JUST A THOUGHT - ON BRITAIN'S NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE'S 70TH BIRTHDAY. THE END.....

And so, it has become a matter of grave concern to me, as I tether on the point of imploding on myself. 

As those who have responsibility for funding, managing and effectively and efficiently carrying out the services which are expected of me.  

Become confused, bicker and petrified by the constantly increasing and seemingly impossible challenge with which they are confronted.

And so it is that I risk having all or most of those who depend on me and those on whom I depend, becoming frustrated, alienated and dissatisfied. 

Always becoming more critical and attacking, and, in so doing, continuing demoralise and undermine the morale and commitment of those on whom I depend on to deliver my services to the public, to patients. 

Thereby feeding and making worse what has, initially, been a manufactured crisis, but now a real one.

So, you might be thinking, what will become of me, as governments and politicians who are in charge of me change, and make changes to me, abandoning previous changes? 

Well, I suspect that people will continue to have their differing and even conflicting views about the services I provide and the quality of these services. 

Their expectations of me and me of them will change, and, eventually.  

We will have a shared accommodation and acceptance of a National Health Service which might, over time, evolves into something different to that which my creators had in mind. 

Something more affordable. More sustainable and realistic. 

Something which will not be a panacea for all the self-inflicted health problems which the British people have subjected themselves to.  

And then look towards the NHS to treat and cure them. 

Something which will no longer be expected to provide treatment and the best treatment to everybody, for all or most health conditions, irrespective of the cost to the public and other patients. 

But a NHS which will complements the duty of the individual, to exercise primary responsibility for achieving and maintaining a reasonable standard of health.  

Along with the government and society exercising their responsibility for achieving and maintaining a healthy eco-system and environment.

And to only having recourse to me for the more serious and complex conditions which needs specialist medical intervention.