THE NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE IN SCOTLAND IS DIRE

People are being driven to desperation and all the politicians do is blame one-another

A growing number of Scots are turning to the private sector for a range of procedures. Shona Robison, SNP health spokeswoman, said people were frustrated at having to wait for NHS treatment. She said: "I know for some elderly people it is a heart-breaking decision to have to use their life-long savings to get a hip operation, but they are just waiting far too long on the NHS. I think this shows how badly the executive has failed."

Carolyn Leckie, health spokeswoman for the Scottish Socialist Party, said: "The NHS was created for the people, and if people are being forced to turn to private healthcare this totally defeats the purpose." David Davidson, Tory health spokesman, said people were increasingly paying for medical care to achieve an improved quality of life. "The elderly in particular are willing to use their savings to gain an improved lifestyle, but it is their choice." A British Medical Association spokesman said: "Scots are entitled to choose to go private if they wish, although they should have access to free NHS healthcare and services of a certain standard."

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For greatest efficiency, lowest cost and maximum choice, ALL hospitals and health insurance schemes should be privately owned and run -- with government-paid vouchers for the very poor and minimal regulation.

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