Dreadful weather this morning, with lashing rains and strong winds. Tomorrow will be even worse, with a severe gale from the northwest. Today's temperatures are mediocre, at a paltry 5C. Wednesday and Thursday will give us a reprieve, until another gale hammers us on Friday. Another bindance in the offing on Friday morning. I thought March was due in on Saturday - sounds like it'll come in like a lion.
On the subject of health care in the US, I am probably biased on account of several adverse experiences noted in AOL journals. I have taken note of comments, and apologise for any offence caused.
Within Europe, the NHS is unique, in that it is mostly free, except for things like dental care, medicines, spectacles and the like. It is much more common in other European countries for the state to fund a basic package out of national insurance contributions (to use the UK phrase), and for people to top it up out of private insurance. The level of basic healthcare is dependent on income; people on a low income will get more for free than those on higher salaries.
Having worked within the healthcare sector for a number of years, I am fully aware of the commitment of staff to their work, even to the extent that they are prepared to work for a wage that does not adequately reflect the responsibility they carry. I am referring to nursing staff in particular. Here in the Western Isles of Scotland, there are long-standing grievances between staff and management at the local healthboard. Two years ago, a vote of no confidence was passed by staff in their managers. In spite of all that, staff have pulled out all the stops to ensure that patient care does not suffer. I am confident that the same applies in the US as much as in the UK.
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I will admit health care in the US can be defined as horrific in some situations, otherwise we would not have so many uninsured. I have never had to worry about healthcare as I have always been employed with companies who provided benefits. I handle the purchasing of our group benefits and although our coverage is second to none, we pay an extremely high premium for such excellent benefits. I guess I am out of touch with the plight of those uninsured since I've never had to worry about it. I realize this sounds awful to say but it is the truth.
ReplyDeleteLisa
I know that our healthcare system could take some lessons from you in the UK...and Canada. But, in the meantime, I'm stuck with what we have. Definite flaws. Could be improved. But, it could be much worse, too.
ReplyDeleteHope your weather improves some. Those winds sound rough to me.
Calm here with sun peeking through.
Pam
Hi Pharmolo,
ReplyDeleteSending BIG warm beachy Florida ((((HUGS)))) to you Ü. I think I just need to move to where you are lol...at least I would get the medical benifits & care I need!
At the same time I am very thankful that you are there and that you do not have to worry about medical or stay in pain.
Keep yourself warm and stay inside as much as possible.
Your Friend with HUGS~Donna
I am like Pam....there are room for improvements for our healthcare here...and that is a main focus on the Presidential trail. Being thankful to have healthcare is a major thing in the lives of many. Hope your weather cleared up as the day went on...take care...
ReplyDeleteJoyce
Well Guido I am so glad my grandfather fought alongside Keir Hardy and other miners for the National Health Service and suceeded, as I have had to use it many many times for serious conditions since a child. I doubt if I would be here if it were not for the NHS. I am eternally thankful for the hardworking nurses and doctor's who keep choosing to work in their profession and believe they deserve a better reward than they are experiencing.
ReplyDeleteIt is a wish of mine that other's in countries like the United States should also benefit from a free health service that does not discriminate against the rich or the poor. It does concern me too to read how some journalers worry so much about how they can afford their treatment or prescriptions.
I hope the next president of the United States concentrates on creating a better health service for those who can't afford insurance and fill in those gaps in benefits that are missing.
As for the weather...thanks for the warning...I was up last night listening to the winds and rainy rattlesnakes on the windows. Lol!
Jeanie
There's plenty of room for improvement here Guido. Here in MA everyone now must carry health insurance and the state has now provided a means for folks who can't afford the typical path to health insurance. But I'm thinking, if they can't keep food on their table, how the heck are they supposed to pay for insurance? Sliding scale to free, but when a single mom (or dad) makes 8.00 an hour ... I don't know ...
ReplyDelete