It seems to me that any article I read about the NHS outlines problems and answers, but the answers aren't the answers to those problems. I find that very frustrating.

As Bigglesworth says, the main problem is the ageing population, though the costs of new drugs and procedures seems to run it a close second.

Yet any discussion seems to include the 'answer' of preventative care -- dealing with obesity for example, which ignores the fact that if we we live healthier for longer, overall we need more health care services.

Similarly, discussion of the escalating costs of treatment usually propose some form of charging as the answer, but since nobody suggests that those who can't afford it should be denied care, charging proposals simply appear to be income tax with another name.

I think it depends a lot on the practice one belongs to. My son has never had any problems, our friends who never left the UK always speak of the high quality care they get, but my daughter has had a mix of good and bad experiences.

Yes, I think you are right. There seems to be some excellent GPs over there who provide thorough care, while others provide mediocre (at most) care.

Perhaps the NHS is like the school system, a postcode lottery?

I think it is a postcode lottery. But it also depends on other factors, such as the quality of your individual GP, and also what is wrong with you, because the 'targets' set by the last government resulted in resources going to those areas.

My dad died in a general nursing ward, when he should have been in an intensive nursing ward (and might have lived if he had been). But, the 'target' had been met, because that was not to keep patients in A&E for more than a set period of time waiting for a bed.

Yes, it is exactly the same as anywhere else in the world, it comes down to the individual treating you. The NHS is still one of the best systems in the world. I can only compare to treatment we have received in Australia, 2 operations 2 infections, being sent home with a badly bleeding operation wound that was 'fixed' by wrapping more bandages around it. My son broke his arm and lay on a hospital trolley literally for hours before being seen and had to wait 30 hours before being set. I laugh when I hear people whinging about the NHS. Experience health care in other countries before complaining. We have had fabulous care where we are. Its not a postcode lottery, its just the way it is anywhere.

Evidence, from a variety of sources would suggest otherwise.

NHS for sale :: post code lottery

Some good information on the above site regarding the gradual outsourcing of health care to the private sector.

Agree. The areas decide what/who they want to spend their budget on. It doesn't matter if it should be free, if they haven't got the money then it isn't. Hence the new Act to make immigrants pay a levy (to boost the NHS coffers) and have reduced access.

They are still deciding what to do about free access to the NHS for returning Brits that have been out of the UK for years. Their original idea to let them continue to have free immediate NHS access, didn't go down well on the public consultation.

That's why having BUPA for the family, is such a perk with a job. No long waiting lists to be on either.

Being in my 50s and Scouse in his 60s, health care is a biggy for us in our 'moving back discussions. I've always felt that I, as a non-BC, should pay something for my health care. It's the what and how that's proving a bit problematic. I've tried to suss out private cover without much luck.

I would be happy if I had to pay 200 pounds per year until I became a citizen, although I realise that even that probably won't be anywhere near the real cost so I would be being subsidised by British taxpayers. But if I paid the real cost, we might not be able to afford it so Scouse couldn't go home. It's quite a moral dilemma for me and I can't work out a solution.

That £200 was just a guide they used for illustration purposes while the Bill was going through the system to become law. The levy will be known soon and also which groups they intend to start with, although the law is written to include all those who don't have ILR or citizenship. The have said (although not written it in the law) that the levy will be less than the cost of private insurance. It will cover most treatments, but will not be the full cover that Brits and those with ILR can have (if the local NHS budget allows).

I don't think they will take the NZ route yet to protect the NHS, with people needing to pass medicals, not be overweight etc.

They seem to have been thrown by the public response to their consultation about returning Brits using the NHS and they now need to decide what they can have if they have been out of the country for (2?) years or more.

It sounds like it will still be cheaper than having to take out costly private insurance when you get older in Oz, for things that aren't covered for free and likely to be needed as you get older i.e. knee operations. Although the waiting time will be longer, unless you have private insurance.

The last goverment wanted to bring in a £35 charge for each GP visit in a 'those that use them the most, pay the most' style that many other countries have for their health systems. GPs are asking for more money to cope with all the increased numbers, so that may be a way forward too.

Does he have (or will he soon have) the British state pension? I think they have talked about certain categories of returnees, for instance those with a British state pension, being exempt from any levy...

Yes, he'll be eligible for a basic state pension in a couple of months so hopefully he'll be OK

I may have the answer to your problem. If you are desperate to pay for health care and frustrated by it being free, you can give the money to me. I'll send you my bankers details if you like and you can make out a direct debit.

Regardless of the results of the consultation, I'm not aware of any proposals to bring in charges for British Citizens. I'd be interested in where you read this.

The Immigration Act 2014 has received royal assent and can no longer be amended. It contains no provision which would allow charging of British Citizens, so that would require fresh legislation. There was nothing about it in the Queen's Speech either so it isn't going to happen during this Parliament, which means not before the next General Election.