I’ve been working since I was 16 and I’m now 56. Never have I ever heard a Brit saying I don’t want to pay for other people’s healthcare. I am so happy to be confidant that they are there when I need them.
I for one , who have paid into the NHS for over 46 years. I'm proud that I have done so. And if the money has helped other people to get well all the better !!
I'm an RN here in the US and I'm all for Universal Healthcare. Maybe one day in my kids future because these politicians have there hands deep in pharmaceuticals pockets as of now
@@m00nh0wl5 wether your rich or poor you should get same healthcare it's how most countrys healthcare works yes you can pay for private but basic healthcare is the same for everyone whether you have a gd job or no job, otherwise you will live in a selfish society a bit like america for example where if you dont have insurance on your health your fucked
@@m00nh0wl5 imagine insuring your body like its disposable, it's a weird concept that nobody really understands why americans put up with it americans are made to believe it's normal when in fact there government has enough money to cover everybody I'm not talking about paying more tax I'm saying in the taxes they already pay there is plenty for hospitals etc but still americans are willing to pay for it , I'm so grateful for the nhs whatever american leaders say about it negatively its absolute crap nhs is fucking great
I'm not advocating the US healthcare system, but there are many European countries that have a more effective system than the NHS - Germany for example. The NHS is too large to manage effectively, and as a result it is too large to improve.
I have just shared this video to a female friend in the USA so the she can understand about the NHS and tell her friends to all my love to the NHS you are a winner in my heart
It's already been said, but it needs repeating for any US citizens watching: The UK has a capitalist economy - like the US - but just happens to be sensible enough to have a universal single-payer health system. Have you got that? Simple!
@@MelodyLeigh Great video, just a pity the Conservatives have been cutting the NHS budget year after year and would love to privatize it but know the British public would vote them out if they did so. So they and the last Labour government which was the most right-wing pro-corporate Labour government this country has ever had started the process of privatizing the juiciest, most profitable parts of the NHS and did ridiculously bad PFI deals that screwed the tax payer but benefited the corporate world. Today we have a health system being killed by privatization by stealth and the rest is facing death by a thousand cuts. Imagine the NHS if we spent as much the French or Germans did or if the budget was more than doubled we'd spend the same as US citizens. We need to protect the NHS, competition works in many fields when making a profit is the main aim but when it comes to healthcare, care should be the main endeavour not making a profit.
@@1969JohnnyM 'Conservatives have been cutting the NHS budget year after year' That is utter crap, and you know it. Not a year in my life (1964 onwards) has gone by with a cut in the NHS budget. Stop making up 'facts'.
@@jdb47games I work in the NHS in mental health, and have done for the past six years and in all that time the NHS has had not had an increase in funding. When inflation is factored in that becomes an effective cut in funding. On top of that a lot of the responsibilities that councils has for social care was de-funded so they could no longer do it,; so the responsibility was then given to the NHS with no funding to pay for it. Which therefore in the bigger picture makes it an effective cut in funding. So where you have been living since 1964 I don't know but it certainly hasn't been in the UK; at least not for the last 10 years any way.
jdb47games If what you say was true in terms of cutting budgets (and its not), then that would mean that the Labour governments also cut budgets. What was the NHS budget in 1964, what was it in 2019? You’re an idiot.
Capt Tom walked around his garden 100 times to raise money (£31M) for the NHS. Any American old soldiers doing the same to raise money for insurance companies in the States? Thought not
I can't imagine the stress of worrying about the cost of being sick, on top of actually being sick. The damage stress does to your body is monumental and pairing that with an illness is just barbaric:(
not to mention how much prolonged stress from not having rights as a worker can stress you , and plenty of coperations trying to avoid paying taxes and lobby european nations to dismantle social security for workers :( feudal nobility......changing ther title dont change what they are.
@@Amoth_oth_ras_shash My eldest son had a treatment that cost the NHS £600,000. He cannot get insurance in the USA (He has a company based there as well as several other countries, including the UK {the main company, and headquarters}, Europe, and Korea), he has provided cover for his American workers by the largest health care provider in the USA set up by a British man in the 1970's, which is basically a copy of the UK NHS system. He has to have the money for the treatment he might need in the USA on a card that amount is $2.4 million, for when he visits the company he owns. I give this as an idea of just how much American's are ripped off by the insurance and health care companies in the USA.
@@thehammer7711 its stuff like that wich makes me loath how the local politicians keeps glancing at the piss down dogma of the states rather then on the uk and improve or at least repair the damage they allreayd caused to ouer own public health care.
@@Amoth_oth_ras_shash You are correct. however this next bit is going to hurt me to admit. France has the best healthcare system in the world, and they adopted everything Churchill wanted for the NHS in the UK. The best argument against the American system i have heard was when Obama was trying to get Obama care on the agenda. Some anti public healthcare system politicians stated that is Stephen hawking lived in the UK, and was treated by the NHS he would have been dead a long time ago. Hawking was so insulted by this (he had never used American health care) and demanded that Obama had him at a meeting to refute the claims. He told the audience his treatment was totally paid for by the NHS, and cost the USA Not a single cent!!
@@thehammer7711 its lies and smear propaganda like that wich makes me see red concerning the 'blue bloods' way to talk of it here....and it mimics the stories one hears of others. maby its time for some ''secular public healthcare!'' parties to pop up in some nations... they could form excellent governments with 'education for all' or 'social security' parties after all..keep blue blood and extremists hiding as 'parties' from sabotaging to much.
This is a wonderful appreciation of the NHS. I was a Staff Nurse and Sister for 34 years. Although the NHS has it's problems due to chronic underfunding, the beauty of the system to most people is it is there when they need it and you do not have to worry if you become ill about how you will be able to afford or even access treatment. Even with health care insurance in USA you have to worry about what coverage you have, previous health conditions, deductibles and out of pocket expenses. And the people and families who have no health insurance I shudder to think what they go through. I have seen videos of charities who go out to assist those Americans who do not have Health Care Insurance, they queue up for days for basic dental care, chest XRays etc .... It is shaming for a first world country to be reduced to that. But your Political elite don't care☹️Our Conservative political elite have been trying to attack the NHS for years, but now after Covid 19, any attempt on our NHS would be met with Revolution ! You and your family take care, the NHS is a general insurance, National Insurance only pays for a small proportion the rest comes from general taxation, don't ever feel that you are not contributing enough, you are paying towards it everyday. And I am glad that I am paying towards it also everyday with my VAT. ❤️
I never heard anyone in this country say " I dont want to pay for someone elses healthcare in this country, I dont think I could ever imagine the NHS not being here. If ever a government uttered one word about getting rid of the NHS they would be history.
This is one of the best reviews of our NHS I have seen. At times we all complain about our NHS and it is comparisons with the USA and Coronovirus that reminds us how valuable our NHS is. I cannot begin to imagine how hard it must be to fall ill and have to worry about how you will pay for treatment. Well done and a big thank you to yourself and the NHS. Hope yourself and hubby get well and stay well.
A ringing endorsement for the wonderful and underpaid people who keep us all alive and as pain free as possible. They are now risking their lives yet again for us during this dreadful pandemic. You and your wee family certainly have been through such a lot Melody. I hope life gets better for all of you after this pandemic is over. You are a lovely addition to our great country by the way. I wish you rainbows.
Our Governments priorities are exactly the same. Just look at how they are running the show today. They were quite prepared to allow 250,000 of us die with their ‘herd immunity’ project until we woke up and disagreed with them. Dominic Cummings, our unelectedburocrat’, said that it was tough luck if some pensioners died. Yep, they really do not give a shit about us. The Tories actually cheered when they won the vote not to pay NHS workers a higher wage. Don’t take my word for that, it’s on UA-cam. And when this is all over, they still intend to sell off the NHS,
@@Trebor74 How do you work that out? The doctor isn't 'my' doctor Robert, he's there for the whole community. Before this pandemic, I could telephone the local Health Centre, ask for an appointment and be booked in to see 'my' doctor at a specific time/date. I'd go along to the HC at the appointed time and be seen by 'my' doctor*. *'my' doc is one of five based at our local Health Centre. They have 'shared' out the registered 'patients' but I could, if I wished, name a doctor I wanted to see. Politically I'm right of centre, but I fully support the ethos of the NHS. btw: In Ancient Greece, a doctor was only paid when the patient was well.
@@johnthorburn1913 I won't take your word for it Mr Thorburn. Where can I find an authentic reference showing Dominic Cummings saying "tough luck" if some pensioners died. The fact is, yes, some elderly people (and I'm one) may well die as a result of this pandemic, but so will many others of all ages if we do not follow the advice of people like Cummings and avoid close contacts with 'strangers' - ie anyone (including kin) we are not living with. When did the Tories 'cheer' when they won the vote? This disease is new to us, it is virulent and for some it's a killer. No government on earth has been 'ready for it' and there will always be people who's arguments will be informed by their politics rather than science.
