Here in Cyprus since the financial crises in 2012 we have had to pay 2 Euros ( about £1.59) to see the GP, prescriptions, for everyone ( including pensioners) but not those on benefits, are 50 cents for each item, and to have a blood test etc it is 50 cents for each one. I have no objection to paying a fee to see the GP, perhaps this would stop people not turning up. We have seen a drop in needless visits to the Doctor and strangely enough very few people complaining and having to go without. (We buy stamps at the post office and present these to the relevant receptionist)
There may also be the opportunity to educate everyone to the fact that the UK health service is not free, everyone pays in their taxes, those that pay taxes that is, and unless the mindset changes then I can see some selective treatments being rationed or even taken of the list of those available. The local pharmacists in UK and here in Cyprus are excellent for minor ailments and should be used more often in my humble opinion.
