I had a heart attack in April. I was rushed from a local hospital to a university hospital's specialist heart unit, where I had a cardiac arrest. I had a stent and a balloon while being resuscitated for eight minutes. 25 hours in intensive care, a week on the ward. I was sent home with free access to the cardio rehab unit including a gym, alongside a month's supply of platelet, blood thinning, heart rate and blood pressure medication. Total cost? £0.00p. In the UK we don't even pay for the food. The NHS is the most important and best human-made entity on the planet.
Isn't it a wonderful thing? Yet I bet you believe it is the brain child of the Labour party!! That is where you would be wrong. The NHS system is the brainchild of none other than Winston Churchill. He first set the idea out in Parliament in 1908. If Bevan had NOT been the health care minister in WW2 the NHS would have started during the War, rather than waiting until after the end of the war. Bevan stopped Churchill implementing the NHS because he played politics with the care of people during the bombing of the cities here in the UK.
@@thetruthhurts7675 You mean Somerville Hastings in 1934, from an idea originally put forward in 1909. Winston Churchill and the Conservatives had nothing to do with it, but you keep peddling what you peddle.
@@MisterBurtonshaw Actually my politics in this are fully irrelevent. My main point here is to give credit to the person most responsible for the NHS. Bevan Blocked Churchill's every move in the war. Yet it was Churchill who first staked out the system now used in (of all places) France, which by the way is the best health care system in the world. Free completely at the point of use, and private work is only done after the medical staff have completed their work for the French NHS. Also the French private health care is cheaper than the French NHS charges. So put that in your pipe, and YES, the truith really does hurt doesn't it? Especially when you are a socialist and have the rug pulled from your feet!! Personally the NHS for me is the best system in the world, but the WHO rates it lower than the French system. As for lies A socialist calling a conservative a liar is a tad like the tea pot calling the kettle black!! Socialists are born liars Putin is the best example of this is he not?
Whatever your political persuasion, cherish the NHS and fight for its survival and the reversal of cuts and privatisation with every fibre of your being. That is all.
Yes, the NHS is that rare beast in Britain of being something which most people generally agree on, regardless of where you sit on the political spectrum. Aside from a very small number of people, who aren’t really representative of that view, I think most people would want to keep it. Most of us have either needed treatment ourselves or know someone close to us who has.
The NHS saved my life , I had stage 3 rapidly moving to stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer and the treatment would have cost over £50,000. So despite people moaning about them I will be eternally grateful.
Thank you Jeff , everyone seems to complain about the NHS but without it the ordinary working class people would be absolutely nowhere, we heard Amanda tell us about the costs of hospital treatment , operations and childbirth etc in the USA and only the well heeled upper classes could afford that type of health system should it ever be introduced here in the uk. I am now in what they call remission and have now been able to return to work and I have to say it was hard at first and for a fairly long time after because it left me with type 2 diabetes which after the Hodgkin’s lymphoma I had to learn to control, but without the treatment from the excellent doctors and nurses at the hospital where I had my chemotherapy sessions I would not have been able to do anything ever again, and I thank each and every one because they were fantastic. Onwards and upwards, do not give up , do not give in !
@@Welderady I was asking a friend how is was doing, he has been living with cancer for over 10 years, he is on a drug that is suppressing the cancer, some severe side effects, but it is keeping him alive. he told me that the cost of the drug is @ £250,000 per year, a lot more if he was in America, but as this is the UK the cost to him is £0.
@@lovejetfuel4071 Unfortunately often morally bankrupt. And before anyone complains, think about the fact that the US is meant to be a christian nation with christian values. Then compare these values to what actually happens.
@@nickryan3417 I'm not sure what you think "Christian values" account for considering a past full of genocide and burning people at the stake. Also.. I'm not sure the U.K. would be in a position to talk about moral bankruptcy, with museums full of other people's stuff.
@@violetgray6384 I wrote "meant to be a christian nation with christian values", not actually upholds any of these at all. Google these values if you want to see how none of them seem to apply to the US (as an entity), but little things like all men being equal, charity (compared to greed), and so on all seem to have been forgotten as they are inconvenient. As for the UK, the top of government is filled by incompetent narcissistic lying charlatans and we are trying to catch up...
The NHS are amazing I've just spent 2 weeks in hospital and I'm literally blown away by the level of care and Compassion they gave me. I'm literally crying here thinking about how great full I am to them. The nurses are angels all of them
They're fantastic at front line (GP/A&E) but I've been on a waiting list for 5 years now. It makes me tut when everyone says they're wonderful, they're really not.
It's a fact that America is light years behind when it comes to health care. Those who are against a national health care system need to take their heads out their arses and stop kidding themselves that America is a great nation. Long live the nhs.
Hadn't you heard? 'Socialized' health care is one step away from Communism. Once the US lets the Commies in then what next?! I'll tell you what...statues to Castro in Miami, that's what !!! It wouldn't be America without some suits fleecing people. That's the American way. Pay, or die.
@@davidjackson7814 Same, mate, the NHS saved my life last July. In the US? I wouldn't have called 111 and have a very astute operator call an ambulance asap. My comment above was just ripping it out of the average GOP fan.
Great video again Amanda, I love the NHS. One of the uks best assets. Nobody should be bankrupt over being ill. And nobody should be making a profit over healthcare.
In the video you mentioned one downside of the NHS was the waiting times in some cases, the reason for the difference in wait times is that people in the UK don't have to self triage on a financial basis, cost isn't a factor in deciding whether you want to see a doctor or go to hospital, which will lead to a greater proportion of the population accessing the health service. Unfortunately this can lead to some people using the service for trivial or unnecessary reasons.
Yes, that dies happen. I remember telling my sister off for goiñg to the doctor, because she had a cold, she asked the doctor for anti biotics and complaining that he didn't prescribe any. I explained to her that antibiotics are for germs not viruses, I don't think she believed me nor the doctor. You can't fix stupid.
I'm sure national insurance is a 'fund' you pay into in order to provide you with a state pension. The amount of state pension you receive per week is governed by the number of full years NI contributions you have paid.
@@_starfiend nearly right, NI pays for insurance benefits such as job seekers, but universal credit comes out of general taxation. Any surplus in the fund is lent to the treasury through bonds which earn the fund interest.
I have worked for the NHS for 22 years and I’m in no doubt it’s one of this country’s crowning achievements. I’ve never been to the USA but I have travelled throughout Europe, where many countries have healthcare systems that aren’t free at the point of care, however many have some sort of government sponsored support for patients who can’t afford to cover the costs up front as a kind of safety net. All the Americans I’ve spoken to have always said that we don’t realise how lucky we are to have the health service we do.
What European countries have you been to? As long as Britain was a European country, you should have been treated equally to the locals in every member state. Now that you've got your "freedom" it must definitely be different.
In all European countries healthcare systems are similar to NHS. Sometimes you have to pay couple of Euros for visit but overall universal healthcare exists everywhere just not in USA.
I am so happy the NHS took care of you, they are always there when you need them, it really infuriates me when I hear that the American "health care" is so bad , I have seen Americans demonstrate about many things from Vietnam to BLM so why do I not see demonstrations about health care and hopefully force a change
Some years ago I was working with an American engineer, here in the UK, he came from somewhere in the deep American South, he was a very good engineer, but very typical American very Loud and America was best at everything. He was also a type 1 diabetic. He had to extend his stay as his machine was not working correctly, because of this he was going to run out of insulin. The customer arranged for him to see a local GP. When he came back he was very quiet for the rest of the day. We asked him what was up, he said he did not have to pay to see the GP or for the insulin, he just could not understand why.
@@jamesreynolds2867 he make the mistake of telling us his hobby was wearing reproduction medieval suits of armour, he was called Sir Lancelot after that, he just could not work out if he should be offended or pleased. When he finally left we gave him a can of 3 in 1 oil and some wire wool, for his armour.
This is why, amongst developed countries, the USA has the shortest life expectancy, highest infant mortality rate and the highest maternal mortality rate. These are major indicators of the quality of health care. So all that expenditure is simply not producing the results. I often hear citizens of the USA talk about the level of innovation and technology. Great, show us how that is benefitting the population compared to other developed countries which have universal health care!
It benefits those that have the means and tragically in a country where capitalism and wealth accumulation is practically a religion and the attitude is if " your poor, it is because your lazy" what would one expect. So, if you don't get the best healthcare because you cannot afford it, somehow you deserve it.
Definitely one area where we Brits have an edge on the US. Even though I have many American friends the main reason I would never move to the US is that I have a pre-existing condition that would make getting medical insurance difficult. Don't want to diss on America but a country that puts gun ownership as a higher priority in terms of rights than healthcare needs to re-examine its priorities.
@@TheBaconWizard "the NHS will be franchised-out to US-owned companies" Who says ? The British Public MAY put up with all this 'safe-distancing'/'look after Granny'/'face-masks are good for you' BS for a while................................but the DESTRUCTION of the NHS ? Somehow, I don't think it'd be a great vote-winner for whichever Corporate Sock Puppet (aka Prime Minister) happens to be pretending to be 'in charge' at the moment. It MIGHT, however, just wake up enough folk to get off their complacent, fat arses - and find out for THEMSELVES (at last) how the World REALLY works..........outside their television-concocted fantasy.
