A Modern Miracle - Thanks to the NHS

[sweetjessicajane]

A baby born at 23 weeks has survived and has finally gone home after spending the first 6 months of life in a hospital.

www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2901720/Baby-born-just-ONE-week-legal-abortion-limit-weighing-just-1lb-finally-goes-home-six-months-hospital.html#comments

If we assume a cost of £200 per day that is a cost to the UK taxpayer of £36500

There are many other ailments which years ago would probably have resulted in early death, but now with treatments are survivable. But some of these treatments are expensive, and in some cases require lifelong medication again at considerable cost to the taxpayer.

In light of changing medical treatments is it time to rethink how the UK taxpayer funds the NHS?

Should we all be paying more tax? Either directly through our national insurance contributing or via VAT?

Should we as a society be questioning whether the NHS as envisioned in 1948 is fit for purpose in 2015?

[marchesarosa]

In light of changing medical treatments is it time to rethink how the UK taxpayer funds the NHS?

Should we all be paying more tax? Either directly through our national insurance contributing or via VAT?

Should we as a society be questioning whether the NHS as envisioned in 1948 is fit for purpose in 2015?

YES
YES
YES

Health care is expensive. We need to pay a greater proportion of our taxes to maintain it and perhaps less on stuff like Trident and subsidies to renewable energy!
Some treatments could probably be subject to an extra fee paid by the individual like IVF and obesity treatments. We already pay for opticians and dentistry. It's not as if there isn't a precedent.

[aquatic]

I agree we should ditch Trident.

And I know it's a cliche: but if we had a health service rather than a sickness service, we would be quids in.

And could afford Trident again!