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Gordon Brown sprang to the defence of the NHS today as the Government countered American claims that the service was “evil” and “Orwellian”.
The Prime Minister and wife Sarah joined a Twitter campaign launched by Britons furious at US criticism of the health service.
The NHS has been caught in the crossfire of the bitter debate in the US over President Obama's healthcare reform plans, with some critics claiming the “socialised” system in the UK refuses treatment to the elderly and poor.
Health Minister Lord Darzi is to appear on US TV channels to expose what the Government believes are inaccuracies and myths.
Health Secretary Andy Burnham today said the online Twitter campaign revealed a “global groundswell” of support from NHS patients and warned he would not stand by while the system's reputation was shredded.
The social networking site crashed yesterday with the volume of messages for the #welovethenhs campaign.
No 10's Twitter site, which has more than a million followers, carried a message: “PM; NHS often makes the difference between pain and comfort, despair and hope, life and death. Thanks for always being there.”
It also included Mrs Brown stating “#welovethenhs — more than we can say”. Another message read: “Andy Burnham: Over the moon about strong support for NHS — an institution I will defend to my dying day”.
Tory leader David Cameron also defended the NHS, declaring “it's incredibly important to me and my family” and that he believed in it “100 per cent”.
Professor Stephen Hawking hit back at claims in an American newspaper that he “wouldn't have a chance in the UK” because of NHS rationing. Visiting Washington to accept America's highest civilian honour, he said: “I wouldn't be here today if it were not for the NHS.”
The Government is loath to intervene directly in the American debate but Mr Burnham told the Standard: “It is not my role to comment on the US healthcare debate but I will defend the NHS when it comes under attack and from criticism that is simply untrue.
“The NHS delivers fast, high quality and safe care to over a million people every 36 hours . . . Healthcare should not be a luxury that some cannot afford.”
Republicans and other campaigners in the US claim the NHS highlights the pitfalls of Mr Obama's plans. Television adverts have claimed the NHS puts an “Orwellian” financial cap on the value of life and allows the elderly to die untreated.
One politician said US Senator Ted Kennedy would have been left to die in Britain because he was too old for his brain tumour to be treated.
Critics say Mr Obama would set up “death panels” because Britain's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence regularly determines which drugs should receive funding.
Republican presidential hopeful Sarah Palin said the system was “downright evil”.
Andrew Dillon, chief executive of Nice, said the Kennedy claim was utterly false.
Among inaccuracies that have irritated the Government are claims NHS patients over the age of 59 cannot get heart repairs and that women under 25 are “not allowed” breast cancer screening.
One advert said 40 per cent of UK cancer patients do not have access to a specialist. Macmillan Cancer Support said this figure was 15 years out of date.
Reader views (37)
The National Health Service is our pride. There is no where in the world where such service is available. It caters for the poor and the rich, the young and the old, the jobless, the employed and the self employed. Even non British citizens have access to the NHS. The standards are nothing but excellent. I am very proud to be British . To the critics of the NHS, I have this to say; if you think the NHS is not the best try cash and carry, the American system.
- Amechi Peter Okeleke, Sheffield, UK, 14/08/2009 11:10
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I've been an RN in USA for 20 years and have traveled extensively throughout the states.
I resigned my position as Director of Nursing at a Hospital and my insurance cancelled 2 days later. To receive one month of insurance it will cost me 5 times my premium!
It's very simple. THE REPUBLICANS ARE IN THE POCKETS OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES.
But through fear and scare tactics, the public is freaking out. Obama is offering us the same insurance that all the politicians received. Do we not feel worthy to have such a good plan?
- S.Cook, Tulsa,Oklahoma, USA, 14/08/2009 05:19
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blair brown cameron all say they love the nhs,but thats to get elected,and say we are going pure money into it for you believers,OBAMA said the same thing to get elected,its bleeding both counties of cash wak UP TO THESE BAFOONS
- Phil, usa, 14/08/2009 04:17
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The evil empire is the NHS bureaucracy which has become bloated and self important. The NHS hospital and medical staff are magnificent but unfortunately stifled and hindered by the meddling bureaucracy. Time to change the centralised model - but as the bureaucracy have access to the politicians ears this will not happen.