@@TheBaconWizard I think that you have to ask the question “what does the NHS mean to you?”; my answer would be “healthcare that is free at the point of need”. In that case I am not really concerned about private companies performing procedures on behalf of the NHS just as I am not concerned who is cleaning the hospitals. Obviously my expectation is that these companies provide their services to an acceptable level.
I have to admit the US puzzles me in many ways. I remember some years ago, drivers stopped buying petrol until the oil companies scrapped plans to increase prices, yet they accept grossly expensive health care without any protest. We can all do without our cars more than we can do without our health, surely?
Actually that's probably the exact reason. The U.S. healthcare system has it's people over a barrel because it's comply or die. Meanwhile it was merely inconvenient to not use vehicles in protest of the oil companies.
I dated a US girl for a year and travelled for 3 months through the US and it came over strongly to me in conversation, that the 'average' US person sees the benefit of NHS healthcare, but did not trust their own government to actually spend $ collected via tax, on healthcare! They had/have zero trust in the integrity of the political process, to follow through...
It's funny listening to that and also hearing that the poeple in the USA say the UK pay to much tax for the NHS. That monthly insurance payment. It's more then we pay in tax and national insurance as a couple for a month.
Exactly. Many Americans are indoctrinated in lies about taxes from a young age. They're told they have the freedom to choose from the market instead of the state providing these services. The market is corrupt as hell because there's no incentive not to be. The pressure on corporations is to maximise profits, not to behave ethically. So you end up with a charge for holding your own baby in a maternity ward and it's typical across the board because each hospital adopts each new charging "innovation". And that's just the tip of the iceberg. For-profit prisons where the state is financially incentivised to incarcerate? Universities which charge you a mortgage for a decent sized house to get a graduate degree that many not help you secure employment sufficient to pay it back, with interest accruing every year. Costs are ridiculous because there's no incentive to control them. Inequality is just accepted as a fact of life. Needing charity is forcing poor people to fawn over rich benefactors to have any change to progress socially. The US is heading into its very own socioeconomic cul-de-sac that will be very painful if it ever loses its status of holding the world's reserve currency. Huge capital inflows and irresponsible lending mask structural problems in the US economy and society. Watch what happens if there's any brake on the ability to raise treasury debt.
Working in the NHS for over a decade including working at a doctor's surgery for homeless people (I manage computer bits and administration), the NHS is not perfect but it's also basic common sense. Nobody can help being ill so there's no need go deny people the chance to be so.
We are very lucky to have the NHS in this country, in Wales we don't have to pay for prescriptions. I do however have to wait to see a doctor unless it's an emergency.
I remember as a child, probably around 1983ish, I had to go to A&E (stood on a rusty nail). An American family on holiday were there with a little girl who'd fallen and fractured her wrist. After she was plastered up and discharged her parents simply couldn't believe there wasn't a bill to pay. They were in discussion with the A&E receptionist for ages trying to pay her with various credit cards as she kept repeating that there was nothing to pay. I often wonder if they ever got a follow up bill, since care for non-UK citizens is meant to be reimbursed. Even as a kid, though, I remember feeling immensely proud of the NHS as I sat there with blood filling my trainer!
Wow, scary scary stuff! My sister in Indiana freaked out about what it would have cost if one of her family ended up in hospital with covid. Even with insurance. People here complain a lot about the NHS but they dont know what they have.
The problem with it being free is people take it for granted. I work in the N.H.S and the number of people who don’t turn up for appointments or cancel within 24 hours giving you no time to fill that slot again is frustrating, especially when there are lots of others desperate for that appointment slot also.
@@jamescockings6852 I hear you James, I'm sure it's frustrating beyond belief. Not sure how many times people don't pitch because of another emergency but I can't believe it's a great deal. Thank you for your efforts by the way, its truly appreciated.
Paul Bryan, : It Wasn't Nye Beven's Idear It Was The Health Committee, BUT I Can't Think Of The Name Of The Committee, In 1943, ?????????? So Beven Can't Claim Credit For NHS, Puls The Medical Profession Tried To Ruin The NHS, Sending Patience To Hospital For Six Months For An Ingrown toenail fungus, Or A Broken Finger, !!!!!!!!!!;!!!!!!!!!!!;, And It's Hasn't STOPPED Today, Bed locking, As For Beven He Was A Winging Missarble Git Who As Far As He Was Concerned The Only Person Who Was Brought Up Poor,, And Had It Tough, My Dad Was Brought Up Poor, And Died With £,027,' Pence In His Pocket, In 1983, Beven Hated Everybody, Even Clement Attlee's This Is Why He Was Sacked, For Being A Missarble Git,. And If I May Say An Insult To Cyrmu 🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴, And Did Vertchaly Nothing For Cyrmu,. NEVER Even Visited The Survive's Of Ab-afan, NOT Once,.
Really informative video again, Amanda. You are far and away my favourite "Yank in the UK" poster - always so interesting and balanced, and your voice is SO easy to listen to. As always, you come across as a really lovely person, and I am so glad you chose to make your home here. OK, the NHS has plenty of faults, for sure. My wife works in the NHS - in oncology pharmacy - and she can see what could be better. But - like me - she is so proud of what it does RIGHT! At far less cost than the US, or most other, developed nation systems. You have shown us Brits, in your videos, reasons why we should be proud of our (and your adopted) country. The fact that we can get all this for free in the UK is one of those reasons.
I have Multiple Sclerosis the medication I am on would cost $7500 per month in America. Without this medication, I would not be able to work or even live a life that is worth living. I will never have a bad word for the NHS they have saved people close to me. The NHS is not perfect but they are doing the best they can with the money this government allocate them which is not enough.
I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when I was 18 in 1991. I fought for it and have been on Copaxone (or the generic Brabio) for 18 years. I am also on Tizinidine (Zanaflex) and several other prescriptions as I also have asthma, eczema and hay-fever. So as a result I am grateful to the NHS for everything that it has done to help me. I am monitored yearly by the neurologist as when I was originally put on Copaxone it was part of a study called the Risk Sharing Scheme which started in 2002. I started it later that year or in the beginning of 2003. The NHS has helped me with several things and I do realise that without it I would probably not be here. We need to protect it and not abuse it. The NHS is brilliant, yes there are a few problems with it but I am glad that we have it. One of my earliest memories, was about 4, is being airlifted in a yellow helicopter from RAF Chivenor to a car par in Exeter. We were snowed in and I had the measles and a fever. My mother and I were then transferred in an ambulance to the hospital where we stayed until I was well.
We are very lucky indeed to have the NHS in the UK. I hope they never loose it. They were going that way pre-covid, but I hope that this goes to proove that we still need them! Good video again Amanda x
Thank you Amanda for this video. Your appreciation of your treatment in giving birth is humbling. I'm so happy things turned out well. I also count myself lucky to have been treated recently, relatively quickly in the wake of the pandemic before things got more serious. Whilst I feel for people suffering on waiting lists and there will obviously cases of substandard treatment, I suspect the vast majority of us will be dealt with well for no extra cost.
I'm working and currently pay about £22 a week for National Insurance. (Earn about £300 a week take home pay after the Government and National Insurance Tax) I've paid various amounts depending on wage since I was 18 - 56 now, luckily I've never needed the service for much in my life but if I need it, it's there for me, as an example, my mother who died last year, was in Critical Care, would have cost over £2000 a day but was essentially free for the 5 days she was there before they moved her to the "Wait till she Dies ward" about £800 a day, because as a nation, we all paid for that regardless of who needed it. I'm happy to pay tax for anyone because I'm covered too by other people paying National Insurance tax, it's a win-win for any illness you could possibly conceive of getting in your own lifetime here in the UK.
I remember watching Michael Moore documentary 'sicko' about US medical care system.He spoke to a man who sliced off two of his fingers with a band saw.He could only afford to save one of his fingers so he chose his wedding ring finger.imagine having to make a choice like that!
didnt know you had complications in your labour amanda im glad your ok though👍great video as always, i love the NHS its one of the best things about our country,even cpt tom (rip sir) raised over 33 million for it.
Its understandable that costs are so high as those delivering care have to earn enough to pay for their own healthcare. It is outrageous that costs vary and its clear this is about profits and pay for those at the top of the tree. I was once interviewed for a Job at John Hopkins (working in diabetes) and even during the interview they stressed the need to appreciate that patients have different health insurances and that some are overlooked if their policy isn't the right one. I have to say as an NHS nurse charging for every element of care goes against the ethos of nursing full stop. Great job Amanda
Absolutely spot on!!!! But ppl still moan and complain in the UK!! The NHS the best thing since sliced bread I am so lucky to be a well treated patient 💖
Very true, but when people have only lived in the UK they tend to take it for-granted and only see the negatives. For most people, its only when they have to experience the US style health care "industry" that they begin to fully appreciate how wonderful the NHS is. I include myself in that statement too.
My late wife was American, and she thought the NHS was the best thing ever. She appreciated so much. Not long after she moved to the UK she felt unwell. So I suggested a visit to the doctor. She said that we couldn’t afford it. I then explained that it was free. It blew her mind. It also amazed her that she got her prescriptions for free (thyroid). She cried, because it was the first time she had been able to get all the meds she needed in years. We figured out that she lived about 10 years longer in the UK, just because she could afford her meds. She had a lot of serious medical issues. I once decided to look into the difference between US and UK healthcare. It turned out that US taxpayers paid more than double for Medicare and Medicaid, than UK taxpayers were paying for the NHS. They then needed health insurance on top of that. My conclusion was, that the people of the USA, and in particular US taxpayers, are being ripped off.