Thank you for being so open about your mental health issues and helping to reduce the unfair stigma. You have a very positive attitude. My opinion on the NHS is that it is the best health care in the world.
I agree with everything you said. The NHS was established just after WW2 Britain became a welfair state. Housing for the poor. Free daily milk and school dinners for the poor as well as family allowance for every child.I came from a large family. My parents came through the hardships of that terrible war.But for the first time in the history of Britain. The government although bankrupt put people first.
The US has the ‘Me me me’ society whereas the UK has the ‘We we we’ society. I pity the tens of thousands of poorer US citizens weighing up whether they go for suspected Covid19 treatment or go into crippling debt, long live the NHS and the wonderful people who staff it
One one hand they're anti-government and saying government shouldn't run healthcare but on they other hand they're spouting nonsense about Trump being appointed by God!
"The US has the ‘Me me me’ society whereas the UK has the ‘We we we’ society" You know, that's not a bad way of putting it..........................................nicely observed.
I watched a film of an American healthcare where they put homeless people back on the streets without treatment, I have never been so disgusted in my life , you summed up the care blanket of our nhs brilliantly thank you , I wish you well
What a lovely endorsement of the NHS, whom we Brits love and treasure. I hope they receive more funding during-and after- the Coronavirus crisis :) I also hope America gets its act together - it's unthinkable to most Brits as to how the US has not yet figured out how vital free healthcare is to keep a country healthy and profitable!
All very true but ..Cancer survival rates in the UK are still lagging more than two decades behind those achieved in many European countries , according to new analysis by campaigners. Macmillan Cancer Support, which based its analysis on a study published last year in The Lancet, said it was “shameful” that “people were dying needlessly” as it revealed the chances of surviving five of the most commonly occurring types of the disease in the UK trail at least 10 years behind many comparable European countries........... that's from the Guardian.I'm not saying the NHS is bad or anything but survival rates for cancer are pretty important and this is only one example of its failures.US cure rates are generally better than those in the UK,of course,that comes at a very high cost.
Ian McGreevy , The principle is perfect but thanks to over zealous capitalism messing up our economy on a depressingly regular basis , we suffer through Austerity . Then our taxes bail out the greedy assholes who over extend and overheat our economy in the first place , . Public services like healthcare suffer ! Scandinavia never go through boom and bust because they don let banks deregulation and corporations get out of hand . There is no corruption in politics there either . In 1970 , we had a choice to join Scandinavia , who are cared for from the cradle to the grave ..... or Europe , Now look at us !! 👎!!
I sit watching this whilst taking my medication. I have to take eight tablets a day. Due to being over sixty there is no charge to me. The NHS is a wonderful thing.
The National Health Service "The N.H.S." was set up on the 5th of July 1948 by the then Labour Government (1945 to 1951) it is free Health care/support from cradle to the grave ... I am so proud (As a Socialist) that we have had this for 72 years onwards ... Long Live the N.H.S.
"Four years before the NHS officially came into being, the wartime Conservative-led coalition published a 1944 white paper that certainly set out the need for a “free” and “comprehensive” healthcare service. It was presented as a natural evolution from past provision. But how different was it from the later NHS blueprint? Under the 1944 white paper, voluntary hospitals (financed by local fundraising and workers’ contributions) would remain independent, not be taken over by the state. They would instead contract services from newly established local joint authorities, comprising amalgams of city and county councils. These authorities would also run the existing municipal hospitals. The white paper placed local authorities at the centre of hospital governance. It was planned, also, to establish local authority health centres, where GPs would provide primary care for the community. In short, the Conservative emphasis was decidedly more pluralistic than the state-centric nationalised service we got in 1948, similar in some way to the “internal market” in health set up after 1989." So, not actually conceived by Labour. Also, of those 72 years, it's been under the stewardship of the Tories for 45 and they haven't sold it yet.
@@geoffos42 Labour joined the tories in a coalition in 1940 because of Labour's influence within that coalition, that white paper came about. Further more (as I explained to another Deluded Tory Lover) Over many years of democratic governments, Labour have had very few years in government although The Tories Have Had The Majority ... yet it was The Labour Party that set The National Health Service ... A Socialist Construct !!!.
@@gordonsmith8899The naivety of your hollow statement is astounding ... so let me Put You Straight! In the context G.B./U.K. politics the Conservative party have predominately held power in government over the years of democratic politics. In comparison the Labour party who have only governed for just 24 Years ... So The Conservatives had 500 years or more to debate and implement a National health Service (They Never Did So!) In comparison to The Labour party who stated in their manifesto of the 1945 General Election that they would implement A "State Run" National Health Service from "cradle to grave" the then Conservative supporting General Medical Council (Along with The Conservative's) campaigned against the Labour Government Yet That Progressive Labour Government Implemented The National Health Service (The N.H.S.) on The 5th of July 1948! ... The Factual outcome is this Labour promised and implemented The National Health Service within three years of Government!. The Conservative party Had Many Years to set up a state health service, yet They Just "mooted" it ... FACT!.
@@merseydave1 The establishment of an national health service was raised by a Conservative member in the war time coalition government, a government of which Nye Bevan was a member. Do try to debate and not simply bawl your party propaganda.
You were sick and needed help, we all chip in and help each other when this happens, no one should go under because they are sick. I still find it amazing that most Americans think universal healthcare is an evil thing. Glad you're well and enjoying the UK.
A bit of a rant, a bit of a rant. This is the quietest, most pleasant rant I've ever heard. Lovely video. Good luck to you and your family. I hope you all get better and stay well.
Thanks for being straight and honest about the NHS. It's such a security net for everyone. Especially right now. Hope youre still enjoying the UK and i hope your anxiety and other issues disappear.
I love our NHS and get very aggressively defensive of it, when people from other countries run it down, when they clearly have no idea what they are talking about! that is why listening to you describe your experience of the NHS had me in tears! thankyou! 😘
Oh my gosh! Your story sounds so familiar! Lived in America my whole life and moved to England in 2011. Have my own you tube thingie and in that I talk about the NHS also. It is a magnificent thing!! They saved my life and I am eternally grateful. I do not want to go back to the states either really. Especially now with open carry and the rift between certain parties.. bleh. Lovely to meet you fellow EX Pat :)
I grew up in Scotland. The NHS is remarkable. Currently living in Texas, with these United States not having anything like the British NHS, I frequently find myself overwhelmed with medical bills. The cost of healthcare in these United States is unjustifiably high.
16 years ago - that explains your accent. Your have an almost British accent/ or neutral accent but every now and again it changed. Love that you are here
Haha. It depends what I say if I have a neutral accent or if it does completely southern. When I visit Georgia or the South it goes back to the old one. Even when I am talking to people from there. Maybe I should do a video about that. Thanks :) I love being here.
A good video. Melody, as a Brit I'm so glad you are over here and are being looked after by our NHS. Stay well! In the States there is considerable misinformation about our NHS and it is often criticised by individuals with an anti NHS agenda. Some are even paid to say bad things about it whenever someone suggests they should try to adopt a similar system over there. They even call it a socialist system that we have. It isn't, it's just good sense, and this is from a personal, business and social viewpoint. There are no real downsides to doing it the way we do. To understand that statement just look at the other systems around the world. Not saying the NHS is perfect. There isn't a perfect one anywhere in the world. However, the NHS has been rated many times the world over as the number one healthcare system. Even the influential Fabian Society based in the States rated it number one in the world (2017 I think) and yet rated the American system just 7th in the developed world. To put that into context, the dreadful Russian system is rated 11th in the same study. And of course, the mortality age rate in the UK is still improving all the time whereas in the States it's going down with folks living shorter lives. There is a reason for that. If everyone in the States paid just a little bit for their healthcare from their taxes, like we do over here, everyone could have first class healthcare like we do. Insurance based schemes are just money making businesses which is why everything in the States regarding healthcare costs huge amounts of money compared to anywhere else. Americans get ripped off by the healthcare system they have, although it's not really a "system" as such as we know it. By the way, my wife had two emergency brain operations last year to save here life. She spent weeks in a top London hospital in intensive care but pulled through. She is now fully recovered thanks to the NHS. No cost to us at point of use. All we paid was our usual taxes.
Fantastic. Got emotional watching you. Especially in times like these, we should feel incredibly proud of #OurNHS. I have many American friends online and will share your story with them. Every human deserves universal healthcare. Thank you for your words.
My father who was born in 1913 in England, long before the NHS, used to tell me, if someone got sick, they used to agonise about whether or not to call doctor because of the cost. They had to make the decision and sometimes they got it wrong and people died. Nasty.
This is such an American take on the NHS. I thought it was funny that you kept talking about tax and trying to justify your use of it with tax. Mate you don't need to explain yourself, you were unwell and a resident of the UK, no more needs said.
