in the post I was replying to you tried to use the idea that the NHS not being perfect now seems to mean that those who might not support a move to privatisation are some how supporting it by opposing it by saying the current system doesn't work perfectly
The NHS quite clearly isn't perfect (though I would be the first to admits that parts are extremely good). There are massive changes going on, operations that might have required a week or more admission are now completed in day surgery (so closing wards is not necessarily bad news), but the ageing population has greatly increased the demands.
A huge leviathan like the NHS is always going to be a nightmare to administrate and there are always going to be strongly opposing opinions on how to manage change. Technology can bring solutions to some of these problems but government run institutions tend not to be great places for innovation so there is a good case for using private companies in some areas.
It's pretty clear that simply 'throwing money' at the problem won't work - the NHS is a bottomless pit - change is essential, but change is generally opposed by those in a large institution.
The Secretary of State for Health has been trying to introduce changes that should mean more NHS facilities would be available days a week. This would produce a number of advantages both in terms of treatment availability and better utilisation of resources; and after negotiations, strikes then a supposed agreement - the deal has been rejected and more industrial action promised.
OK that's my assessment of where we are.
Many (including myself) would consider that the doctors are now being totally unreasonable. From the governments perspective there will be other options. For example, a patient fee would 'pay-off' the doctors and they would get the blame., or maybe the same goal could be achieved by greater use of private companies.