@@cliveturner4980 It's very cheap - 7.2% of GDP vs 16.9% of GDP in America for a crappy system that doesn't cover everyone - In fact, the NHS is one of the two cheapest systems in the G7, with on overage one of best outcomes for patients, ^oo^
@@cliveturner4980 It is free at point of use. Also I did mention it is funded by UK taxpayers. You're figures are way out too. I stand by my earlier point, US Taxpayers are being ripped off.
I live in spain which also has a system similar to the uk..in the last 4 years I have had A double bypass A replacement heart valve Three stents A pacemaker All free and promptly administered. I also have a regular monthly check up with with my cardiologist.
It makes me wonder whether the refusal to introduce a universal healthcare system is tied to too many people in positions of power having their money invested in medical companies, and they just don't want to see their own income & capital diminish? Echoing what others have said, the NHS may have its faults, but it is a service to be cherished.
This is an eye-opener. If you are not seriously ill when visiting the doctor you will be when the bill arrives. Do pensioners get free prescription drugs in the US like UK? Another good one Amanda.
Cheers, Amanda: I also wondered what ‘co-pays,’ and ‘deductibles’ were. (I hate to bring politics into this: but I’ve always had the impression American Conservatives opposed a UK style NHS: as they regard it as a wast of government money. I’ve always felt the NHS is what tax income’s for.)
If you’ve got some serious problem like a stroke or heart attack you’ll be seen in no time. I was having heart attack treatment within the hour. Certainly there can be long waits for some things but I’d rather wait than be pushed into penury.
As an employed person in Britain I pay for my prescriptions but, I've been in hospital a couple of times (broken leg, chest infection) and it cost me nothing. Same thing with A ane E (ER in America)I've had cuts, broken fingers, costs you nothing but bus fare getting there
Like many Brits, when I lived there (up till 1992) I used to complain about the NHS. But then I moved overseas and saw how horrendous it can be under a US system, I had completely changed my opinions. The difference is, in the UK sick people are called "patients" and the process is "health care service", in the US they are called "customers" and the process is "health care industry".
I heard of the astronomical costs for health care in the USA. But what shocks me more is why US citizens tolerate it and haven’t risen up in their millions to demand a change to a NHS type of system especially as US nationals know it can be done and most countries across the world have copied the NHS blueprint, even some 3rd world nations. I guess it’s going to take a lot of work for the money men to give up their profits 😱
@@gavinmorris154 Good points, I assume their Education system before adulthood and further education is payed for by the taxpayers. Imagine not wanting someone else’s children to learn to read and write because you don’t want to pay towards them if they suddenly rejected a socialised education system. A very strange attitude towards health in the USA sadly.
……because the spectres thrown up by McCarthy on certain words in the 50s still resonate through enough of the USA to hinder any social program. The downside of the American Dream is that while it instills the idea that anyone could succeed the corollary is that it instills in too many that if you don’t its your fault and that includes illness so people believe they are covering people who didnt do their share. The UK isnt immune to that attitude, its just there arent thinking that way about medical provision enough to remove the NHS yet.
It's good to hear from Amanda because she's first hand experience of both systems. I think the NHS is abused in some cases and not perfect but it's still preferable to the American system. Basically the US prefers to spend its tax dollars on the military rather than the health of its citizens.
Hi Amanda, Yes crazy the costs of healthcare in the US and ultimately if you've not got your health what have you got? I speak from experience of my mum spending 12 years in and out of hospital with cancer and the serious side effects and myself spending considerable time in hospital with my asthma and eczema for the first 8 years of my life. I watched one of those US medical reality shows recently where an ambalance was called to a biker that had taken a high speed spill on the highway and was concussed and confused but refused to go to hospital as he couldn't afford the ride or any treatment! How sad is that in such a powerful country people are making life and death decisions due to costs?
I had a heart attack last year at work, ambulance trip, 3 day Hospital stay, private en-suite room, X-rays, Mri scan and Angiogram. I hate to think how much it would have cost me in the States! Still on 5 different medications a day, and not a penny in cost, not even for the drugs.
The whole thing is about choice. If someone wants to pay for their treatment in the UK for faster treatment, they can. There is a huge Private Healthcare system here.
I heard snippets of how bad it was but that truly is shocking no pun intended. Thanks for info Amanda will need to look into health cover if I finally make the trip to US just in case
I spend a lot of time in the US but luckily have never had to use the healthcare system, it’s nuts…. You even have idiots trying to get rid of a system that gave affordable care to population!
Thank you for your videos Amanda. Glad you are enjoying the UK. My personal experience with the UK healthcare system was not as good as yours as I lived in the Great Northwest. You are entirely correct healthcare in the USA can be bloody dear. As with anything anywhere you get what you pay for.
Last year, my son had an accident at work and his thumb was nearly sliced off. At the hospital (after having a negative Covid test) he underwent nearly four hours of micro-surgery to reattach his blood vessel and tendon by the top surgeon in that field. A removable cast was made to protect his hand/wrist and thumb to help aid the recovery process. The area was then bandaged and placed in a sponge sling for extra padding. He also had a follow up appointment to check for infection and how it was healing. I'm glad to say that his thumb was saved and he is back at work. He didn't pay a penny (other than his taxes which contribute to the healthcare system) which means that he continued his life as normal without worrying about being in debt etc. We are so thankful for the NHS!! One reason as to why I wouldn't want to live in America. Well.... that and the guns!
Got a Gall Stone - this has involved 3 trips to Emergency Dept (one in a Ambulance) and will mean having my Gall Bladder whipped out. I couldn't afford that in the US. Doc's in the NHS do make mistakes but at least we don't pay thousands for the privilege of this
I had triple bypass surgery in the UK last year. My surgeon told me it would have cost £32,000 if I’d had to pay for it. The treatment and care were exemplary and I don’t believe I could have got better care anywhere else in the world. Thank God we have the NHS, it has been the greatest thing the UK has ever created. Nobody should be afraid of seeking medical help for themselves or their children because of cost. And to make people bankrupt because of illness should not happen in a civilised society.
Neither Mrs C or would not be here beyond childhood without the NHS ,I believe that is why we both became nurses ,good post Amanda, best wishes from the wirral....E
A really good post, Amanda! Near the end, when you said, "Maybe the US will have an NHS-style health care system, one day..." ...and I thought, "That will never happen! The MOMENT that a US senator, or congressman (or Congresswoman) suggests a govt-funded national health care system, you would hear opposing politicians scream, "THAT'S SOCIALISM!" It happened 50 years ago, it would most likely happen again.
Here in NZ, we have free health care, but you also have the option to go private. Most prescription drugs are massively subsidized. For example I'm diabetic and I only pay $20 a year for my insulin that actually costs $3,200. I don't know the costs of other meds, but for the $190 that I spend yearly on meds probably comes to at least $10k.
Now retired for three years, I worked for 28 years with the NHS, not on the medical side, but in a support role. Everyone in the NHS is important to the cohesiveness of the organisation be it doctor, nurse, cleaner, porter, mechanic or therapists (and so many other roles). Working there was some of the best years of my life, with great people and a rewarding career. I fully understand the pressures people are always under that work for it, so please do not take this great British benefit for granted.
i work full time, so i know my taxes pay for the NHS , for people that do not work or cannot , it is cool , i have been there in my time , i love the NHS for all the work they do
back when i was 15 years of age (a long long time ago ) i had to have open heart surgery to repair a hole , my wife now is under-going treatment/surgery for double breast cancer , god bless our beloved N.H.S.,,
My daughter was also born under the caring hands of the NHS, in Poole Dorset, and I can't thank them enough. I now live in Turkey, and the health care system here was a real surprise in the best possible way, in every way comparable or at times better than the NHS. For example, an MRI scan for my back was completed within 5 days of my initial consultation with my family doctor, and completely free of charge. The US healthcare system has always shocked me. A civilized country takes care of its sick. Fact.
I'm mentally ill since 1998 I live in a mental health care home with 24/7 staff here in the UK it costs me nothing I don't even pay for the 16 tablets I need to take everyday to stay well. I live on benefits/welfare funded by taxes free at the point of use. If I lived in the USA I'd be one of those nutters ranting on the street because I couldn't afford treatment. I'm glad for the NHS it helps me God bless
The Australian system is much the same as UK. America's system will never change as it's ALL about money only. The insurance and pharmaceutical companies control it and they are about profit.
You are such a well-balanced individual - incisive and well-researched comments pronounced in a super-intelligent manner. Just exceptional stuff Amanda, long may you continue to provide such great video reactions!
Never mind banging pots and pans to support the NHS. I totally understand why the general public did it, out of a sense of gratitude, and it came from a genuine place. When politicians did it though, it came across as cynical and self serving. They could try to redeem themselves by paying the exhausted and demodalised staff a decent wage.
well said sir, i personally could not bring myself to go outside and bang a pot because, 1. with people who voted for the government that has killed tens of thousands through incompetence and the theft of billions of tax payers money by way of contracts for the old boy's network, 2. i, like many others knew that when the public service pay rises came, the f you i'm alright party could never resist the chance to humiliate the doctors nurses porters, all the people who risked theirs and their families lives day after day to try to save precious life, 1% ? what filth is this ?