Thanks for posting it is really great to hear how much the NHS is appreciated. It is also lovely to hear personal prospective and how much it is effective. Holistically important not just for physical health but for mental health rounded care. Thanks again. Stay safe.
It takes someone from another country to truly appreciate the NHS and the wonderful work it carries out thanks to the dedicated staff. May you and your family be healthy and happy in the future. Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts and experiences in this excellent video.
Wake up America, well said Melody, i'am so glad your doing well now. So frightening to think that if you where still in America you might not be here today. Our N.H.S. will never be taken away from the people.
Bless ya , big hugs … I'm glad you are able to receive our care , our nurses and hospitals are not perfect , but it doesn't matter whether you are rich or poor , you will get treated .. Stay positive :)
It is a Country's duty to ensure the safety of its citizens. I have no idea why any Country/person would think that shouldn't include healthcare. Thank feck for the NHS. An absolutely vital and brilliant service.
Only a nanny state thinks it is responsible for every aspect of its citizen's lives. Had a student who chooses not to take out health insurance because as a 20 something he was unlikely to need it. Unfortunately, he was also a skydiver and forgot about that aspect. He broke his leg and it cost him $1000.00. He still came out ahead. But as an adult he had the right to make that decision for himself.
I'm always confused by Americans who get irate when we genuinely helpfully point out it's a much better and cheaper system than theirs - Healthcare costs about 9% of GDP here compared to 16.9% of GPD in the USA, we're just gently trying to help our friends across the pond save money, get better healthcare and a lower level of stress in life, ^oo^
@Carving Up Europe's Economy If the USA had invented the American Health Service (AHS) in 1948 - still the envy of the world today .. You can bet your bottom dollar that they would be boasting about it every second sentence ... "USA! USA! #1! #1! Best healthcare system on Earth! YEEEEHAAA!" :) [no racism ... they are MUCH worse than that in real life] And we would be ... "I know, I know ... but can you please not rub it in as much?" Unfortunately, this didn't happen. All we can do about it is exactly what they would have done; boast about how great the NHS is - so they might see sense and get one of their own!
@Carving Up Europe's Economy 'Sanctimonious' would imply I don't care for the health of my American friends - Just because you think something, doesn't make it true - and shows how little you know me, oh mightily judgemental one, ^oo^
So glad you were here for all those problems. I've seen people interviewed in the States who are happy to pay more as long as other people don't get free stuff, I cannot understand that level of evil.
Graham Carson my friend’s wife is American and they moved back when they ran out of money treating her cancer. She got treatment from the NHS and is now cancer free. Also she is now a citizen here too 💜💜💜💜 I hope everything went well for your brother.
@@MelodyLeigh he is being treated with medication to control his symptoms as the tumour is not malignant but is causing neurological problems. He is better than when he got back, seizures have stopped.
Jane Deacon Deacon yes but they were moving back here anyway as the job in America ended and she is a citizen now. Works. Pays taxes and puts money back into the system. It wasn’t a healthcare holiday it was a quality of life decision. When my Scottish husband and I chose which country to live in we went on quality of life, and that was before I knew about the NHS. We have a better quality of life here than we would have done in America and that was how the decision was made. Also, they had to move back as his parents needed to be cared for as they had dementia. Running out of money and being monetarily bankrupt by healthcare is only one aspect of the story. I didn’t think I needed to elaborate on this. It was just an example on the pitfalls of the American Healthcare Service versus the NHS and how exemplary the care is.
I’m now middle aged. When I was younger I went years without seeing my doctor. I never once thought I shouldn’t be paying for other people. I just knew that as I got older I would need it more and more. The NHS has now saved me and my wife’s life several times over. I love the NHS and couldn’t imagine being without it. So glad that the NHS has saved you and your family too. Free healthcare at the point of demand is the mark of a civilised society. I pay my taxes gladly. 😊
Yes and you are still contributing to society in a meaningful way !!! You deserve all the luck and benefit you can get from the NHS !!! Your well-being is the most important thing !!! And we are proud to have helped you another human being !!! This is a caring society and you perspective is greatly appreciated thanks for your story it means so much to everybody !!! We are happy to have you in our society, you are a great value to our wellbeing !!!
You are very welcome. I work for NHS and we don't even think about 'how much money have you got' we think, how can I help you. Im pleased you are now under the correct meds and have the support :) and a great healthy life. Did you know, some meds in England are free too, lol.
So glad you're getting your support. Hope things continue well for you. Why do people complain that the NHS is socialist? It doesn't really matter does it. If people benefit, if everyone benefits, then happy days indeed. Good luck and thanks for the video.
I had a life saving operation when I was sixteen, that was almost 14 years ago now. And it was under the NHS. I was given help by my fellow citizens, and in turn I help them. That's how it should be, it's not a perfect system, but it's a fair system in my view, and ultra capitalist attitudes to healthcare sicken me. Those drug ads in America border on parody. "WARNING, may cause blood in the urine, or a huge deficit in your bank account."
@TheRenaissanceman65 at least 10 qualifying years on your National Insurance record to get any State Pension. You'll need 35 qualifying years to get the full new State Pension. You'll get a proportion of the new State Pension if you have between 10 and 35 qualifying years
"National Insurance is for The NHS" Well yes, and so do other taxes. NI is not a 'specific' tax for a specific reason. It just goes into the general pool of taxed income. Because of the way NI was set up and the services it guarantees, it runs on catch-up. What we pay in NI today was used up a good number of years ago on a variety of things we (and our parents) received or will receive.
National Inusrance is not enough to pay for the NHS. Most of the NHS costs are paid for from general taxation. National Insurance counts towards qualification for pensions, sickness benefits, and, unless things have changed in recent years, maternity benefits and unemployment benefit.
Glad you are doing well and that the NHS has done so well by you. It has many faults but is still a thing to be proud of. Even if you did not have a job you would be looked after. Please keep well.
Thanks for sharing the cost of a single drug and ambulance callout in places without the benefit of the NHS. When I have to pay £10 for prescriptions again, I will keep this in mind (esp as a prepayment certificate is available to reduce the cost)
Hi Max. They used too until very recently. N.I used to be ring-fenced exclusively for NHS funding. Many people aren't aware that they way we fund the NHS has changed. As you can imagine, it wasn't a popular move so the government at the time tried to sneak it through without most people noticing and succeeded.
Darling, sweetie you do not have to keep saying! You are one of us. You will always be one of us. The system is made so that people regardless of issue get help. It is cradle to grave. Regardless - some years you will pay in more or less. It is there! Can a society exist without it? I mean truly exist with time off and leisure and the chance to enjoy life? Otherwise it living to work not working to live?
So true. I remember those days. I would work three jobs at the same time and go to University with no time off. The weekends I spend with my family is precious even if the teenager is basically a teenager. I am hoping to get my degree and be a teacher in a few years so at least I will know I love my job! People keep asking why and I keep saying because I like spreading knowledge and I know it will be hard but if you get one person who you break through to then its worth it. 💜
Personally I could not imagine a world without universal healthcare like nhs or canada. I had a heart attack got ambulance out. Thankfully was only minor heart attack but 1 month drugs I got for free. How much would that cost in the USA? I’m not saying it’s perfect but here in the UK we not need to worry if we going to live or die because we poor, unemployed or homeless. Or maybe that’s what it is in us profit over life. I was reading from New York to Montreal takes 45 minutes. Stay New York and die or be bankrupt or drive 45 minutes and pay nothing. Hmm hard to choose I say sarcastically.
Damian Howard NYC to Montreal is a 6 hour drive, if you lived in New York state right on the border to Canada you could maybe do it in 45 mins, some people on the border do cross to Canada for healthcare.
With the insurance I had through my employer, I never paid more than $20 for a prescription. That included Betaseron which was a cost over a thousand a month. Still only cost me $20. Which is just a little bit more than the 9 pounds they charge now. Many Canadians travel to New York for Medical care.
Lovely comments. You never have to justify using the NHS. Paying into the NHS is commitment we all happily make, even if we are incredibly lucky and rarely utilise the NHS ourselves, we all have someone we love whose life has been saved by the NHS. Just the fact that we know it's always there and always accessible is a huge source of reassurance to us The NHS is like our third parent, it brings us into the world, is there to care for us at our most vulnerable throughout our life and will see us out at the end with care and dignity. It may not be perfect, but it is very, very special.
This is why I love our NHS. ALL people in the UK will get treated, NO cost upfront, no need to worry. I am proud to say my taxes help people such as yourselves. I would also give more to the NHS , just add it onto my tax say £25 a month to all those that can afford it would make a substantial difference. Glad you are here.
This woman has a lot of guts saying all this in front the camera. She has more beans than myself and a hell of a lot of people but besides that it's very true what she saying about the NHS and they Saved My Life to on more than a couple of occasions.
