Do we expect too much as a right in Great Britain?

I was referring to:

'There are many other benefits available which would astonish citizens of many other countries. '

I did mention in the OP they are from Australia.

No school meals, let alone free ones.
No state pension if you have a private one.
Taxes are higher than ours.
On top of that they have to pay Medicare or into a private scheme.

And surely the USA is less generous than the UK?

I am beginning to wonder if we take too much for granted in this country.

I don't think we expect too much - considering the amount of taxes we pay.

Which countries' citizens would be astonished? And what are they astonished at?

Most other developed countries have similar social systems to ours.

My Aussie colleagues tell me that in their public hospitals there is a statutory maximum number of patients that a ward nurse can be responsible for ..... it's something like 4!!

I'm astonished at that.

I do know that people wait much longer for knee, hip replacements in Wales than just across the border in England.

However, the OP is really - are we expecting too much State help in comparison with other first-world countries?

The opendemocracy link is to a Nuffield Trust report, which is usually on the government's side. As you say, rose, better results from less funding.

rosequart. Other people's experiences are often much more reliable than media reports (of whatever type) anyway.

Personally, fingers crossed, I have found the NHS in Wales very good, but have heard that there is a lack of funding, less than that in the rest of GB.

Otherwise, I can only go on what I have heard from other people's experiences nationwide. (Personal reports, not the media I should add, before I get accused of reading the DM.)

Just for you, rose. Your NHS isn't as bad as you are told.
www.opendemocracy.net/node/81624

Not 'Should we', as much as 'Will have to'. C'est la vie.

ha ana! I must say that we had a chat over dinner and from what they have noticed and read since arriving they are flabbergasted somewhat surprised by what life is like here. Perhaps we need people from overseas to make us realise just how lucky we are.

Good luck with this thread, rosequartz!