- Mr Pastry, Brisbane, 14/08/2009 03:56
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I had a baby in the US; two years later, another on the NHS. The care on the NHS was amazing. A health visitor to come to the home of a young mum with a toddler and baby! I wanted for absolutely nothing. The hospital might not have been brand new, the beds might have been old in my ward, but the human factor was outstanding. Flash forward: A few years ago, I was in a vehicle accident in New Zealand and paralysed my arm. The ACC takes care of me, and the care there has been amazing. ACC care is rationed; if I'd smoked, no operation. But I have had literally US$100,000 worth of care, absolutely for free, and my surgeon is world class. He has given me the use of my arm back from absolutely nothing. Flash forward: this summer, visiting the US, my husband got a separated shoulder. We went to an ER with travel insurance. He was given an x-ray and told to go see a specialist...on Monday. We weren't told to put ice on it, and he wasn't given a pain prescription. We weren't even told the name of a specialist to see! The doc turned his back on us as we left. We came to find out later that my husband had cracked ribs, too, which the American doctor didn't care enough to look for. I've never been subject to such callused indifference in a medical setting--but then I've been spoilt by the NHS and ACC. America, you can have your backward, ignorant healthcare system, but don't criticize something you do not know.
- Lina, New Zealand, 14/08/2009 01:51
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I grew up and was educated in the UK, and work brought me the USA 18 years ago. It has been interesting following the current health care debate. My parents and siblings live in the UK. My wife(American)is from a large family. Over the years I have witnessed first hand (multiple times) the differences between the two systems as my extended family (hers and mine) have had illness and other reasons to be hospitalized (births of nieces and nephews). As I reflect upon the differences between the two system I can tell you that they are striking and alarming. In conclusion I am very thankful to be growing old this side of the pond.
- Paul, Raleigh, NC, 14/08/2009 00:37
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To the U.S.Rebublicans who consider that it is 'Communist' to have available healthcare for all--they don't know what they are talking about!The NHS has helped my family in many ways- without payment and successfully.By the way, I was recently injured in Hungary,[a former Communist country], needed injections,X-rays and medication.The care I received was fantastic-no waiting to see a doctor[or for X-rays],a report written by the radiologist on the spot and an immediate diagnosis.The cost? 5 pounds for 3 lots of medication [prescriptions].Their economy is worse than ours' but they look after ALL their citizens.Perhaps the Rebublicans should look at Europe and learn from them.Or maybe they're just too blinkered.I am insulted by the NHS bashing-what price the 'Special Relationship'?
- Vicky Stradling, Newport England, 13/08/2009 22:04
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OK, TJ from Sacremento: I hope that you don't find yourself underinsured and with bankruptcy staring you in face sometime. And believe me, old son, US citizens who fall ill in the UK are relieved that they don't have to worry about health insurance; a friend of mine from the US, who collapsed with heart failure, had a by-pass courtesy of the NHS a few weeks ago and is walking around normally again.
- Dectora, London UK, 13/08/2009 17:37
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The line for gastric band ops will bankrupt any scheme put in place in the US unless there is a fitness test to pass first.
- Claire Elizabeth, London, 13/08/2009 17:20
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Okay...I don't want this system. I don't this crazy government intrusion into our lives. It is what makes
American's different. Yes.. we have our problems. But we will never ever see perfect. We don't have 45 million American's without health insurance. That is totally false. There is 10-12 million who need coverage and cannot afford. Okay. let's work on that. There are another 15 million or so ILLEGALS.. No.. sorry ... come here right. I am tired of working to pay for those who don't. Who come here and get bennies... that is what is going on. Many don't want to give them bennies. Go home and come back right!! Then we have another 15 million who can afford coverage..but don't buy it because they are in teh 18-30 year old range and feel they don't need it because they are young and healthy. So stop.. STOP SAYING 45 MILLION AMERICANS. If it works for you all in Europe.. Kool.. but that is not what American's want. We can't fix our jacked-up system at this point.. let's create 40 more departments that we can't afford. America was established on negative powers of the federal government. Not big Government.
- Tj, Sacramento, CA, 13/08/2009 17:01
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Orwellian, yes, evil no, but probably true of some of the decision makers in the system.
The NHS is too subject to central general diktat and if you don't fit, too bad.