People like easy, empty twee gestures in this country and equally empty and meaningless slogans. Unfortunately, when it comes to doing something that can actually make a difference, like voting for governments (don’t reply saying “we vote for MPs at GEs, not governments, it amounts to the same thing once the seats are counted…) people revert to type. You can bang pots and pans as much as you like but it’s not going to pay for an extra nurse or put another few million in the pot for the NHS.
It's evident that the NHS is in something of a parlous state at the moment, what withthe pandemic and how people with other emergencies are having to wait for what could be a long time before they're attended to; as well as how GP surgeries have to deal with patients during the pandemic, with very little face-to-face interaction, and consultations either via Zoom or over the phone; as well as how general social care is administered to those outside of the hospital service. Clearly, a huge amount of money has now to be pumped into the NHS to safeguard the ideology and practice of the institution in today's and future circumstances. Nevertheless, whatever its travails, the NHS is still remarkable, something to be admired and treasured and perpetuated.
Wow some scary amounts of money there Amanda. It sounds like much of the financial benefits of living in the US such as higher salaries, lower taxes and lower house prices/rent is offset by high medical insurance premiums.
ON the down side my sister in law ( a nurse) suffered a botched operation. Death came before settlement of the court case. My niece (a cancer nurse practioner) earn a VERY good living. Both were in USA. I'm glad I live in UK as my family has since the year 843.
I tore my knee ligaments 2 days into my 10 day Atlanta Georgia holiday in 2018, I had to suck it up as my medical insurance wasn't enough to cover treatment! 😬 🇬🇧 🛬 🇺🇸 I must say though, their painkillers 💊 were top notch in dulling the pain until I returned to Manchester.
A friend of mine actually did this, almost. He was working in the US, fractured his arm playing rugby. Instead of going to hospital he just went straight to the airport and flew home. He actually had health insurance, but would still have to pay 20% (or something) of the bill and a flight to blighty was cheaper, or so he says.
@@alpine_newt Yeah I’ve heard some insurance policies only pay something like 80%. But when you’re talking $25,000 that means you would have to pay $5000. I used to have my phone insured for £10 a month. When I broke my screen the repair cost was £100. But my insurers would only pay 50%.
This contrasts with the case of a visiting US citizen suffering an accident in the UK of a similar type, who would receive free treatment. Emergency treatment is always free.
My mother was terminally ill so I looked after her until the end I can't imagine the debt that I would be in right now if we had a similar scheme over here to The American system as she had a lot of hospital visits, I'd always wanted to live in America it's so vast and has such beautiful landscapes to explore but this fact about the US Healthcare jaded my enthusiasm.
Sorry to hear about your mother, my dad had lots of health issues dementia, heart failure ,one lung, bladder cancer skin cancer he was 95. We took him home and the nhs set up a virtual ward hospital bed, oxygen , drip feeds, nurses twice a day doctor on call 15 minutes max cleaning and sanitizing materal, all in his lounge where he could lay watch the squirrels and birds in his garden cost nothing its well worth the extra tax
$8000 for a busted leg..!! Think I'd rather wait for it to heal. Even if it ended up facing in the opposite direction ... thank god for the NHS , even with the waiting lists.. 🏥🚑💉💊...
I'm an expat living in the USA and on the way to work I listen to the commercials on the radio. When I hear a commercial for medication, I hear a very basic list of symptoms and then a narrative of ',you may need to see the doctor' it really plays the hypochondriacs it's sad, don't even get me on 'warning, this product may kill you' segment 😳
I sometimes wonder if one of the reasons for the obesity problem in the US is that people simply can't risk taking part in some sporting activities in case they have a sporting injury. People in the UK continue to play contact sports well into middle age and in some cases old age. They can do this knowing that for example if they were to break a leg they won't have to worry about the cost of getting that injury treated. So they stay healthier. I'm also convinced that one of the reasons that the healthcare insurance industry can continue to dissuade Americans from demanding Universal Healthcare is that those who favour a Universal system never seem to talk about the one thing people do understand and that is money. Those for Universal Health Care quote the cost of healthcare and how expensive it is to be treated. While the healthcare insurance companies and their political allies talk about increased taxes. If those in favour were to say "it costs a UK (or any other country) person who works and earns $X per year $X per year in increased taxes, compared to the same person in the US having to pay $X in medical insurance premiums." In most cases the American would discover they are paying more for their private healthcare than they would be paying in taxes and still have to pay extra in things like deductibles and co-pay. When people have two numbers to compare they can make real decisions something that is hard to do with abstract concepts.
I live in the US and recently lost my job, I have several prescriptions I need to take for various ailments, with my health coverage, I paid zero to $3 for my prescriptions. Now, they cost me the best part of $400. I managed to get a medical plan, but it only provides a "discount" for my drugs, which results in a few dollars off. My hubby works full time but earns too much for us to get Obamacare, his company has a very costly and useless system so he is on my "bottom of the barrel" health insurance, he also had cancer, twice, so who knows what if that comes back. Anyhow, my point is, it suuuuucks!! I miss the NHS!
So many people from the UK and Europe don’t realise this danger when moving to the States, it sounds like you aren’t American, if you have the choice move back to somewhere with a decent healthcare system.
Nice, I live in London now but did stay in Minneapolis for a few months. Fractured my toe playing basketball but the company I worked for settled the bill so all good. I think a lot of costs can depend on what company support you have. Of course the same applies in the UK, my most recent hospital stays for carpal tunnel was done privately at a hospital in Harrow and that was an excellent experience - didn't pay anything! The NHS though are amazing and do so much great work, I could not speak more highly of them - I'm pleased they got a 3% pay increase which is fully deserved.
Blows my mind that the Americans are fine with that kind of system, basic medical care should always be free or at least very affordable. Seems like it would be cheaper to just move to another country than risk getting ill or any kind of injury there.
So basically if someone gets cancer and they can't afford treatment......that's it, they have to go through pain, suffering and death without medical treatment??
I had a heart attack in April. I was rushed from a local hospital to a university hospital's specialist heart unit, where I had a cardiac arrest. I had a stent and a balloon while being resuscitated for eight minutes. 25 hours in intensive care, a week on the ward. I was sent home with free access to the cardio rehab unit including a gym, alongside a month's supply of platelet, blood thinning, heart rate and blood pressure medication. Total cost? £0.00p.
In the UK we don't even pay for the food. The NHS is the most important and best human-made entity on the planet.
hear hear.
It's also the cheapest comprehensive healthcare as a % of GDP.
Isn't it a wonderful thing? Yet I bet you believe it is the brain child of the Labour party!! That is where you would be wrong. The NHS system is the brainchild of none other than Winston Churchill. He first set the idea out in Parliament in 1908.
If Bevan had NOT been the health care minister in WW2 the NHS would have started during the War, rather than waiting until after the end of the war. Bevan stopped Churchill implementing the NHS because he played politics with the care of people during the bombing of the cities here in the UK.
@@thetruthhurts7675 You mean Somerville Hastings in 1934, from an idea originally put forward in 1909. Winston Churchill and the Conservatives had nothing to do with it, but you keep peddling what you peddle.
@@thetruthhurts7675 Oh dear... have we caught a "Conservative" telling lies!? Seems very common recently.
@@MisterBurtonshaw Actually my politics in this are fully irrelevent. My main point here is to give credit to the person most responsible for the NHS. Bevan Blocked Churchill's every move in the war. Yet it was Churchill who first staked out the system now used in (of all places) France, which by the way is the best health care system in the world. Free completely at the point of use, and private work is only done after the medical staff have completed their work for the French NHS. Also the French private health care is cheaper than the French NHS charges. So put that in your pipe, and YES, the truith really does hurt doesn't it? Especially when you are a socialist and have the rug pulled from your feet!!
Personally the NHS for me is the best system in the world, but the WHO rates it lower than the French system.
As for lies A socialist calling a conservative a liar is a tad like the tea pot calling the kettle black!! Socialists are born liars Putin is the best example of this is he not?
Whatever your political persuasion, cherish the NHS and fight for its survival and the reversal of cuts and privatisation with every fibre of your being.
That is all.
Yes, the NHS is that rare beast in Britain of being something which most people generally agree on, regardless of where you sit on the political spectrum. Aside from a very small number of people, who aren’t really representative of that view, I think most people would want to keep it. Most of us have either needed treatment ourselves or know someone close to us who has.
The NHS saved my life , I had stage 3 rapidly moving to stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer and the treatment would have cost over £50,000. So despite people moaning about them I will be eternally grateful.
We do realise what have got , I hope you are getting better love Jeff
Thank you Jeff , everyone seems to complain about the NHS but without it the ordinary working class people would be absolutely nowhere, we heard Amanda tell us about the costs of hospital treatment , operations and childbirth etc in the USA and only the well heeled upper classes could afford that type of health system should it ever be introduced here in the uk. I am now in what they call remission and have now been able to return to work and I have to say it was hard at first and for a fairly long time after because it left me with type 2 diabetes which after the Hodgkin’s lymphoma I had to learn to control, but without the treatment from the excellent doctors and nurses at the hospital where I had my chemotherapy sessions I would not have been able to do anything ever again, and I thank each and every one because they were fantastic. Onwards and upwards, do not give up , do not give in !
Lived in the U.S. for 20 years, Brits dont relize its more then Disney and Dennys for 2 weeks
...and the current gov are steadily trying to turn the NHS into the US funded business model.
@@Welderady I was asking a friend how is was doing, he has been living with cancer for over 10 years, he is on a drug that is suppressing the cancer, some severe side effects, but it is keeping him alive. he told me that the cost of the drug is @ £250,000 per year, a lot more if he was in America, but as this is the UK the cost to him is £0.