I really enjoyed your vid, having worked in mental health can I say regarding your depression, when you have help you have hope. There are some people who complain that they are paying for other peoples care but I don't know any, so good luck for the future.
Hi Melody, as a uk taxpayer, I'm pleased to hear of your positive experience. As humans it seems obvious to so many of us that we should work together for the greater good, your treatment has enabled you to work and continue the circle. I can't understand why America cannot adopt a similar system. Stay well and enjoy your time and health :-)
Thank you so much for making this video, your story is one that all Americans should hear. You seem like a lovely person and your accent is really cute, I can hear both the English and Scottish accent mixed with your American.
While prescriptions went up to it's current price of £9 here in England, you can take out what is called a (PPC) Prescription Prepayment Certificate, of which there are two. One is a 3 month PPC for a total of £29.10 which covers most if not all prescriptions for 3 months, the other is a 12 month PPC and covers you, like above, for 12 months. However if you are in receipt of certain benefits or your child is under a certain age, you tick a box on the back of the prescription note to waiver the fee.
I think it was £8 back when we live down in Oxfordshire. I remember it was free during my first pregnancy. Now I’m in Scotland it’s free. I don’t think it was to begin with but that’s going back many years now. 💜
@@MelodyLeigh Ye', in England it has been slowly creeping up. Scotland got rid of prescription charges. There is a national and political reason I'm going to keep away from but it's also a numbers thing. The U.K. has a population of 66 million, England 55 million, Scotland 5.5 million. I was looking at another video of a doctor in New York talking to four average people. A 30+ year old woman who admitted to struggling with limited healthcare and that she went a year without it until she got a new job. When asked if she'd be okay with raising taxes slightly to pay for universal healthcare, she said no. This isn't a trick question. For a small percentage of her premiums, she gets universal healthcare, no premiums or surprising fees. It literally is spending one dollar extra in one place to saves tens, hundreds or even thousands of dollars elsewhere. Take care lass, it's scary times right now so keep safe and well.
In the US it isn't unusual to get 3 month supply of prescription you use constantly and by getting in bulk it is cheaper. unfortunately, the NHS will only dole out a month at a time.
@@kevinstall3470 Sort of, my step-father, while getting his meds delivered in a pre-made blister pack (and morphine as and when he runs out), the doctors surgery (GP) gives the pharmacy a prescription valid for three months at a time. Most will only dispense a month at a time for various reasons, some meds expire quickly, some could be overdosed on, some in case the doctor changes the dosages (which they've been known to do from time to time), some are 'controlled drugs' such as morphine drugs like Sevredol tablets and Oramorph liquid, etc... So there are various reasons not to dispense more than a month at a time but some drugs are dispensed either every three or six months, it depends on the drug and reason. Prior to retirement where the drugs are now free, he earned too much to get free prescriptions in England, so he had a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (£29.65 for three months and £105.90 for 12 months and that covered all his meds (he's on ten or 11 different tablets and has to take 25 tablets a day, which was all covered).
People who say they don't want to pay for other people's healthcare clearly don't understand how insurance works. If you have private health insurance you are paying for other people's healthcare because your payments are paying for people currently receiving treatment. In the UK we pay National Insurance contributions which is taken from our pay on a percentage basis so the more you earn whilst you pay the same percentage you pay more in cash terms. The only difference between that and private insurance is that the cost is spread over the entire working population. And you are free to supplement that by taking out private insurance which provided you can afford it allows you to get non-emergency treatment faster than you might from the NHS. So in real terms you can have the best of both worlds emergency treatment without the worry about bills and if you have the funds elective treatment when needed rather tan when the NHS has the availability to provide it.
"The only difference between that and private insurance is that the cost is spread over the entire working population." Indeed, but there's also a wider issue - that of overall cost to that healthcare system. The NHS has enormous negotiating and buying power because of its position as representative of the entire population. No individual healthcare provider company in the US can compete with these numbers, so inevitably often get similar drugs at more expensive rates. So before we get to the issues surrounding making a profit out of the sick-enough-to-be-fixed, already the US system lags behind in its ability to provide a cost-effective medical service, often having paid more than the NHS might for similar items.
Dear Lady, Thank you for your thoughtful comments re our health service. You are welcome to all the help that you have recieved. Our system is also reciprocated by a few other countris eg my No2 Son was born in another (middle Eastern) country free of charge due to a reciprocal agreement.
I hope this doesn't come accross as rude but you do not look old enough to be making this video, I'm not sure how old you are but going by the dates, you look amazing for your age! I am near the end of my nursing degree (in york, england) and thank you for this video!
As someone from England I cant imagine a system without something like the NHS. The only problem I have is people using it for minor issues (common cold, cough etc) they ruin it for the mass It's a great system but not without its flaws
Very gratifying to know how much you appreciate your health care that most UK residents are guilty of taking for granted. I have heard of the extortionate costs of an ambulance and we have to wonder how those charges can be justified. I don't think you will find doctors driving around in the sorts of cars that some American doctors drive and can only assume that they are paid vast fortunes for their work. The gulf between having a good job with insurance and a person who works in a lesser job and just cannot afford it is beyond all reasoning. So much for the American Dream. The NHS was founded around about the time I was born in 1948 and I cannot imagine how people would survive without it. Good Luck to you and your family.
I’ve been working since I was 16 and I’m now 56. Never have I ever heard a Brit saying I don’t want to pay for other people’s healthcare. I am so happy to be confidant that they are there when I need them.
What the stupid idiots dont realise is that insurance is paying for other peoples health care ...thats the point of insurance - you spread the load
TheCarlosCHP not to mention the insurance companies making huge profits.
I for one , who have paid into the NHS for over 46 years. I'm proud that I have done so. And if the money has helped other people to get well all the better !!
I have, sadly. But those couple of people have been very wealthy with no health issues and no families of their own.
Chris Lyne Sometimes it really does seem that the more money people have the more miserable and mean-spirited a great deal of them become.
Everybody loves the NHS even more currently “Heroes”
to a man and woman ... these are our soldiers against a terrifying invisible enemy.
Boris wants it privatised
It's beginning to resemble a cult .
you mean the arse wipers
I'm an RN here in the US and I'm all for Universal Healthcare. Maybe one day in my kids future because these politicians have there hands deep in pharmaceuticals pockets as of now
Thank God people are now starting to realise how amazing the NHS is. It is the personification of what it is to be a decent human being.
It's nice to see an american appreciate the nhs most are ignorant to the fact health should be a human right
iam watching most definitely!
"health should be a human right"
Don't be ridiculous! How can health be a right? That's like saying that height should be a right.
@@m00nh0wl5 wether your rich or poor you should get same healthcare it's how most countrys healthcare works yes you can pay for private but basic healthcare is the same for everyone whether you have a gd job or no job, otherwise you will live in a selfish society a bit like america for example where if you dont have insurance on your health your fucked
@@m00nh0wl5 imagine insuring your body like its disposable, it's a weird concept that nobody really understands why americans put up with it americans are made to believe it's normal when in fact there government has enough money to cover everybody I'm not talking about paying more tax I'm saying in the taxes they already pay there is plenty for hospitals etc but still americans are willing to pay for it , I'm so grateful for the nhs whatever american leaders say about it negatively its absolute crap nhs is fucking great
I'm not advocating the US healthcare system, but there are many European countries that have a more effective system than the NHS - Germany for example.
The NHS is too large to manage effectively, and as a result it is too large to improve.
NHS worth every penny
I have just shared this video to a female friend in the USA so the she can understand about the NHS and tell her friends to all my love to the NHS you are a winner in my heart
It's already been said, but it needs repeating for any US citizens watching: The UK has a capitalist economy - like the US - but just happens to be sensible enough to have a universal single-payer health system. Have you got that? Simple!
So simple. Thank you for watching 💜
@@MelodyLeigh Great video, just a pity the Conservatives have been cutting the NHS budget year after year and would love to privatize it but know the British public would vote them out if they did so. So they and the last Labour government which was the most right-wing pro-corporate Labour government this country has ever had started the process of privatizing the juiciest, most profitable parts of the NHS and did ridiculously bad PFI deals that screwed the tax payer but benefited the corporate world. Today we have a health system being killed by privatization by stealth and the rest is facing death by a thousand cuts. Imagine the NHS if we spent as much the French or Germans did or if the budget was more than doubled we'd spend the same as US citizens. We need to protect the NHS, competition works in many fields when making a profit is the main aim but when it comes to healthcare, care should be the main endeavour not making a profit.
@@1969JohnnyM 'Conservatives have been cutting the NHS budget year after year' That is utter crap, and you know it. Not a year in my life (1964 onwards) has gone by with a cut in the NHS budget. Stop making up 'facts'.