I was treated for pneumonia, in hospital, with paracetamol, and had e relapse 10 days, when it was treated properly, privately. But then I fall into the 'old' category and presumably I was one of the expendable ones (pneumonia also known as old man's friend, leading to death)!
Needs radical overhaul with doctors in charge not civil servants in Whitehall and their sidekicks in the Trust concerned.
Too much money has been sprayed at it with the paper pushers taking too large a share.
- Hugh, Middx, 13/08/2009 16:05
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Why do we all talk politics? The present government has spent loads on the NHS. The benefits are many london hospitals have been refurbished and have loads of equipment. As someone who has been in London for 40yrs - its a miracle. I now can see my GP within 2 days used to be 2 weeks!!!
However we have not had value for money. Who is to blame I don't care - but we've had the opportunity with a great economy to get a brilliant health service. We have squandered the money.
The common argument is too much bureaucaracy and management, but from my experience of several london Hospitals - much of the staff just don't care, are lazy and the system is badly managed.
Sure if you are one of the hard workers - you must get dragged down because your fellow workers don't give a dam.
Maria - there is a reciprocal healthcare system I believe you get a form E112 (not the standard E111) so that EU member states pay the NHS bill for one of their nationals.
A Doctor friend from an EU state got send here to have an op to fix a poorly performed op (done abroad) - paid by her country's HS. For Several days she asked nursing staff to clean her wound - they didn't. In the end got Syringes from abroad so she could do it herself. This sums it up Great Surgeon yet such poor nursing - that she risked the outcome. Surely the latter, the easier part should be the easiest to get right.
I can give many more examples and hospitals. However on the plus side the Royal Marsden is Superb..
- Terry, london, 13/08/2009 16:02
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Its all part of the American obsession with the Capitalist dog eat dog system where anything which is run on a socialist system is regarded as Communist or,socialist evils. Thank God for our NHS brought in as a socialist necessity but always a target for the privateers.
T H Leeds
- Thomas Hayes, Leeds UK, 13/08/2009 14:15
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I'm jealous of your NHS. I have several Brit friends who complain about it (they can afford private insurance, too), but it would be downright comforting to have the NHS for essential medical care. I'm not sure, though, that the US can even begin to afford something similar.
Here's something about U.S. health care that many non-Yankees don't quite "get". It's the people in the middle that really suffer here. The wealthy and well-insured are taken care of beautifully, and rich people from around the globe find their way to leading American hospitals.
The poor and disenfranchised do NOT need to die on the streets here. Every fair-sized city, including my own, has free medical and dental clinics. Many hospitals, particularly church-run ones, accept non-paying, non-insured patients. Many "marginal" citizens wait too long before arriving for treatment, though. The infamous Walmart begin offering many dozens of common prescriptions for $4.00 (admittedly not everything), and many other companies followed suit. Some (not all) cheap drugs are available. I buy them myself.
The guy with the middle income (like most of us!)can find things more difficult. If one has only moderate insurance coverage or requires a specialized drug not covered by those $4.00 plans, things can become alarmingly pricey over here. If you have a decent, moderate income, the friendly government doesn't provide for "the guy (or gal) in the middle". There's the rub.
- Stephen, Kansas, USA, 13/08/2009 14:12
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Well said David of Barcelona but we all talk as if the NHS is uique. It is not. The Singapore model is more cost effective and we would all do well to study it and adopt its structural concept for helthcare provision.
- Roberto, Geneva Switzerland, 13/08/2009 13:57
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NHS is great but a postcode lottery. We have a service that is a good service but due to volumes of immigrants and health tourists its being drained dry by those who have not contributed. People who were born and bred in UK Have to queue behind people just arrived who are advised fully how to challange everything. The twittering classes in Downing Street can be upset about what the Americans are saying but the Downing STreet Mafia protecting their own interests care very little about what the UK British citizens say. If the american statements are upsetting BRown and Co then great soon we will make our own decisions in the General Election and remove the cancerous growth that is Nu LAbour from our country
- Patrick Mc Crossan, Birmingham City Centre, 13/08/2009 13:32
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If the US system is the envy of the world, why are 45 MILLION Americans without healthcare. Surely that the US death panel working right there?
- Pauline Osborne, Oxford UK, 13/08/2009 13:09
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As David Cameron memorably predicted last week, 'too many twitters probably make a ...'.
As immediately proved by ZaNuLabour's Zany President ... in duplicate!
