Could the funding of NHS be taken out of politicians’ hands?
Tessa Jowell’s bravery in confronting her illness and using her high political profile to further the cause of Brain Cancer Research can only be applauded.
The call on NHS resources from all areas of ill health will currently overwhelm the NHS budget, yet the Government will always find extra money if it feels that a particular case has a high enough profile and a good deal of public support. It does not seem a very scientific way to fund the NHS.
The case of Alfie Evans would have been difficult for any politician to have presided over, just as difficult as it was for the Appeal Court judges who had to make a decision based on the facts and not public pressure.
Most opinion polls will show that a large majority of the public are ready to pay more tax to fully fund the NHS and quite rightly the politicians do not believe us; promising to raise taxes rarely, if ever, wins elections.
Is there any reason why the funding of the NHS cannot be taken out of the hands of the politicians and the public and given a Judicial Review so that future funding of the NHS from taxation can be set by this review?
Peter Steggles, Longnor