@@jdb47games I work in the NHS in mental health, and have done for the past six years and in all that time the NHS has had not had an increase in funding. When inflation is factored in that becomes an effective cut in funding. On top of that a lot of the responsibilities that councils has for social care was de-funded so they could no longer do it,; so the responsibility was then given to the NHS with no funding to pay for it. Which therefore in the bigger picture makes it an effective cut in funding. So where you have been living since 1964 I don't know but it certainly hasn't been in the UK; at least not for the last 10 years any way.
jdb47games If what you say was true in terms of cutting budgets (and its not), then that would mean that the Labour governments also cut budgets. What was the NHS budget in 1964, what was it in 2019? You’re an idiot.
Capt Tom walked around his garden 100 times to raise money (£31M) for the NHS. Any American old soldiers doing the same to raise money for insurance companies in the States? Thought not
No one gives money to insurance companies but many will donate or raise money for a hospital.
@@kevinstall3470 They should raise money to expose their politicians as the lying, bribed scum they are - and set up proper healthcare.
I can't imagine the stress of worrying about the cost of being sick, on top of actually being sick. The damage stress does to your body is monumental and pairing that with an illness is just barbaric:(
not to mention how much prolonged stress from not having rights as a worker can stress you , and plenty of coperations trying to avoid paying taxes and lobby european nations to dismantle social security for workers :(
feudal nobility......changing ther title dont change what they are.
@@Amoth_oth_ras_shash My eldest son had a treatment that cost the NHS £600,000. He cannot get insurance in the USA (He has a company based there as well as several other countries, including the UK {the main company, and headquarters}, Europe, and Korea), he has provided cover for his American workers by the largest health care provider in the USA set up by a British man in the 1970's, which is basically a copy of the UK NHS system. He has to have the money for the treatment he might need in the USA on a card that amount is $2.4 million, for when he visits the company he owns. I give this as an idea of just how much American's are ripped off by the insurance and health care companies in the USA.
@@thehammer7711 its stuff like that wich makes me loath how the local politicians keeps glancing at the piss down dogma of the states rather then on the uk and improve or at least repair the damage they allreayd caused to ouer own public health care.
@@Amoth_oth_ras_shash You are correct. however this next bit is going to hurt me to admit. France has the best healthcare system in the world, and they adopted everything Churchill wanted for the NHS in the UK. The best argument against the American system i have heard was when Obama was trying to get Obama care on the agenda. Some anti public healthcare system politicians stated that is Stephen hawking lived in the UK, and was treated by the NHS he would have been dead a long time ago. Hawking was so insulted by this (he had never used American health care) and demanded that Obama had him at a meeting to refute the claims. He told the audience his treatment was totally paid for by the NHS, and cost the USA Not a single cent!!
@@thehammer7711 its lies and smear propaganda like that wich makes me see red concerning the 'blue bloods' way to talk of it here....and it mimics the stories one hears of others.
maby its time for some ''secular public healthcare!'' parties to pop up in some nations... they could form excellent governments with 'education for all' or 'social security' parties after all..keep blue blood and extremists hiding as 'parties' from sabotaging to much.
This is a wonderful appreciation of the NHS. I was a Staff Nurse and Sister for 34 years. Although the NHS has it's problems due to chronic underfunding, the beauty of the system to most people is it is there when they need it and you do not have to worry if you become ill about how you will be able to afford or even access treatment. Even with health care insurance in USA you have to worry about what coverage you have, previous health conditions, deductibles and out of pocket expenses. And the people and families who have no health insurance I shudder to think what they go through. I have seen videos of charities who go out to assist those Americans who do not have Health Care Insurance, they queue up for days for basic dental care, chest XRays etc .... It is shaming for a first world country to be reduced to that. But your Political elite don't care☹️Our Conservative political elite have been trying to attack the NHS for years, but now after Covid 19, any attempt on our NHS would be met with Revolution ! You and your family take care, the NHS is a general insurance, National Insurance only pays for a small proportion the rest comes from general taxation, don't ever feel that you are not contributing enough, you are paying towards it everyday. And I am glad that I am paying towards it also everyday with my VAT. ❤️
I find it strange that in America, the police and the fire service are publicly funded but the Nations health is left to an insurance lottery?
Peter Brown In the U.K. health provision is a service. In the US it’s a business.
@@stephennewton2777 still crazy
So why did the UK privatise water, telephony and transport
@@andrewgarner2224 the Tories did it for their mates, we got nothing out of it but chaos, worse service and higher bills
@@peterbrown1012 must have been a good though idea as Labour didn't repeal it.
I never heard anyone in this country say " I dont want to pay for someone elses healthcare in this country, I dont think I could ever imagine the NHS not being here. If ever a government uttered one word about getting rid of the NHS they would be history.
This is one of the best reviews of our NHS I have seen. At times we all complain about our NHS and it is comparisons with the USA and Coronovirus that reminds us how valuable our NHS is. I cannot begin to imagine how hard it must be to fall ill and have to worry about how you will pay for treatment. Well done and a big thank you to yourself and the NHS. Hope yourself and hubby get well and stay well.
A ringing endorsement for the wonderful and underpaid people who keep us all alive and as pain free as possible.
They are now risking their lives yet again for us during this dreadful pandemic.
You and your wee family certainly have been through such a lot Melody.
I hope life gets better for all of you after this pandemic is over.
You are a lovely addition to our great country by the way.
I wish you rainbows.
I had a lot of health care last year. My friend in California estimated it would cost about £250k in the US. I’m so grateful for the NHS
I am so relieved to hear that you are being taken care of now. Nobody should live in fear. Enjoy the stability and compassion here xx
The difference between the US and the UK is, in the US money is more important than life. Their priorities are all wrong.
In america you're doctor gets paid when you're ill. In Britain he's paid whether you're sick or not.
@@Trebor74 ?
Our Governments priorities are exactly the same. Just look at how they are running the show today. They were quite prepared to allow 250,000 of us die with their ‘herd immunity’ project until we woke up and disagreed with them. Dominic Cummings, our unelectedburocrat’, said that it was tough luck if some pensioners died. Yep, they really do not give a shit about us. The Tories actually cheered when they won the vote not to pay NHS workers a higher wage. Don’t take my word for that, it’s on UA-cam. And when this is all over, they still intend to sell off the NHS,
@@Trebor74
How do you work that out?
The doctor isn't 'my' doctor Robert, he's there for the whole community.
Before this pandemic, I could telephone the local Health Centre, ask for an appointment and be booked in to see 'my' doctor at a specific time/date.
I'd go along to the HC at the appointed time and be seen by 'my' doctor*.
*'my' doc is one of five based at our local Health Centre. They have 'shared' out the registered 'patients' but I could, if I wished, name a doctor I wanted to see.
Politically I'm right of centre, but I fully support the ethos of the NHS.
btw: In Ancient Greece, a doctor was only paid when the patient was well.
@@johnthorburn1913
I won't take your word for it Mr Thorburn. Where can I find an authentic reference showing Dominic Cummings saying "tough luck" if some pensioners died.
The fact is, yes, some elderly people (and I'm one) may well die as a result of this pandemic, but so will many others of all ages if we do not follow the advice of people like Cummings and avoid close contacts with 'strangers' - ie anyone (including kin) we are not living with.
When did the Tories 'cheer' when they won the vote?
This disease is new to us, it is virulent and for some it's a killer. No government on earth has been 'ready for it' and there will always be people who's arguments will be informed by
their politics rather than science.
It's so nice to hear someone praise this country. It's not the most glamorous place in the world. But we're proud of it.
John, I agree. We seem to be taking a bashing at the moment, but I am proud of our country 🇬🇧
Thank you for being so open about your mental health issues and helping to reduce the unfair stigma. You have a very positive attitude. My opinion on the NHS is that it is the best health care in the world.
I agree with everything you said. The NHS was established just after WW2 Britain became a welfair state. Housing for the poor. Free daily milk and school dinners for the poor as well as family allowance for every child.I came from a large family. My parents came through the hardships of that terrible war.But for the first time in the history of Britain. The government although bankrupt put people first.
The US has the ‘Me me me’ society whereas the UK has the ‘We we we’ society. I pity the tens of thousands of poorer US citizens weighing up whether they go for suspected Covid19 treatment or go into crippling debt, long live the NHS and the wonderful people who staff it
One one hand they're anti-government and saying government shouldn't run healthcare but on they other hand they're spouting nonsense about Trump being appointed by God!
We should grant them refugee status
"The US has the ‘Me me me’ society whereas the UK has the ‘We we we’ society"
You know, that's not a bad way of putting it..........................................nicely observed.
@@em-or7qc g.od is about as real as santa
Sweet woman, beautiful story with many more chapters to compose.