- Dave, Cumbria, 13/08/2009 12:53
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David in Barcelona is bang on the money. Aside from the vested interests in maintaining an exclusive private healthcare sector, the situation is massively exacerbated by the litigious habits of the US so that insurance liabilities and thus premiums are astronomical.
That said, why don't we simply respond in the language they understand and sue them for libel and defamation? From a juicy US lawsuit we could probably take them for, oh, about USD 500mn which would certainly help in our current circumstances.
- David, London, 13/08/2009 12:49
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Kate
Blair did not care about the NHS - he was part of the behind the scenes privatisation of the system that exists today. Both Brown and Cameron profess to care about the NHS - both have had children ill/die - but nobody can be absolutely certain that they do. Certainly Tories in the past and I suspect many of the current Tory MPs don't like the state involvement in the NHS but know it would be political suicide to say so but this will not stop them making cuts in the future - it was under Thatcher that the decline in the NHS started.
- Andy, london, 13/08/2009 12:47
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The nhs may be third world when it comes to treating non life threatning illness,but they are their in life situations,well,thats if you live in Scotland,the land of the welfare state.
- David, london, 13/08/2009 12:46
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@Kate, Harrow:
"Tony Blair cared deeply about the NHS. David Cameron cares deeply about the NHS, because of his poor son! But to Gordon Brown the Clown it is just another dividing line!"
You're forgetting that Gordon Brown has a son with cystic fibrosis - that may be why he supports the NHS.
- K John, London, UK, 13/08/2009 12:37
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Yes, we love our NHS! Yes, we pay for our NHS! We pay National Insurance and Tax. And yes, it is "free at the point of need". And no it is not free. And Yes, Tax Payers get ripped off and get short rations too, as EU members walk in and take the services the Tax Payer has funded.
And yes, many older Britains suffer because we have no frontiers in Europe and Dear Mr's Blair and Brown did not put new structures in place when they decided to clack open our frontiers.
So, thank you US for raising the subject.
It would be a good idea for all Migrants from the EU to Pay a given amount before entry and then tracked on the system as contributing members of our society. Then, we will ensure excellent care and uphold the rights of those who "HAVE PAID INTO THE SYSTEM".
And to my fellow country folk, why do you allow this to happen?
- Maria, London, 13/08/2009 12:34
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Reuben, have you got anything constructive today or are you too busy fixing your tin-foil hat?
Why don't you write TIWT in big letters on your forehead and then stand in front of the mirror for a few hours?
- Mike B, London, 13/08/2009 12:18
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35 million Americans don't have healthcare and cannot access hospitals or a doctor. In one of the richest nations on earth, with more billionaires than any other country, that is a sorry state of affairs. The billionaires funding the "bash the NHS" campaign will never have to watch their child die; unlike some of their fellow Americans who cannot pay for medical treatment. The NHS is not evil; the campaign people are.
- Anthony, London, 13/08/2009 12:06
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This campaign is more about fighting the plans by President Obama to introduce free healthcare as a right to the poor of America and the extreme right wingers trying to say that free healthcare is communist.
Well its time Americans stood up to this wealthy minority and demanded to know why the richest country in the world has 4th world health provision.
Dont forget the Tories voted against the NHS in 1948 and given the right wing now in charge who knows what might happen over here?
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex, 13/08/2009 12:01
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Whilst the Republicans in America are bonkers Gordon Brown the Clown is being completely oppotunistic by jumping on the bandwagon!
Because of his idiotic regulation of the banks and mismanagement of the credit crunch France and Germany are pulling out of recession while poor old Blighty gets left behind! Because of Brown the Clown, Cameron is going to have to make horrible cuts when he becomes PM!
Brown the Clown is the one who has left us with dirty hospitals! Brown the Clown has hires bureaucrats and management consultants instead of doctors and nurses! Brown the Clown wants to force us to use polyclinics miles away instead of our local GP! Brown the Clown wastes money on advertising instead of on operations!
Tony Blair cared deeply about the NHS. David Cameron cares deeply about the NHS, because of his poor son! But to Gordon Brown the Clown it is just another dividing line!