Land of the ‘free?’ USA is going down the rankings for almost everything. Great post though Amanda, I do like your content.
Land of the bankrupt
@@lovejetfuel4071 Unfortunately often morally bankrupt. And before anyone complains, think about the fact that the US is meant to be a christian nation with christian values. Then compare these values to what actually happens.
More like 'The Land of stu-pidi-ty and the home of the af-raid'. I'm using the beats of their national anthem.
@@nickryan3417 I'm not sure what you think "Christian values" account for considering a past full of genocide and burning people at the stake.
Also.. I'm not sure the U.K. would be in a position to talk about moral bankruptcy, with museums full of other people's stuff.
@@violetgray6384 I wrote "meant to be a christian nation with christian values", not actually upholds any of these at all. Google these values if you want to see how none of them seem to apply to the US (as an entity), but little things like all men being equal, charity (compared to greed), and so on all seem to have been forgotten as they are inconvenient.
As for the UK, the top of government is filled by incompetent narcissistic lying charlatans and we are trying to catch up...
The NHS are amazing I've just spent 2 weeks in hospital and I'm literally blown away by the level of care and Compassion they gave me. I'm literally crying here thinking about how great full I am to them. The nurses are angels all of them
They're fantastic at front line (GP/A&E) but I've been on a waiting list for 5 years now. It makes me tut when everyone says they're wonderful, they're really not.
It's a fact that America is light years behind when it comes to health care. Those who are against a national health care system need to take their heads out their arses and stop kidding themselves that America is a great nation. Long live the nhs.
Yes David jackson well said
"need to take their heads out their arses"
Or, possibly, GROW a 'head' first !!!
Hadn't you heard? 'Socialized' health care is one step away from Communism. Once the US lets the Commies in then what next?! I'll tell you what...statues to Castro in Miami, that's what !!!
It wouldn't be America without some suits fleecing people. That's the American way. Pay, or die.
@@lewilewis3944 glad I don't live there. I'll stick with good old blighty. Also it's not socialism. It's common sense.
@@davidjackson7814 Same, mate, the NHS saved my life last July. In the US? I wouldn't have called 111 and have a very astute operator call an ambulance asap.
My comment above was just ripping it out of the average GOP fan.
Great video again Amanda, I love the NHS. One of the uks best assets. Nobody should be bankrupt over being ill. And nobody should be making a profit over healthcare.
I completely agree 🙂
In the video you mentioned one downside of the NHS was the waiting times in some cases, the reason for the difference in wait times is that people in the UK don't have to self triage on a financial basis, cost isn't a factor in deciding whether you want to see a doctor or go to hospital, which will lead to a greater proportion of the population accessing the health service. Unfortunately this can lead to some people using the service for trivial or unnecessary reasons.
Yes, that dies happen. I remember telling my sister off for goiñg to the doctor, because she had a cold, she asked the doctor for anti biotics and complaining that he didn't prescribe any. I explained to her that antibiotics are for germs not viruses, I don't think she believed me nor the doctor. You can't fix stupid.
I would gladly pay more on my national insurance,so long as it went to the NHS
Why National Insurance? The NHS is funded from general taxation, not NI. www.kingsfund.org.uk/projects/nhs-in-a-nutshell/how-nhs-funded
I'm sure national insurance is a 'fund' you pay into in order to provide you with a state pension. The amount of state pension you receive per week is governed by the number of full years NI contributions you have paid.
@@chrisaskin6144 Correct, but NI also pays for things like Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support, Winter Fuel Payments etc.
@@_starfiend The NHS is funded mainly from general taxation supplemented by National Insurance contribution
@@_starfiend nearly right, NI pays for insurance benefits such as job seekers, but universal credit comes out of general taxation. Any surplus in the fund is lent to the treasury through bonds which earn the fund interest.
I have worked for the NHS for 22 years and I’m in no doubt it’s one of this country’s crowning achievements. I’ve never been to the USA but I have travelled throughout Europe, where many countries have healthcare systems that aren’t free at the point of care, however many have some sort of government sponsored support for patients who can’t afford to cover the costs up front as a kind of safety net. All the Americans I’ve spoken to have always said that we don’t realise how lucky we are to have the health service we do.
What European countries have you been to? As long as Britain was a European country, you should have been treated equally to the locals in every member state. Now that you've got your "freedom" it must definitely be different.
In all European countries healthcare systems are similar to NHS. Sometimes you have to pay couple of Euros for visit but overall universal healthcare exists everywhere just not in USA.
I am so happy the NHS took care of you, they are always there when you need them, it really infuriates me when I hear that the American "health care" is so bad , I have seen Americans demonstrate about many things from Vietnam to BLM so why do I not see demonstrations about health care and hopefully force a change
Some years ago I was working with an American engineer, here in the UK, he came from somewhere in the deep American South, he was a very good engineer, but very typical American very Loud and America was best at everything. He was also a type 1 diabetic.
He had to extend his stay as his machine was not working correctly, because of this he was going to run out of insulin. The customer arranged for him to see a local GP. When he came back he was very quiet for the rest of the day. We asked him what was up, he said he did not have to pay to see the GP or for the insulin, he just could not understand why.
I bet he was in shock haha
I imagine, as a loud boy from the south, there are probably a lot of things he does not understand.
@@jamesreynolds2867 he make the mistake of telling us his hobby was wearing reproduction medieval suits of armour, he was called Sir Lancelot after that, he just could not work out if he should be offended or pleased. When he finally left we gave him a can of 3 in 1 oil and some wire wool, for his armour.
@@paulhill1665 Did he have to return to America because his visor expired?
@@jamesreynolds2867 no, he got the machine working correctly.
This is why, amongst developed countries, the USA has the shortest life expectancy, highest infant mortality rate and the highest maternal mortality rate. These are major indicators of the quality of health care. So all that expenditure is simply not producing the results. I often hear citizens of the USA talk about the level of innovation and technology. Great, show us how that is benefitting the population compared to other developed countries which have universal health care!
It benefits those that have the means and tragically in a country where capitalism and wealth accumulation is practically a religion and the attitude is if " your poor, it is because your lazy" what would one expect. So, if you don't get the best healthcare because you cannot afford it, somehow you deserve it.
Out government is very corrupt and greedy. Don’t come here !
Definitely one area where we Brits have an edge on the US.
Even though I have many American friends the main reason I would never move to the US is that I have a pre-existing condition that would make getting medical insurance difficult.
Don't want to diss on America but a country that puts gun ownership as a higher priority in terms of rights than healthcare needs to re-examine its priorities.
Not for long, the NHS will be franchised-out to US-owned companies within the next couple of years.
@@TheBaconWizard
"the NHS will be franchised-out to US-owned companies"
Who says ? The British Public MAY put up with all this 'safe-distancing'/'look after Granny'/'face-masks are good for you' BS for a while................................but the DESTRUCTION of the NHS ? Somehow, I don't think it'd be a great vote-winner for whichever Corporate Sock Puppet (aka Prime Minister) happens to be pretending to be 'in charge' at the moment. It MIGHT, however, just wake up enough folk to get off their complacent, fat arses - and find out for THEMSELVES (at last) how the World REALLY works..........outside their television-concocted fantasy.
@@TheBaconWizard lolllll lefties have been saying this for years and its never happened. 😂
@@FrankCastlesConscience Lockhead Martin are already one of the largest contractors. More tenders have been seen in the last month. Fail.
@@TheBaconWizard I think that you have to ask the question “what does the NHS mean to you?”; my answer would be “healthcare that is free at the point of need”. In that case I am not really concerned about private companies performing procedures on behalf of the NHS just as I am not concerned who is cleaning the hospitals. Obviously my expectation is that these companies provide their services to an acceptable level.
Really appreciate the quality research here.
Thank you 😊
I have to admit the US puzzles me in many ways. I remember some years ago, drivers stopped buying petrol until the oil companies scrapped plans to increase prices, yet they accept grossly expensive health care without any protest. We can all do without our cars more than we can do without our health, surely?
Not in America 🤷🏻♂️
Actually that's probably the exact reason. The U.S. healthcare system has it's people over a barrel because it's comply or die. Meanwhile it was merely inconvenient to not use vehicles in protest of the oil companies.
I dated a US girl for a year and travelled for 3 months through the US and it came over strongly to me in conversation, that the 'average' US person sees the benefit of NHS healthcare, but did not trust their own government to actually spend $ collected via tax, on healthcare! They had/have zero trust in the integrity of the political process, to follow through...
"They had/have zero trust in the integrity of the political process"
Well, they've learned _something_ across the Pond, at any rate !
It's funny listening to that and also hearing that the poeple in the USA say the UK pay to much tax for the NHS. That monthly insurance payment. It's more then we pay in tax and national insurance as a couple for a month.
And NI contributions cover pensions and unemployment as well
Exactly. Many Americans are indoctrinated in lies about taxes from a young age. They're told they have the freedom to choose from the market instead of the state providing these services. The market is corrupt as hell because there's no incentive not to be. The pressure on corporations is to maximise profits, not to behave ethically. So you end up with a charge for holding your own baby in a maternity ward and it's typical across the board because each hospital adopts each new charging "innovation". And that's just the tip of the iceberg. For-profit prisons where the state is financially incentivised to incarcerate? Universities which charge you a mortgage for a decent sized house to get a graduate degree that many not help you secure employment sufficient to pay it back, with interest accruing every year. Costs are ridiculous because there's no incentive to control them. Inequality is just accepted as a fact of life. Needing charity is forcing poor people to fawn over rich benefactors to have any change to progress socially. The US is heading into its very own socioeconomic cul-de-sac that will be very painful if it ever loses its status of holding the world's reserve currency. Huge capital inflows and irresponsible lending mask structural problems in the US economy and society. Watch what happens if there's any brake on the ability to raise treasury debt.