I watched a film of an American healthcare where they put homeless people back on the streets without treatment, I have never been so disgusted in my life , you summed up the care blanket of our nhs brilliantly thank you , I wish you well
What a lovely endorsement of the NHS, whom we Brits love and treasure. I hope they receive more funding during-and after- the Coronavirus crisis :) I also hope America gets its act together - it's unthinkable to most Brits as to how the US has not yet figured out how vital free healthcare is to keep a country healthy and profitable!
All very true but ..Cancer survival rates in the UK are still lagging more than two decades behind those achieved in many European countries , according to new analysis by campaigners.
Macmillan Cancer Support, which based its analysis on a study published last year in The Lancet, said it was “shameful” that “people were dying needlessly” as it revealed the chances of surviving five of the most commonly occurring types of the disease in the UK trail at least 10 years behind many comparable European countries........... that's from the Guardian.I'm not saying the NHS is bad or anything but survival rates for cancer are pretty important and this is only one example of its failures.US cure rates are generally better than those in the UK,of course,that comes at a very high cost.
However they are better than the cancer outcomes in the USA
Hands up to the NHS it should be a world standard
No it is underequipped
Ian McGreevy , The principle is perfect but thanks to over zealous capitalism messing up our economy on a depressingly regular basis , we suffer through Austerity . Then our taxes bail out the greedy assholes who over extend and overheat our economy in the first place , . Public services like healthcare suffer ! Scandinavia never go through boom and bust because they don let banks deregulation and corporations get out of hand . There is no corruption in politics there either . In 1970 , we had a choice to join Scandinavia , who are cared for from the cradle to the grave ..... or Europe , Now look at us !! 👎!!
When this is over, it will be.
@@user-ky6vw5up9m ... then let's equip it ... put an extra 2p on income tax.
It will be soon. Trust me
Loving the hybrid Scottish American accent..and the love for our wonderful NHS..
I sit watching this whilst taking my medication. I have to take eight tablets a day. Due to being over sixty there is no charge to me.
The NHS is a wonderful thing.
The National Health Service "The N.H.S." was set up on the 5th of July 1948 by the then Labour Government (1945 to 1951) it is free Health care/support from cradle to the grave ... I am so proud (As a Socialist) that we have had this for 72 years onwards ... Long Live the N.H.S.
"Four years before the NHS officially came into being, the wartime Conservative-led coalition published a 1944 white paper that certainly set out the need for a “free” and “comprehensive” healthcare service. It was presented as a natural evolution from past provision. But how different was it from the later NHS blueprint?
Under the 1944 white paper, voluntary hospitals (financed by local fundraising and workers’ contributions) would remain independent, not be taken over by the state. They would instead contract services from newly established local joint authorities, comprising amalgams of city and county councils. These authorities would also run the existing municipal hospitals. The white paper placed local authorities at the centre of hospital governance.
It was planned, also, to establish local authority health centres, where GPs would provide primary care for the community. In short, the Conservative emphasis was decidedly more pluralistic than the state-centric nationalised service we got in 1948, similar in some way to the “internal market” in health set up after 1989."
So, not actually conceived by Labour. Also, of those 72 years, it's been under the stewardship of the Tories for 45 and they haven't sold it yet.
@@geoffos42 Labour joined the tories in a coalition in 1940 because of Labour's influence within that coalition, that white paper came about.
Further more (as I explained to another Deluded Tory Lover) Over many years of democratic governments, Labour have had very few years in government although The Tories Have Had The Majority ... yet it was The Labour Party that set The National Health Service ... A Socialist Construct !!!.
The idea of a national health service had been mooted by an earlier Conservative minister.
@@gordonsmith8899The naivety of your hollow statement is astounding ... so let me Put You Straight!
In the context G.B./U.K. politics the Conservative party have predominately held power in government over the years of democratic politics. In comparison the Labour party who have only governed for just 24 Years ... So The Conservatives had 500 years or more to debate and implement a National health Service (They Never Did So!) In comparison to The Labour party who stated in their manifesto of the 1945 General Election that they would implement A "State Run" National Health Service from "cradle to grave" the then Conservative supporting General Medical Council (Along with The Conservative's) campaigned against the Labour Government Yet That Progressive Labour Government Implemented The National Health Service (The N.H.S.) on The 5th of July 1948! ... The Factual outcome is this Labour promised and implemented The National Health Service within three years of Government!. The Conservative party Had Many Years to set up a state health service, yet They Just "mooted" it ... FACT!.
@@merseydave1
The establishment of an national health service was raised by a Conservative member in the war time coalition government, a government of which Nye Bevan was a member.
Do try to debate and not simply bawl your party propaganda.
You were sick and needed help, we all chip in and help each other when this happens, no one should go under because they are sick. I still find it amazing that most Americans think universal healthcare is an evil thing. Glad you're well and enjoying the UK.
Every American deserves free healthcare.
I'd say every human being on the planet needs free health care no mater what it's basic human rights x
A bit of a rant, a bit of a rant. This is the quietest, most pleasant rant I've ever heard. Lovely video. Good luck to you and your family. I hope you all get better and stay well.
Thanks for being straight and honest about the NHS. It's such a security net for everyone. Especially right now.
Hope youre still enjoying the UK and i hope your anxiety and other issues disappear.
We love the NHS.Hope your doing well x god bless
I love our NHS and get very aggressively defensive of it, when people from other countries run it down, when they clearly have no idea what they are talking about! that is why listening to you describe your experience of the NHS had me in tears! thankyou! 😘
Oh my gosh! Your story sounds so familiar! Lived in America my whole life and moved to England in 2011. Have my own you tube thingie and in that I talk about the NHS also. It is a magnificent thing!! They saved my life and I am eternally grateful. I do not want to go back to the states either really. Especially now with open carry and the rift between certain parties.. bleh. Lovely to meet you fellow EX Pat :)
I'm glad you experienced the care you needed! It's nice to go to any country & to feel welcome. Congratulations on your marriage & welcome to the UK.
The NHS is a nation's response to the Parable of The Good Samaritan.
That's a brilliant comment!
I grew up in Scotland. The NHS is remarkable. Currently living in Texas, with these United States not having anything like the British NHS, I frequently find myself overwhelmed with medical bills. The cost of healthcare in these United States is unjustifiably high.
16 years ago - that explains your accent. Your have an almost British accent/ or neutral accent but every now and again it changed. Love that you are here
Haha. It depends what I say if I have a neutral accent or if it does completely southern. When I visit Georgia or the South it goes back to the old one. Even when I am talking to people from there. Maybe I should do a video about that. Thanks :) I love being here.
@@MelodyLeigh Don't go changing to try and please us, we like you just the way you are!
I noticed the hybrid accent, too.
You come across as a really nice, intelligent person. It's a pleasure to have you here.
A good video. Melody, as a Brit I'm so glad you are over here and are being looked after by our NHS. Stay well! In the States there is considerable misinformation about our NHS and it is often criticised by individuals with an anti NHS agenda. Some are even paid to say bad things about it whenever someone suggests they should try to adopt a similar system over there. They even call it a socialist system that we have. It isn't, it's just good sense, and this is from a personal, business and social viewpoint. There are no real downsides to doing it the way we do. To understand that statement just look at the other systems around the world. Not saying the NHS is perfect. There isn't a perfect one anywhere in the world. However, the NHS has been rated many times the world over as the number one healthcare system. Even the influential Fabian Society based in the States rated it number one in the world (2017 I think) and yet rated the American system just 7th in the developed world. To put that into context, the dreadful Russian system is rated 11th in the same study. And of course, the mortality age rate in the UK is still improving all the time whereas in the States it's going down with folks living shorter lives. There is a reason for that. If everyone in the States paid just a little bit for their healthcare from their taxes, like we do over here, everyone could have first class healthcare like we do. Insurance based schemes are just money making businesses which is why everything in the States regarding healthcare costs huge amounts of money compared to anywhere else. Americans get ripped off by the healthcare system they have, although it's not really a "system" as such as we know it. By the way, my wife had two emergency brain operations last year to save here life. She spent weeks in a top London hospital in intensive care but pulled through. She is now fully recovered thanks to the NHS. No cost to us at point of use. All we paid was our usual taxes.
Fantastic. Got emotional watching you. Especially in times like these, we should feel incredibly proud of #OurNHS. I have many American friends online and will share your story with them. Every human deserves universal healthcare. Thank you for your words.
Melody that's a Pretty name. I wish you safe and good n' well too =))
My father who was born in 1913 in England, long before the NHS, used to tell me, if someone got sick, they used to agonise about whether or not to call doctor because of the cost. They had to make the decision and sometimes they got it wrong and people died. Nasty.
This is such an American take on the NHS. I thought it was funny that you kept talking about tax and trying to justify your use of it with tax. Mate you don't need to explain yourself, you were unwell and a resident of the UK, no more needs said.
