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A superb essay. I myself was a patient under the new NHS in 1952 and 1954. Pleurisy and then a cartilage removal. I complained then, but it was duck soup because I walked away healthy. I knew something radically wrong was afoot. A young man of 19 yrs was so full of outrage at his plight, that of since 2 yrs of age, he has recurrences of T/B. In and out of hospitals. (Stanmore Middx Orthopaedic Hospital). He was allowed to blow a trumpet at night. His tune never varied- it was "O Papa" from the three penny opera.

I complained and the sister blasted me with both barrels. She told me I was only 21 yrs and would be soon out into the world. A world of dances, girls and freedom.

I never could put my finger on it then. Now I can. The old order of discipline and having rights with obligations was going. I notice Florence Nightingale is referred to. As bad as any system is, when order goes, it is on it's way to disaster.

Millions of persons in my own native country are on welfare. Strong as an ox. The potential for even four hours a week service in just cleaning and doing something useful is there. It would not fix it, but an untapped source of simple labour is available.

Yeah,I know "forced labour" just like Hitler etc.

A superb essay.

I'm delighted that you like it. :-)

I myself was a patient under the new NHS in 1952 and 1954.

I'm very sorry to hear of your health troubles, but happily you remain with us today, fighting the good fight :-)

If you had absolute authority and power to change anything at all pertaining to the points you made, what would you do? How would you change things to make them better?