Lots of mismanagement within the NHS (although by no means universally). But the main problem is the galloping increase in life expectancy, accompanying tremendous increases in cost-per-head while we prop people up into their eighties and nineties and beyond, and a complete unwillingness to fund it. That’s not just politicians, by the way; only a tiny proportion of people would be prepared to pay more tax to fund the services we demand. The sums do not add up.
We need different types of care and more of them, better management, and more money. But I think we also need to accept as individuals that our requirements are completely unrealistic – the state can’t fund endless care home places at a grand a week, because the taxpayer can’t / doesn’t / won’t contribute the amount necessary. Nor are people prepared to save properly for pensions, or use their savings or equity to help fund their own care. It’s bonkers.
Even with better financial management in the NHS – even if it was perfect! – there still wouldn’t be enough money in the system. Either we reduce the services we expect, or we all pay more, or both.