I could listen to her voice all day, more calming than diazepam
Working in the NHS for over a decade including working at a doctor's surgery for homeless people (I manage computer bits and administration), the NHS is not perfect but it's also basic common sense. Nobody can help being ill so there's no need go deny people the chance to be so.
We are very lucky to have the NHS in this country, in Wales we don't have to pay for prescriptions. I do however have to wait to see a doctor unless it's an emergency.
I remember as a child, probably around 1983ish, I had to go to A&E (stood on a rusty nail). An American family on holiday were there with a little girl who'd fallen and fractured her wrist. After she was plastered up and discharged her parents simply couldn't believe there wasn't a bill to pay. They were in discussion with the A&E receptionist for ages trying to pay her with various credit cards as she kept repeating that there was nothing to pay. I often wonder if they ever got a follow up bill, since care for non-UK citizens is meant to be reimbursed. Even as a kid, though, I remember feeling immensely proud of the NHS as I sat there with blood filling my trainer!
Non-emergency medical care is reimbursed, for emergency care, it is always free.
Wow, scary scary stuff! My sister in Indiana freaked out about what it would have cost if one of her family ended up in hospital with covid. Even with insurance. People here complain a lot about the NHS but they dont know what they have.
I completely agree, it’s truly wonderful
@@LADYRAEUK The NHS yes, the covid hospital costs, not so much😂
Hahaha no not that 🤣
The problem with it being free is people take it for granted. I work in the N.H.S and the number of people who don’t turn up for appointments or cancel within 24 hours giving you no time to fill that slot again is frustrating, especially when there are lots of others desperate for that appointment slot also.
@@jamescockings6852 I hear you James, I'm sure it's frustrating beyond belief. Not sure how many times people don't pitch because of another emergency but I can't believe it's a great deal. Thank you for your efforts by the way, its truly appreciated.
NHS has saved my life twice. No complaints from me! 👏🥰
Proud Welshman here if not for Nye Bevan we would all be in that leaky boat
Well said.
Indeed - interestingly the NHS was based on the collective health service created by miners in the Welsh valleys prior to WWII, ^oo^
Paul Bryan, :
It Wasn't Nye Beven's Idear It Was The Health Committee, BUT I Can't Think Of The Name Of The Committee, In 1943, ?????????? So Beven Can't Claim Credit For NHS, Puls The Medical Profession Tried To Ruin The NHS, Sending Patience To Hospital For Six Months For An Ingrown toenail fungus, Or A Broken Finger, !!!!!!!!!!;!!!!!!!!!!!;, And It's Hasn't STOPPED Today, Bed locking, As For Beven He Was A Winging Missarble Git Who As Far As He Was Concerned The Only Person Who Was Brought Up Poor,, And Had It Tough, My Dad Was Brought Up Poor, And Died With £,027,' Pence In His Pocket, In 1983, Beven Hated Everybody, Even Clement Attlee's This Is Why He Was Sacked, For Being A Missarble Git,. And If I May Say An Insult To Cyrmu 🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴, And Did Vertchaly Nothing For Cyrmu,. NEVER Even Visited The Survive's Of Ab-afan, NOT Once,.
@@susanhughs1031
Bevan helped lead the group forming the nhs. He died in 1960. Aberfan was in 1966. Are you on drugs?
@@susanhughs1031 Wow that's some vitriol there have a look at your spellcheck not sure it's working
Really informative video again, Amanda. You are far and away my favourite "Yank in the UK" poster - always so interesting and balanced, and your voice is SO easy to listen to. As always, you come across as a really lovely person, and I am so glad you chose to make your home here. OK, the NHS has plenty of faults, for sure. My wife works in the NHS - in oncology pharmacy - and she can see what could be better. But - like me - she is so proud of what it does RIGHT! At far less cost than the US, or most other, developed nation systems. You have shown us Brits, in your videos, reasons why we should be proud of our (and your adopted) country. The fact that we can get all this for free in the UK is one of those reasons.
Well after watching this, all I can say is, "God bless the NHS".
Why should she get all the credit!?
Thank the real men and women who keep it running.
Yes I agree I am glad I live here I am diabetic I would be in trouble in the USA 🚜🚜🚜🚜
@@righthandofdoom77 what are you on about? The NHS isn't a person....
@@-moondust- it is! The people that work in the NHS ARE the NHS. The nurses, doctors, receptionists, cleaners...
@@-moondust- is English your second language?
I have Multiple Sclerosis the medication I am on would cost $7500 per month in America. Without this medication, I would not be able to work or even live a life that is worth living. I will never have a bad word for the NHS they have saved people close to me.
The NHS is not perfect but they are doing the best they can with the money this government allocate them which is not enough.
I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when I was 18 in 1991.
I fought for it and have been on Copaxone (or the generic Brabio) for 18 years. I am also on Tizinidine (Zanaflex) and several other prescriptions as I also have asthma, eczema and hay-fever.
So as a result I am grateful to the NHS for everything that it has done to help me. I am monitored yearly by the neurologist as when I was originally put on Copaxone it was part of a study called the Risk Sharing Scheme which started in 2002. I started it later that year or in the beginning of 2003.
The NHS has helped me with several things and I do realise that without it I would probably not be here.
We need to protect it and not abuse it. The NHS is brilliant, yes there are a few problems with it but I am glad that we have it.
One of my earliest memories, was about 4, is being airlifted in a yellow helicopter from RAF Chivenor to a car par in Exeter. We were snowed in and I had the measles and a fever. My mother and I were then transferred in an ambulance to the hospital where we stayed until I was well.
We are very lucky indeed to have the NHS in the UK. I hope they never loose it. They were going that way pre-covid, but I hope that this goes to proove that we still need them! Good video again Amanda x
Thank you! Hope you’re well 😊
Any system that can through no fault or blame can utterly destroy someone because of illness or accident is absurd.
Agreed
Thank you Amanda for this video.
Your appreciation of your treatment in giving birth is humbling.
I'm so happy things turned out well.
I also count myself lucky to have been treated recently, relatively quickly in the wake of the pandemic before things got more serious.
Whilst I feel for people suffering on waiting lists and there will obviously cases of substandard treatment, I suspect the vast majority of us will be dealt with well for no extra cost.
I'm working and currently pay about £22 a week for National Insurance. (Earn about £300 a week take home pay after the Government and National Insurance Tax) I've paid various amounts depending on wage since I was 18 - 56 now, luckily I've never needed the service for much in my life but if I need it, it's there for me, as an example, my mother who died last year, was in Critical Care, would have cost over £2000 a day but was essentially free for the 5 days she was there before they moved her to the "Wait till she Dies ward" about £800 a day, because as a nation, we all paid for that regardless of who needed it. I'm happy to pay tax for anyone because I'm covered too by other people paying National Insurance tax, it's a win-win for any illness you could possibly conceive of getting in your own lifetime here in the UK.
Our free health service and free education are our finest achievements. (I know its not free as such, but all working people contribute)
I remember watching Michael Moore documentary 'sicko' about US medical care system.He spoke to a man who sliced off two of his fingers with a band saw.He could only afford to save one of his fingers so he chose his wedding ring finger.imagine having to make a choice like that!
Wow. And the sheer callousness of a system being capable of that cruelty.
didnt know you had complications in your labour amanda im glad your ok though👍great video as always, i love the NHS its one of the best things about our country,even cpt tom (rip sir) raised over 33 million for it.
Thank you 🙂
Its understandable that costs are so high as those delivering care have to earn enough to pay for their own healthcare. It is outrageous that costs vary and its clear this is about profits and pay for those at the top of the tree. I was once interviewed for a Job at John Hopkins (working in diabetes) and even during the interview they stressed the need to appreciate that patients have different health insurances and that some are overlooked if their policy isn't the right one. I have to say as an NHS nurse charging for every element of care goes against the ethos of nursing full stop. Great job Amanda
Out of those high costs, 30% is spent just on the administration.
Absolutely spot on!!!! But ppl still moan and complain in the UK!! The NHS the best thing since sliced bread I am so lucky to be a well treated patient 💖
🙂👍🙂
Very true, but when people have only lived in the UK they tend to take it for-granted and only see the negatives. For most people, its only when they have to experience the US style health care "industry" that they begin to fully appreciate how wonderful the NHS is. I include myself in that statement too.
My late wife was American, and she thought the NHS was the best thing ever. She appreciated so much.
Not long after she moved to the UK she felt unwell. So I suggested a visit to the doctor. She said that we couldn’t afford it.
I then explained that it was free. It blew her mind.
It also amazed her that she got her prescriptions for free (thyroid).
She cried, because it was the first time she had been able to get all the meds she needed in years.
We figured out that she lived about 10 years longer in the UK, just because she could afford her meds. She had a lot of serious medical issues.
I once decided to look into the difference between US and UK healthcare.
It turned out that US taxpayers paid more than double for Medicare and Medicaid, than UK taxpayers were paying for the NHS.