- Kate, Harrow, London, UK, 13/08/2009 11:58
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The NHS is the biggest single employer in Europe and it is dedicated to healing the sick and injured, anyone and everyone, any time - our taxes pay for it, which means we effectively pledge to take care of each other when it is needed the most... that doesn't happen in the US. It is a national treasure, an immense achievement every day... anywhere it may have failed is a worthy sacrifice for the ideal itself and the continued success and appreciation of that ideal over the decades.
- Toje, Durham, UK, 13/08/2009 11:54
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Is the same US that does not provide even basic healthcare to injured veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan (unless they can afford to go privately, which many cannot. The same US were the poor queue all night in car parks to get medication for their children provided by charities, that even third world nations would provide for free? The Republicans don’t want you to know about these things and is it any surprise? It’s to America’s eternal shame.
- Nj, London, 13/08/2009 11:43
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"At the NHS they don't ask 'What insurance do you have?' they just fix you."
Brilliant statement Alex.
- Mark, St Albans, 13/08/2009 11:35
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Shock, Horror: The Republicans tell lies! In other news rain is wet ...
My whole family has benefited, one way or another, from the NHS. So have many friends who wouldn't be here today without it!
- Ian, Cambridge, 13/08/2009 10:50
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Whilst the Republicans are 'funding' this attack against the proposed changes in healthcare - the actual funding is coming from the private healthcare insurers/ shareholders who don't want to lose their huge profits even if it means a better health system for a larger proportion of the US public. Whilst wealthy Republicans can continue to afford to fight this new system because they will always be able to afford private healthcare. In this current economic climate middle income and low income Republicans can't - if they lose their jobs they lose their insurance and not be able to afford health care at any level. Republicans (and some Democrats) need to wake up and see they are puppets being played by the insurers who are making a lot of money out the current system and have no interest in protecting those who lose their insurance (or try to avoid paying the healthcare costs for those who are insured).
By the way having been at the receiving end of poor NHS treatment (and negligence happens in the US health service too) - it is still an amazing system and has to be protected and stop any further hidden moves by any political party towards privatising the NHS - we don't want to end up like the US!!
- Andy, london, 13/08/2009 10:40
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Dear Republicans, we here in the UK are allowed to moan about our NHS as much as we like and we do, but we'd never get rid of it. At the NHS they don't ask 'What insurance do you have?' they just fix you. Obama must be an evil man to want that in his own country.
- Alex C, London, 13/08/2009 10:21
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Now the Browns are Twittering merrily away.
Gormless is the biggest TWIT on the planet.
- Reuben Camara, Republic of Morecambe, UK, 13/08/2009 10:10
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The NHS is far from perfect and budgets are limited. No country on Earth could afford limitless medical treatment to the entire population; it's not good to dwell on that, but it is a fact.
The anti-NHS lobby in the USA is orchestrated by those with vested interests. The wealthiest will have to pay more tax and are unlikely to benefit, personally, from the proposed new healtcare system. The wealthiest have the best media connections, network connections and the money to make their voices heard. The private insurers, also, have a vested interest and we are talking about big money. So it is hardly surprising that there is a massive, well-funded and vitriolic campaign against the proposals. Much the same happened in the UK when the NHS was set up.
I write as one who is fortunate enough to be able to afford full private healthcare insurance at the maximum level. I would feel 'dirty' if I could enjoy that degree of medical care while 20% of the population could not afford it whatever sacrifices they were to make on their discretionary spending.
The question for the UK is whether those of the 80% who could afford private cover, yet choose not to have it, should make some contribution towards NHS services when they use them, if they can well afford it?
- Davidw, Barcelona, Spain, 13/08/2009 10:00
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Pretty standard.
American lobbying methods routinely employ falsehood - which is a contributory factor in the extreme gullibilty of many US citizens. The Bush government's treatment of the Iraq debacle, and their other "foreign wars", demonstrated well, the fully institutionalized use of the lie in American politics.
- Sean, Coventry UK, 13/08/2009 09:55
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"The second of these claims, in an editorial yesterday for Investor's Business Daily, was later corrected after the newspaper realised that the renowned scientist was born, lives and works in the UK."
So a well thought out and brilliantly researched piece of hyperbole then. They'd be better off concentrating of the huge influx of people from countries without nationalised healthcare systems coming to use ours without paying for it, resulting in the underfunded nightmare we have currently.
- Bob, Cheam, 13/08/2009 09:34
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