The problem with putting people off…
Is an off quoted justification for ‘free at point of delivery’ healthcare, and has huge merit. BUT in today’s consumer society it does mean that in the eyes of a significant proportion of the population there seems to be no inherent ‘value’ ascribed to seeking medical attention*. People will literally not engage brain before seeing their GP, ringing 111 (and getting an ambulance because THAT service is mind bogglingly shite, in most areas) or just ringing an ambulance of attending ED.
Surely instead of saying that ‘free at point of delivery’ is completely sacrasanct (which it evidently isn’t, see; dentistry) maybe we could have a list of ‘core conditions’ that are free to see the appropriate service for, like chest pain, stroke, RTC etc, no charge from Ambo, but call us out to change your bedsheets (like last night) then no probs, the bill is in the post. Free to see your GP for almost anything, but decline to see the NP first when triaged as appropriate, well no probs, how about a contribution towards the cost of providing ten years of medical training at your beck and call.
I don’t know. I desperately BELIEVE in the NHS as an organisation and as a concept, but I despair as to the lack of value placed on it by large segments of society.
*All in my entirely anecdotal experience, of course. But a valid observation nonetheless, I can’t help but feel.