What you said ☝🏾
Sometimes it's necessary to say that for the people who like to claim 'it's not free'.
Totally agree, 99% of Brits would say it costs us nothing!
Absolutely ! Someone sick, needs help, end of, no discussion. Respect media. Good luck kid enjoy Britain!
ryn mcray think you’re in the wrong discussion love?
what a wonderful post. thankyou for re-affirming my love for the NHS
Thanks for posting it is really great to hear how much the NHS is appreciated. It is also lovely to hear personal prospective and how much it is effective. Holistically important not just for physical health but for mental health rounded care. Thanks again. Stay safe.
It takes someone from another country to truly appreciate the NHS and the wonderful work it carries out thanks to the dedicated staff.
May you and your family be healthy and happy in the future.
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts and experiences in this excellent video.
Your a lovely person! :)
Wake up America, well said Melody, i'am so glad your doing well now. So frightening to think that if you where still in America you might not be here today. Our N.H.S. will never be taken away from the people.
If they do, we riot!
Adrian Smith exactly
So proud of the NHS - would be happy to pay more in taxes. Hardly ever used it but one day I might....
Great video. Really interesting (and important). Thanks for sharing. Wishing all the best for you and your husband.
Lee Cal thanks so much. He is healing really well and we hope this will be the last surgery...fingers crossed 🤞
Bless ya , big hugs … I'm glad you are able to receive our care , our nurses and hospitals are not perfect , but it doesn't matter whether you are rich or poor , you will get treated .. Stay positive :)
So glad those people are there for you & always will be. Well done getting yourself & family through your situations (& still working too).
It is a Country's duty to ensure the safety of its citizens. I have no idea why any Country/person would think that shouldn't include healthcare. Thank feck for the NHS. An absolutely vital and brilliant service.
Only a nanny state thinks it is responsible for every aspect of its citizen's lives. Had a student who chooses not to take out health insurance because as a 20 something he was unlikely to need it. Unfortunately, he was also a skydiver and forgot about that aspect. He broke his leg and it cost him $1000.00. He still came out ahead. But as an adult he had the right to make that decision for himself.
@@kevinstall3470 Nowhere in my statement did I even imply that the Government should be responsible for every aspect of a person's life.
I'm always confused by Americans who get irate when we genuinely helpfully point out it's a much better and cheaper system than theirs - Healthcare costs about 9% of GDP here compared to 16.9% of GPD in the USA, we're just gently trying to help our friends across the pond save money, get better healthcare and a lower level of stress in life, ^oo^
@Carving Up Europe's Economy Why not show off, they're always criticising us!
@Carving Up Europe's Economy BTW, you're not a Brit.
@Carving Up Europe's Economy
If the USA had invented the American Health Service (AHS) in 1948 - still the envy of the world today ..
You can bet your bottom dollar that they would be boasting about it every second sentence ...
"USA! USA! #1! #1! Best healthcare system on Earth! YEEEEHAAA!" :) [no racism ... they are MUCH worse than that in real life]
And we would be ... "I know, I know ... but can you please not rub it in as much?"
Unfortunately, this didn't happen.
All we can do about it is exactly what they would have done; boast about how great the NHS is - so they might see sense and get one of their own!
Carving Up Europe's Economy What part of the UK are you from?
@Carving Up Europe's Economy 'Sanctimonious' would imply I don't care for the health of my American friends - Just because you think something, doesn't make it true - and shows how little you know me, oh mightily judgemental one, ^oo^
My GP gives me 3 month’s worth of my prescription at a time so costs me even less than the “monthly” fee.
Mine does the same, and if my prescription costs less than the set price my pharmacist tells me and charges the cheaper price. 😊
@@masoncampbell971 This is also true for me!!!
So glad you were here for all those problems. I've seen people interviewed in the States who are happy to pay more as long as other people don't get free stuff, I cannot understand that level of evil.
My brother moved back to the UK from the US due to a brain tumour. His American wife also came over and she was amazed by the NHS.
Graham Carson my friend’s wife is American and they moved back when they ran out of money treating her cancer. She got treatment from the NHS and is now cancer free. Also she is now a citizen here too 💜💜💜💜 I hope everything went well for your brother.
@@MelodyLeigh he is being treated with medication to control his symptoms as the tumour is not malignant but is causing neurological problems. He is better than when he got back, seizures have stopped.
@@SwearyCyclist Its nice to hear that he is getting the treatment that he needs and is better for it.
@@MelodyLeigh thats the sort of thing that breaks the nhs its a national health service for nationals not sick yanks
Jane Deacon Deacon yes but they were moving back here anyway as the job in America ended and she is a citizen now. Works. Pays taxes and puts money back into the system. It wasn’t a healthcare holiday it was a quality of life decision. When my Scottish husband and I chose which country to live in we went on quality of life, and that was before I knew about the NHS. We have a better quality of life here than we would have done in America and that was how the decision was made. Also, they had to move back as his parents needed to be cared for as they had dementia. Running out of money and being monetarily bankrupt by healthcare is only one aspect of the story. I didn’t think I needed to elaborate on this. It was just an example on the pitfalls of the American Healthcare Service versus the NHS and how exemplary the care is.
I’m now middle aged. When I was younger I went years without seeing my doctor. I never once thought I shouldn’t be paying for other people. I just knew that as I got older I would need it more and more. The NHS has now saved me and my wife’s life several times over. I love the NHS and couldn’t imagine being without it. So glad that the NHS has saved you and your family too. Free healthcare at the point of demand is the mark of a civilised society. I pay my taxes gladly. 😊
The NHS is the jewel in our crown.
Yes and you are still contributing to society in a meaningful way !!! You deserve all the luck and benefit you can get from the NHS !!! Your well-being is the most important thing !!! And we are proud to have helped you another human being !!! This is a caring society and you perspective is greatly appreciated thanks for your story it means so much to everybody !!! We are happy to have you in our society, you are a great value to our wellbeing !!!
You are very welcome. I work for NHS and we don't even think about 'how much money have you got' we think, how can I help you. Im pleased you are now under the correct meds and have the support :) and a great healthy life. Did you know, some meds in England are free too, lol.
Clever girl. Looking beyond yourself as an individual but to the common good so it benefits all.
Bravo, Melody. You are a soothing voice.
my niece is bipolar and it is a condition that needs to be talked about as it often goes unnoticed, so thank you for this video it has been shared.
So glad you're getting your support. Hope things continue well for you. Why do people complain that the NHS is socialist? It doesn't really matter does it. If people benefit, if everyone benefits, then happy days indeed. Good luck and thanks for the video.
Well said , particularly applicable to these strange times.
I had a life saving operation when I was sixteen, that was almost 14 years ago now. And it was under the NHS. I was given help by my fellow citizens, and in turn I help them. That's how it should be, it's not a perfect system, but it's a fair system in my view, and ultra capitalist attitudes to healthcare sicken me. Those drug ads in America border on parody. "WARNING, may cause blood in the urine, or a huge deficit in your bank account."
Callum Cowan You’ve summed it up perfectly, Callum 😃
Don't forget National Insurance is for The NHS, and a pension for when you retire.
@TheRenaissanceman65 at least 10 qualifying years on your National Insurance record to get any State Pension. You'll need 35 qualifying years to get the full new State Pension. You'll get a proportion of the new State Pension if you have between 10 and 35 qualifying years
"National Insurance is for The NHS"
Well yes, and so do other taxes. NI is not a 'specific' tax for a specific reason. It just goes into the general pool of taxed income. Because of the way NI was set up and the services it guarantees, it runs on catch-up.
What we pay in NI today was used up a good number of years ago on a variety of things we (and our parents) received or will receive.
National Inusrance is not enough to pay for the NHS. Most of the NHS costs are paid for from general taxation. National Insurance counts towards qualification for pensions, sickness benefits, and, unless things have changed in recent years, maternity benefits and unemployment benefit.
There is a pension income guarantee so that makes up for less years contributed
Glad you are doing well and that the NHS has done so well by you. It has many faults but is still a thing to be proud of. Even if you did not have a job you would be looked after. Please keep well.
My heart goes out to you, thank goodness you are now living in the uk and getting the medication you need .
Thanks for sharing the cost of a single drug and ambulance callout in places without the benefit of the NHS. When I have to pay £10 for prescriptions again, I will keep this in mind (esp as a prepayment certificate is available to reduce the cost)
I didn't know that , I thought my N.I contributions, went to the N H S . Learn something new every day , I've only lived here all my 59 years .
Hi Max. They used too until very recently. N.I used to be ring-fenced exclusively for NHS funding. Many people aren't aware that they way we fund the NHS has changed. As you can imagine, it wasn't a popular move so the government at the time tried to sneak it through without most people noticing and succeeded.
