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BLACK SHEEP

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It’s an increasing sign of my decrepitudity that on occasions recently, one before Christmas and one after, I have fainted after having ridden my bike into Wakefield.  On both occasions someone sent for an ambulance and on the second I was carted off to Pinderfields Hospital for tests.

The experience demonstrated to me, as if any proof were needed, the value of our NHS.  Had this been in America the call-outs, tests in cardiology, radiography, urology and haematology, along with subsequent follow-ups, would have cost me tens of thousands of pounds.

Important lessons for us all but not the point of this post.  This post is about the reactions of my family.

The wonderful Mrs C, ever mindful of the boozy nights out I (as a teetotaler) ferried her to and from, said “This could be life-changing for me if they stop him from driving”.

Daughter No 1, who I have assigned to push me off Bempton Cliffs in my bath-chair when I am old and stupid (well, more stupid), remarked “Huh! Typical! I hope he’s not going to spoil Christmas, is he?”

Daughter No 2 meanwhile asked “Is he OK?”

She’s a disgrace to the family.

🌷(9)

◄ ARTHUR AP UTHER (THE WINTER KING)

CREAKING GATE ►

Comments

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John Coopey

Wed 7th Feb 2024 08:24

Thankyou for your thought, Stephen and Tim. And for the Like, Pete.

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Stephen Gospage

Wed 7th Feb 2024 07:33

Take care of yourself, John. Try an electric scooter or you'll be told it was your fault for riding the bike!

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Tim Higbee

Wed 7th Feb 2024 02:43

I am blessed to have parts in double
For when I'm in the hospital with trouble
I can sell off one part to pay the bill
And hope it's enough to keep one still
If they ever mention my brain or heart
Good luck for payment boys, it's a single part.

With the list you mentioned John you're looking at more like hundreds of thousands. (That is, if your insured.) If not, don't worry, they can use the slush fund from overcharging people with insurance. 😀

Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

Tue 6th Feb 2024 21:59

In 2005, Jeremy Hunt as Health Secretary, co-authored a policy pamphlet called “Direct Democracy: An Agenda For A New Model Party”; effectively a blueprint for replacing the NHS with an insurance market system, calling for the private sector to be brought in.
Amongst its other authors was Kwasi Kwarteng, who having crashed the economy, is now leaving the sinking ship, probably to get a lucrative job with a private health company.

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John Coopey

Tue 6th Feb 2024 14:54

Uilleam - The Tories always denied they intended to privatise health provision. They would have done that by stealth. I could promise not to sell my car. But I could sell the headlamps, then the radio, then the doors, wheels, engine etc. You get the idea? “But I haven’t sold the car”.
What spared us from this was, ironically, Covid.
And thanks for the Likes, Graham, Stephen, Cadence, Holden and Carlton..

Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

Tue 6th Feb 2024 12:41

Nah nah nah, John.
The NHS is a financial black hole and if you don't believe me, just read all the propaganda put out by those with a vested interest in ripping it off!

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