Cover spine for SIXTEEN STORIES, NO PETS by C.J. Beck ISBN 1849238928
What is free-for-all in the UK is a free-for-all in the US.
It’s not perfect but the US could do worse. Hey, for many it does.
1. Dental Care: NHS dentists are rarer than...well, NHS dentists. There are large lines when a new one opens doors. Most dentists go private. I met my NHS dentist through the old school tie. But he plays a game of bait and switch anyway. As in "Well C.J you could get this done through the NHS (meaningful pause) but I'm recommending we go with this." No complaints from me. I go NHS for the check-ups and fillings and private whenever he has to get something made in a lab like a crown.
2. Medical Emergency: I had a sudden surge of extra floaters and flashes in the right eye recently, warning symptoms of a retinal tear and imminent retinal detachment. Two consultants saw me quickly and they claim it's posterior vitreous detachment, which one can get as the vitreous dries over time. Whew. So far so good. No charge.
3. Ingrown toenail: NHS will cover some chiropody but it's been six weeks and I'm still waiting. Tolerate the discomfort or go private is the unspoken rule. No charge for waiting...
4. Mystery soreness in palm of hand: Referral to a great physio within two weeks and an astute diagnosis of compressed ulna nerve or "handlebar palsy" that foxed two GPs. Seems to be improving. No charge.
5. Free prescriptions for children, over 60s, out-of-work, looking-for-
After the Chinese Army and Indian Railroad, the British National Health Service is the third largest employer in the world at 1.3 million. McKinsey say they should trim staff 10%, but neither of the big political parties want to touch that with a General Election in early 2010. Conservative Party is the heavy favorite. Many observers say the problem is with too many managers and consultants, but McKinsey say the cuts should be as much with clinical staff as with administrators. To me the NHS is a national treasure and the mark of a civilized society. It’s shame that sometimes society doesn’t live up to it.
C.J. Beck is on a book tour of Britain promoting his latest novel -SIXTEEN STORIES, NO PETS - a satirical crime thriller set in a south Florida Beach condo. See today's blog at timsmith.com.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