They then needed health insurance on top of that.
My conclusion was, that the people of the USA, and in particular US taxpayers, are being ripped off.
My thoughts are with you. And i wish I could share this Scotch with you. Love light and peace, Sir.
sorry snowdog its not free ,the nhs gets about £100,000 a week from the tax payer
@@cliveturner4980 It's very cheap - 7.2% of GDP vs 16.9% of GDP in America for a crappy system that doesn't cover everyone - In fact, the NHS is one of the two cheapest systems in the G7, with on overage one of best outcomes for patients, ^oo^
peace to you sir, thank you for your honesty.
@@cliveturner4980 It is free at point of use. Also I did mention it is funded by UK taxpayers.
You're figures are way out too.
I stand by my earlier point, US Taxpayers are being ripped off.
a US citizen in hospital for covid for 42 days given a 181 page bill for $1.1million.
a UK citizen in hospital for covid for 167 days, leaves
The NHS saved my life twice and my grandaughter's life when she had a car accident and lost her spleen, she is fine now but we love the NHS💕💕🙏🙏💕🙏🙏
I live in spain which also has a system similar to the uk..in the last 4 years I have had
A double bypass
A replacement heart valve
Three stents
A pacemaker
All free and promptly administered. I also have a regular monthly check up with with my cardiologist.
Hope you're OK now
@@georgina3358 as good as expected thanks
Congratulations Amanda Rae for moving to the Uk 🇬🇧 on the Grounds of health care
Very smart decision love ❤️
😘😘😘😘😘.
🙌🙌the best!
It makes me wonder whether the refusal to introduce a universal healthcare system is tied to too many people in positions of power having their money invested in medical companies, and they just don't want to see their own income & capital diminish? Echoing what others have said, the NHS may have its faults, but it is a service to be cherished.
😊👍🏻👍🏻
Exactly. It is a health for profit system, as opposed to a healthcare system. Unfortunately the few wealthy % still call the shots.
This is an eye-opener. If you are not seriously ill when visiting the doctor you will be when the bill arrives. Do pensioners get free prescription drugs in the US like UK? Another good one Amanda.
Not necessarily, it all depends on their health insurance
Thank you 😊
@@LADYRAEUK Right!
Cheers, Amanda: I also wondered what ‘co-pays,’ and ‘deductibles’ were.
(I hate to bring politics into this: but I’ve always had the impression American Conservatives opposed a UK style NHS: as they regard it as a wast of government money. I’ve always felt the NHS is what tax income’s for.)
If you’ve got some serious problem like a stroke or heart attack you’ll be seen in no time. I was having heart attack treatment within the hour. Certainly there can be long waits for some things but I’d rather wait than be pushed into penury.
As an employed person in Britain I pay for my prescriptions but, I've been in hospital a couple of times (broken leg, chest infection) and it cost me nothing. Same thing with A ane E (ER in America)I've had cuts, broken fingers, costs you nothing but bus fare getting there
Like many Brits, when I lived there (up till 1992) I used to complain about the NHS. But then I moved overseas and saw how horrendous it can be under a US system, I had completely changed my opinions.
The difference is, in the UK sick people are called "patients" and the process is "health care service", in the US they are called "customers" and the process is "health care industry".
That pretty much sums it up, it’s awful
@@LADYRAEUK thats creeping into the NHS and elsewhere
I heard of the astronomical costs for health care in the USA. But what shocks me more is why US citizens tolerate it and haven’t risen up in their millions to demand a change to a NHS type of system especially as US nationals know it can be done and most countries across the world have copied the NHS blueprint, even some 3rd world nations. I guess it’s going to take a lot of work for the money men to give up their profits 😱
just say the words "socialised health care" as opposed to socialised- police service, army, government, road system, parks and rec, NASA, etc etc
@@gavinmorris154 Good points, I assume their Education system before adulthood and further education is payed for by the taxpayers. Imagine not wanting someone else’s children to learn to read and write because you don’t want to pay towards them if they suddenly rejected a socialised education system. A very strange attitude towards health in the USA sadly.
Too many US politicians receiving bungs (both Democrats & Rinos) from Health Co's (Lobbying) for there EVER to be a change.
@@0utcastAussie Ain't that the truth!
……because the spectres thrown up by McCarthy on certain words in the 50s still resonate through enough of the USA to hinder any social program. The downside of the American Dream is that while it instills the idea that anyone could succeed the corollary is that it instills in too many that if you don’t its your fault and that includes illness so people believe they are covering people who didnt do their share. The UK isnt immune to that attitude, its just there arent thinking that way about medical provision enough to remove the NHS yet.
Another great video, keep up the good work 👍
Thank you 😊
It's good to hear from Amanda because she's first hand experience of both systems. I think the NHS is abused in some cases and not perfect but it's still preferable to the American system. Basically the US prefers to spend its tax dollars on the military rather than the health of its citizens.
MRI scan in UK is valued at $450.00
but you pay nothing
Hi Amanda,
Yes crazy the costs of healthcare in the US and ultimately if you've not got your health what have you got? I speak from experience of my mum spending 12 years in and out of hospital with cancer and the serious side effects and myself spending considerable time in hospital with my asthma and eczema for the first 8 years of my life.
I watched one of those US medical reality shows recently where an ambalance was called to a biker that had taken a high speed spill on the highway and was concussed and confused but refused to go to hospital as he couldn't afford the ride or any treatment! How sad is that in such a powerful country people are making life and death decisions due to costs?
It's absolutely terrible.. it should never be that way..
I had a heart attack last year at work, ambulance trip, 3 day Hospital stay, private en-suite room, X-rays, Mri scan and Angiogram. I hate to think how much it would have cost me in the States! Still on 5 different medications a day, and not a penny in cost, not even for the drugs.
That's the way it should be! 🙂
Well the company did take that bill for you? But even you have to payed it yourself, it wouldnt cost that much.
The whole thing is about choice. If someone wants to pay for their treatment in the UK for faster treatment, they can. There is a huge Private Healthcare system here.
I heard snippets of how bad it was but that truly is shocking no pun intended. Thanks for info Amanda will need to look into health cover if I finally make the trip to US just in case
I spend a lot of time in the US but luckily have never had to use the healthcare system, it’s nuts…. You even have idiots trying to get rid of a system that gave affordable care to population!
Thank you for your videos Amanda. Glad you are enjoying the UK. My personal experience with the UK healthcare system was not as good as yours as I lived in the Great Northwest. You are entirely correct healthcare in the USA can be bloody dear. As with anything anywhere you get what you pay for.
Last year, my son had an accident at work and his thumb was nearly sliced off. At the hospital (after having a negative Covid test) he underwent nearly four hours of micro-surgery to reattach his blood vessel and tendon by the top surgeon in that field. A removable cast was made to protect his hand/wrist and thumb to help aid the recovery process. The area was then bandaged and placed in a sponge sling for extra padding. He also had a follow up appointment to check for infection and how it was healing. I'm glad to say that his thumb was saved and he is back at work. He didn't pay a penny (other than his taxes which contribute to the healthcare system) which means that he continued his life as normal without worrying about being in debt etc. We are so thankful for the NHS!! One reason as to why I wouldn't want to live in America. Well.... that and the guns!
I love hearing stories like that, I'm so glad it all worked out 🙂
Amanda I'm finding your vlogs fascinating .your voice is so soothing and the topics are great xxxx
Thank you so much 😊
I work in the NHS and its amazing ❤
Got a Gall Stone - this has involved 3 trips to Emergency Dept (one in a Ambulance) and will mean having my Gall Bladder whipped out. I couldn't afford that in the US. Doc's in the NHS do make mistakes but at least we don't pay thousands for the privilege of this
NHS brilliant 💯👏👏👏👏🇬🇧🏴
I had triple bypass surgery in the UK last year. My surgeon told me it would have cost £32,000 if I’d had to pay for it. The treatment and care were exemplary and I don’t believe I could have got better care anywhere else in the world. Thank God we have the NHS, it has been the greatest thing the UK has ever created. Nobody should be afraid of seeking medical help for themselves or their children because of cost. And to make people bankrupt because of illness should not happen in a civilised society.
I completely agree, it's absolutely terrible
Neither Mrs C or would not be here beyond childhood without the NHS ,I believe that is why we both became nurses ,good post Amanda, best wishes from the wirral....E
A really good post, Amanda! Near the end, when you said, "Maybe the US will have an NHS-style health care system, one day..." ...and I thought, "That will never happen! The MOMENT that a US senator, or congressman (or Congresswoman) suggests a govt-funded national health care system, you would hear opposing politicians scream, "THAT'S SOCIALISM!" It happened 50 years ago, it would most likely happen again.
A girl can dream lol
@@LADYRAEUK Hey, I'm all for dreams! Without dreams, there is no progress.
I bet you are glad to live in in the UK
Such a beautiful video, as a Brit I'm always complaining about something but my god the NHS is amazing and god bless all our front line workers ♥️
Yes 😊👍🏻👍🏻
I saw a documentary recently about a high school teacher in the US who resorted to making crystal meth just to pay his healthcare costs
That’s terrible
I'd go as far as to say it's Bad.
Here in NZ, we have free health care, but you also have the option to go private. Most prescription drugs are massively subsidized. For example I'm diabetic and I only pay $20 a year for my insulin that actually costs $3,200. I don't know the costs of other meds, but for the $190 that I spend yearly on meds probably comes to at least $10k.
