What do we want from our NHS and how should we pay for it.

In Sweden, they have a very good care system which is partly funded by patients paying a small charge for each visit they make. I know a few years ago it was only something like £10, and I think even that was lifted for those not working. I don't see why we couldn't have something similar here.

Broadly speaking (and this is very broad as the detail is extensive) the NHS runs with GPs as the gatekeepers to other services. Everyone is entitled to a full range of GP services i.e. Primary Care (although what is on offer in various surgeries can differ a little) and the GP is . GPs make referrals to other services(Consultant/Specialist services in hospitals) and now hold a collective budget (commissioning ) for this. GPs although contracted to the NHS are technically self employed; they may or may not also employ nurses in the practice with varying specialities and a range of other professions allied to medicine (PAMs) e.g. physio.

That's your starter for ten whitewave there is a great deal more- I'll offer a bit more later when you get the discussion going.

Pretty much spot on! Exempt patients include people claiming certain benefits, pregnant and 'nursing mothers' as well as children. And, there are managers galore!

So there is no national overall consistency with regard to dental provision on the NHS. Each area decides its own system of provision, which may mean gaps in certain provision and there is nothing overseeing this? This may mean lack of provison for children because of the way the contracts are structured between the dentist and the NHS is that right?

No provision for domiciliary dentistry for people who can't physically get to a surgery. Not good with an aging population.

As far as children go, we used to have a system in our area where dentists had 'exempt' only contracts but now, unless the dentist takes NHS adults, they are not allowed any sort of contract with the NHS. Other areas are different!

When you say no provision do you mean no NHS dentistry available? So what do children do?

I think the list is huge whitewave. I have a vested interest in dentistry bit most people think of medicine when they talk about the NHS,

From a dentistry point of view 'flows' isn't quite the word to use. That bit of the NHS is totally over managed and,also, should be much more 'national'. Different areas choose how they spend their money and, as recent events in Nottingham have shown, there is no consistency! DH is a domiciliary dentist but our neighbouring counties have no provision at all!

But, most people are more concerned about medicine as in GPS and hospitals etc so I'll get off my soapbox and wait to see whatever anyone else has to say.

kitty that is what I mean I am not sure exactly what is covered by the NHS perhaps you may be able to enlighten me?

Are you talking just about General medicine or all the other services as well eg dentistry, optics, chiropody, hearing, other community services?