will I be physically or mentally able to make the arrangements. I believe we should have choice. We put pets down when they are suffering at the end of life...that is the humane thing to do. Yet we refuse choice to people with no quality of life, whether physical or mental, to end their lives with dignity. Within the medical system one can have a 'no resuscitation' or an 'advance decision to refuse treatment', but I strongly believe the choice of assisted dying should be available. If someone is of sound mind and wants to end their life, there is no recourse in this country. The only way you can end your life is to starve and dehydrate yourself to death, as one of my relatives did although they had repeatedly and intelligently stated their wish to die and had a living will in place refusing treatment. I have never witnessed anything more appalling...totally barbaric. And this is because the medical profession cannot help those in misery, despite their Hippocratic oath to do so.ViewDate:
6th Nov 2017BaW commented on:
Which is your favourite John Lewis Christmas advert so far?The ones that made me cry! No, actually, liked them all.