Scary, very very scary.
That’s unbelievable thank god we live in Uk 🙏
Like I said last time, Thank God for the NHS
Now retired for three years, I worked for 28 years with the NHS, not on the medical side, but in a support role. Everyone in the NHS is important to the cohesiveness of the organisation be it doctor, nurse, cleaner, porter, mechanic or therapists (and so many other roles). Working there was some of the best years of my life, with great people and a rewarding career. I fully understand the pressures people are always under that work for it, so please do not take this great British benefit for granted.
i work full time, so i know my taxes pay for the NHS , for people that do not work or cannot , it is cool , i have been there in my time , i love the NHS for all the work they do
This is an excellent video, well researched and presented 👍
Thank you 😊
back when i was 15 years of age (a long long time ago ) i had to have open heart surgery to repair a hole , my wife now is under-going treatment/surgery for double breast cancer , god bless our beloved N.H.S.,,
My thoughts go out to you both 🙂
My daughter was also born under the caring hands of the NHS, in Poole Dorset, and I can't thank them enough.
I now live in Turkey, and the health care system here was a real surprise in the best possible way, in every way comparable or at times better than the NHS.
For example, an MRI scan for my back was completed within 5 days of my initial consultation with my family doctor, and completely free of charge.
The US healthcare system has always shocked me. A civilized country takes care of its sick. Fact.
I'm mentally ill since 1998 I live in a mental health care home with 24/7 staff here in the UK it costs me nothing I don't even pay for the 16 tablets I need to take everyday to stay well. I live on benefits/welfare funded by taxes free at the point of use. If I lived in the USA I'd be one of those nutters ranting on the street because I couldn't afford treatment. I'm glad for the NHS it helps me
God bless
The Australian system is much the same as UK. America's system will never change as it's ALL about money only. The insurance and pharmaceutical companies control it and they are about profit.
Wow shocking we love our NHS ❤️
😊👍🏻
You are such a well-balanced individual - incisive and well-researched comments pronounced in a super-intelligent manner. Just exceptional stuff Amanda, long may you continue to provide such great video reactions!
Never mind banging pots and pans to support the NHS. I totally understand why the general public did it, out of a sense of gratitude, and it came from a genuine place. When politicians did it though, it came across as cynical and self serving. They could try to redeem themselves by paying the exhausted and demodalised staff a decent wage.
well said sir, i personally could not bring myself to go outside and bang a pot because, 1. with people who voted for the government that has killed tens of thousands through incompetence and the theft of billions of tax payers money by way of contracts for the old boy's network, 2. i, like many others knew that when the public service pay rises came, the f you i'm alright party could never resist the chance to humiliate the doctors nurses porters, all the people who risked theirs and their families lives day after day to try to save precious life, 1% ? what filth is this ?
People like easy, empty twee gestures in this country and equally empty and meaningless slogans. Unfortunately, when it comes to doing something that can actually make a difference, like voting for governments (don’t reply saying “we vote for MPs at GEs, not governments, it amounts to the same thing once the seats are counted…) people revert to type.
You can bang pots and pans as much as you like but it’s not going to pay for an extra nurse or put another few million in the pot for the NHS.
Ananda great to hear that the NHS looked after you and your baby’s , ))) credit to our system glad to see your settled in the uk 🇬🇧))))) 👏 ❤️
Thank you 😊
It's evident that the NHS is in something of a parlous state at the moment, what withthe pandemic and how people with other emergencies are having to wait for what could be a long time before they're attended to; as well as how GP surgeries have to deal with patients during the pandemic, with very little face-to-face interaction, and consultations either via Zoom or over the phone; as well as how general social care is administered to those outside of the hospital service. Clearly, a huge amount of money has now to be pumped into the NHS to safeguard the ideology and practice of the institution in today's and future circumstances. Nevertheless, whatever its travails, the NHS is still remarkable, something to be admired and treasured and perpetuated.
you have a lovely voice i could listen to you talk all day
Wow some scary amounts of money there Amanda. It sounds like much of the financial benefits of living in the US such as higher salaries, lower taxes and lower house prices/rent is offset by high medical insurance premiums.
ON the down side my sister in law ( a nurse) suffered a botched operation. Death came before settlement of the court case. My niece (a cancer nurse practioner) earn a VERY good living. Both were in USA. I'm glad I live in UK as my family has since the year 843.
If I broke a leg in the US, I would soak up the pain and get a plane back to the U.K.
I tore my knee ligaments 2 days into my 10 day Atlanta Georgia holiday in 2018, I had to suck it up as my medical insurance wasn't enough to cover treatment! 😬 🇬🇧 🛬 🇺🇸 I must say though, their painkillers 💊 were top notch in dulling the pain until I returned to Manchester.
A friend of mine actually did this, almost. He was working in the US, fractured his arm playing rugby. Instead of going to hospital he just went straight to the airport and flew home. He actually had health insurance, but would still have to pay 20% (or something) of the bill and a flight to blighty was cheaper, or so he says.
@@donrhule1424
Ahhh...good old co codamol..it's a life saver..😁
@@alpine_newt Yeah I’ve heard some insurance policies only pay something like 80%. But when you’re talking $25,000 that means you would have to pay $5000.
I used to have my phone insured for £10 a month. When I broke my screen the repair cost was £100. But my insurers would only pay 50%.
This contrasts with the case of a visiting US citizen suffering an accident in the UK of a similar type, who would receive free treatment. Emergency treatment is always free.
i don't know if Amanda knows she's doing it but she is starting to drop her letters ,good to hear ,,,,
god bless the nhs
My mother was terminally ill so I looked after her until the end I can't imagine the debt that I would be in right now if we had a similar scheme over here to The American system as she had a lot of hospital visits, I'd always wanted to live in America it's so vast and has such beautiful landscapes to explore but this fact about the US Healthcare jaded my enthusiasm.
Sorry to hear about your mother, my dad had lots of health issues dementia, heart failure ,one lung, bladder cancer skin cancer he was 95. We took him home and the nhs set up a virtual ward hospital bed, oxygen , drip feeds, nurses twice a day doctor on call 15 minutes max cleaning and sanitizing materal, all in his lounge where he could lay watch the squirrels and birds in his garden cost nothing its well worth the extra tax
$8000 for a busted leg..!!
Think I'd rather wait for it to heal. Even if it ended up facing in the opposite direction ... thank god for the NHS , even with the waiting lists..
🏥🚑💉💊...
Right?! The NHS is brilliant!
I'm an expat living in the USA and on the way to work I listen to the commercials on the radio. When I hear a commercial for medication, I hear a very basic list of symptoms and then a narrative of ',you may need to see the doctor' it really plays the hypochondriacs it's sad, don't even get me on 'warning, this product may kill you' segment 😳
it's awful, I don't miss hearing them
I sometimes wonder if one of the reasons for the obesity problem in the US is that people simply can't risk taking part in some sporting activities in case they have a sporting injury. People in the UK continue to play contact sports well into middle age and in some cases old age. They can do this knowing that for example if they were to break a leg they won't have to worry about the cost of getting that injury treated. So they stay healthier.
I'm also convinced that one of the reasons that the healthcare insurance industry can continue to dissuade Americans from demanding Universal Healthcare is that those who favour a Universal system never seem to talk about the one thing people do understand and that is money. Those for Universal Health Care quote the cost of healthcare and how expensive it is to be treated. While the healthcare insurance companies and their political allies talk about increased taxes. If those in favour were to say "it costs a UK (or any other country) person who works and earns $X per year $X per year in increased taxes, compared to the same person in the US having to pay $X in medical insurance premiums." In most cases the American would discover they are paying more for their private healthcare than they would be paying in taxes and still have to pay extra in things like deductibles and co-pay. When people have two numbers to compare they can make real decisions something that is hard to do with abstract concepts.
God bless the NHS.
I live in the US and recently lost my job, I have several prescriptions I need to take for various ailments, with my health coverage, I paid zero to $3 for my prescriptions. Now, they cost me the best part of $400. I managed to get a medical plan, but it only provides a "discount" for my drugs, which results in a few dollars off. My hubby works full time but earns too much for us to get Obamacare, his company has a very costly and useless system so he is on my "bottom of the barrel" health insurance, he also had cancer, twice, so who knows what if that comes back. Anyhow, my point is, it suuuuucks!! I miss the NHS!
So many people from the UK and Europe don’t realise this danger when moving to the States, it sounds like you aren’t American, if you have the choice move back to somewhere with a decent healthcare system.
@@paulm2467 I'm trying!🤞
@@jlily8909 good luck.
Nice, I live in London now but did stay in Minneapolis for a few months. Fractured my toe playing basketball but the company I worked for settled the bill so all good. I think a lot of costs can depend on what company support you have. Of course the same applies in the UK, my most recent hospital stays for carpal tunnel was done privately at a hospital in Harrow and that was an excellent experience - didn't pay anything! The NHS though are amazing and do so much great work, I could not speak more highly of them - I'm pleased they got a 3% pay increase which is fully deserved.
that's brilliant! Yes I agree, it all depends on the company you work for as well :)
Blows my mind that the Americans are fine with that kind of system, basic medical care should always be free or at least very affordable.
Seems like it would be cheaper to just move to another country than risk getting ill or any kind of injury there.
So basically if someone gets cancer and they can't afford treatment......that's it, they have to go through pain, suffering and death without medical treatment??