Darling, sweetie you do not have to keep saying! You are one of us. You will always be one of us. The system is made so that people regardless of issue get help. It is cradle to grave. Regardless - some years you will pay in more or less. It is there! Can a society exist without it? I mean truly exist with time off and leisure and the chance to enjoy life? Otherwise it living to work not working to live?
So true. I remember those days. I would work three jobs at the same time and go to University with no time off. The weekends I spend with my family is precious even if the teenager is basically a teenager. I am hoping to get my degree and be a teacher in a few years so at least I will know I love my job! People keep asking why and I keep saying because I like spreading knowledge and I know it will be hard but if you get one person who you break through to then its worth it. 💜
Thank you very, very much. You are a lovely person!
Personally I could not imagine a world without universal healthcare like nhs or canada. I had a heart attack got ambulance out. Thankfully was only minor heart attack but 1 month drugs I got for free. How much would that cost in the USA? I’m not saying it’s perfect but here in the UK we not need to worry if we going to live or die because we poor, unemployed or homeless. Or maybe that’s what it is in us profit over life. I was reading from New York to Montreal takes 45 minutes. Stay New York and die or be bankrupt or drive 45 minutes and pay nothing. Hmm hard to choose I say sarcastically.
Damian Howard NYC to Montreal is a 6 hour drive, if you lived in New York state right on the border to Canada you could maybe do it in 45 mins, some people on the border do cross to Canada for healthcare.
With the insurance I had through my employer, I never paid more than $20 for a prescription. That included Betaseron which was a cost over a thousand a month. Still only cost me $20. Which is just a little bit more than the 9 pounds they charge now.
Many Canadians travel to New York for Medical care.
As someone who works in Pharmacy I'm proud to be apart of the NHS
Its an amazing system despite the flaws
I love our NHS, from someone who has worked for them for 26 years
Wonderful comments and honesty. Best wishes to you and your family. :)
The Last few years seeing the NHS first hand, My experience goes from Bloody Brilliant to Utter Crap.
Still Love it.
Thanks for your clear and honest input,it helps me appreciate what we have here in the UK. best wishes to you and all your family.
As a Scot myself, I can detect a tiny bit of a Sottish accent developing there!
That's the way to integrate fully! 😂
Lovely comments. You never have to justify using the NHS. Paying into the NHS is commitment we all happily make, even if we are incredibly lucky and rarely utilise the NHS ourselves, we all have someone we love whose life has been saved by the NHS. Just the fact that we know it's always there and always accessible is a huge source of reassurance to us The NHS is like our third parent, it brings us into the world, is there to care for us at our most vulnerable throughout our life and will see us out at the end with care and dignity. It may not be perfect, but it is very, very special.
This is why I love our NHS. ALL people in the UK will get treated, NO cost upfront, no need to worry. I am proud to say my taxes help people such as yourselves.
I would also give more to the NHS , just add it onto my tax say £25 a month to all those that can afford it would make a substantial difference. Glad you are here.
Thanks so much for the lovely comment. I hope that I can contribute more in the future 💜
This woman has a lot of guts saying all this in front the camera. She has more beans than myself and a hell of a lot of people but besides that it's very true what she saying about the NHS and they Saved My Life to on more than a couple of occasions.
I really enjoyed your vid, having worked in mental health can I say regarding your depression, when you have help you have hope. There are some people who complain that they are paying for other peoples care but I don't know any, so good luck for the future.
Hi Melody, as a uk taxpayer, I'm pleased to hear of your positive experience. As humans it seems obvious to so many of us that we should work together for the greater good, your treatment has enabled you to work and continue the circle. I can't understand why America cannot adopt a similar system. Stay well and enjoy your time and health :-)
Nice 'rant' - Hope your family all keep healthy in the current Covid 19 era !!!!!
Thank you so much for making this video, your story is one that all Americans should hear. You seem like a lovely person and your accent is really cute, I can hear both the English and Scottish accent mixed with your American.
While prescriptions went up to it's current price of £9 here in England, you can take out what is called a (PPC) Prescription Prepayment Certificate, of which there are two. One is a 3 month PPC for a total of £29.10 which covers most if not all prescriptions for 3 months, the other is a 12 month PPC and covers you, like above, for 12 months. However if you are in receipt of certain benefits or your child is under a certain age, you tick a box on the back of the prescription note to waiver the fee.
I think it was £8 back when we live down in Oxfordshire. I remember it was free during my first pregnancy. Now I’m in Scotland it’s free. I don’t think it was to begin with but that’s going back many years now. 💜
@@MelodyLeigh Ye', in England it has been slowly creeping up. Scotland got rid of prescription charges. There is a national and political reason I'm going to keep away from but it's also a numbers thing. The U.K. has a population of 66 million, England 55 million, Scotland 5.5 million.
I was looking at another video of a doctor in New York talking to four average people. A 30+ year old woman who admitted to struggling with limited healthcare and that she went a year without it until she got a new job. When asked if she'd be okay with raising taxes slightly to pay for universal healthcare, she said no.
This isn't a trick question. For a small percentage of her premiums, she gets universal healthcare, no premiums or surprising fees. It literally is spending one dollar extra in one place to saves tens, hundreds or even thousands of dollars elsewhere.
Take care lass, it's scary times right now so keep safe and well.
In the US it isn't unusual to get 3 month supply of prescription you use constantly and by getting in bulk it is cheaper. unfortunately, the NHS will only dole out a month at a time.
@@kevinstall3470 Sort of, my step-father, while getting his meds delivered in a pre-made blister pack (and morphine as and when he runs out), the doctors surgery (GP) gives the pharmacy a prescription valid for three months at a time.
Most will only dispense a month at a time for various reasons, some meds expire quickly, some could be overdosed on, some in case the doctor changes the dosages (which they've been known to do from time to time), some are 'controlled drugs' such as morphine drugs like Sevredol tablets and Oramorph liquid, etc... So there are various reasons not to dispense more than a month at a time but some drugs are dispensed either every three or six months, it depends on the drug and reason.
Prior to retirement where the drugs are now free, he earned too much to get free prescriptions in England, so he had a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (£29.65 for three months and £105.90 for 12 months and that covered all his meds (he's on ten or 11 different tablets and has to take 25 tablets a day, which was all covered).
Thanks for your wise observations. Glad you have the support you need for your health
I love that you get the principle of having a healthy nation you end up having a healthy workforce as well which is of a benefit for all.
A very nice story ... hope you and all your family continue to prosper. Hope one day USA will see the light and get universal healthcare.
People who say they don't want to pay for other people's healthcare clearly don't understand how insurance works. If you have private health insurance you are paying for other people's healthcare because your payments are paying for people currently receiving treatment. In the UK we pay National Insurance contributions which is taken from our pay on a percentage basis so the more you earn whilst you pay the same percentage you pay more in cash terms. The only difference between that and private insurance is that the cost is spread over the entire working population. And you are free to supplement that by taking out private insurance which provided you can afford it allows you to get non-emergency treatment faster than you might from the NHS. So in real terms you can have the best of both worlds emergency treatment without the worry about bills and if you have the funds elective treatment when needed rather tan when the NHS has the availability to provide it.
"The only difference between that and private insurance is that the cost is spread over the entire working population."
Indeed, but there's also a wider issue - that of overall cost to that healthcare system. The NHS has enormous negotiating and buying power because of its position as representative of the entire population. No individual healthcare provider company in the US can compete with these numbers, so inevitably often get similar drugs at more expensive rates.
So before we get to the issues surrounding making a profit out of the sick-enough-to-be-fixed, already the US system lags behind in its ability to provide a cost-effective medical service, often having paid more than the NHS might for similar items.
Dear Lady, Thank you for your thoughtful comments re our health service. You are welcome to all the help that you have recieved. Our system is also reciprocated by a few other countris eg my No2 Son was born in another (middle Eastern) country free of charge due to a reciprocal agreement.
I hope this doesn't come accross as rude but you do not look old enough to be making this video, I'm not sure how old you are but going by the dates, you look amazing for your age! I am near the end of my nursing degree (in york, england) and thank you for this video!
I’m 39. It’s not rude 😊💜
Great video thanks NHS is a national treasure
Peace Glasgow
As someone from England I cant imagine a system without something like the NHS.
The only problem I have is people using it for minor issues (common cold, cough etc) they ruin it for the mass
It's a great system but not without its flaws
Very gratifying to know how much you appreciate your health care that most UK residents are guilty of taking for granted. I have heard of the extortionate costs of an ambulance and we have to wonder how those charges can be justified. I don't think you will find doctors driving around in the sorts of cars that some American doctors drive and can only assume that they are paid vast fortunes for their work. The gulf between having a good job with insurance and a person who works in a lesser job and just cannot afford it is beyond all reasoning. So much for the American Dream. The NHS was founded around about the time I was born in 1948 and I cannot imagine how people would survive without it. Good Luck to you and your family.