My husband always thought that we don't really value the NHS because we don't directly pay anything for what we get. It's free at the point of need. I don't think that is sustainable any longer.
So I'm digging to find out what the cost of the simple basics are. It isn't easy. The Kings Fund is helpful. https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/data-and-charts/key-facts-figures-nhs
Full Blood test - Couldn't find NHS cost. Private (Spire Healthcare) approx £160. Includes the practice charge for taking the sample and a laboratory fee for processing the specimen. £109 (Nuffield Healthcare).
Urine Test - Couldn't find NHS cost. Private (Spire) includes a consultant fee £150 - £230
RSV Vaccination - Ive just had this free on the NHS. Privately it costs £180 - £200 (Pharmadoctor)
Flu Vaccination - Boots £21.95. Rowlands £17.99.
GP Appointment - A 2022/23 study estimated that a 10-minute face-to-face GP consultation costs around £56.
Prescription - NHS estimates that the average prescription costs around £28.
Outpatient Appointment - NHS is around £120
Inpatient Cost - General ward: £351 per bed day. Isolation ward: £586 per day. ICU: £1,621.16 per day.
What we need to do, in the face of the ever rising costs of NHS care, is have a real conversation about how we can make the NHS viable, without the huge cost to the taxpayer while retaining the general principles that we all love. We need to think about a hierarchy of need. Obviously A&E and serious medical conditions need to remain free at point of need. But why shouldn't we either be prepared to pay something towards the day to day smaller costs or be prepared to take out insurance to cover those?
According to the Irish nurse who did my RSV vaccination, health insurance is not uncommon in Ireland. I think that may be the Republic, not Northern Ireland. https://www.movehub.com/uk/moving-abroad/ireland/healthcare-for-expats/#four
If we accept that neither the UK nor the NHS is the same as it was in 1948, we surely have to accept that we need to find a new model for the 21st Century. Rather than ever increasing taxes shouldn't we be prepared to either pay a bit towards some things or have basic, relatively inexpensive, insurance for some things?
I certainly think that if we make lifestyle choices that increase the risk of needing healthcare, like taking part in some sports, we should be responsible for having an insurance policy. I also think that now the NHS sends out text reminders for appointments there is no excuse for simply not turning up or cancelling. There should be a hefty fine. Having everything, always, free just doesn't seem viable.
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