We are told that a socialist society would never work. We are told that socialist policies are too costly and suppress human behaviour.
If that is the case let us get rid of every socialist policy ever implemented and then we can pay for every service that used to be provided free at the point of delivery.
Every single one of the following would have to be paid in full by every one of us individually on use of the service….
Let us start with the NHS:
- Abortion
- Alternative medicine
- Ambulances
- Breast cancer screening
- Cervical screening
- Contraception
- Community care
- Counselling services
- Dentists
- District nurses
- General Practitioners (GPs)
- Health services in prison
- Health visitors
- Hospices
- Hospitals
- Immunisation
- Infertility treatment
- Maternity services
- Occupational therapy
- Optical services
- Podiatry
- Pharmacists
- Physiotherapy
- Prescriptions
- School health
- Sexual and reproductive health clinics
- Substance misuse
- Terminal care
- Travel to hospital for treatment
- Vaccinations
- Walk-in centres
- Further information
Abortion
The law says that you can have an abortion in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy as long as certain rules are met. You will be able to get an abortion on the NHS if you get the agreement of two doctors. They must be certain that the abortion meets the rules. Usually the first doctor is your GP and the second is a doctor working at the hospital or clinic where the abortion takes place.
You can get general advice and information about getting an abortion from your GP or family planning clinics.
Help is also available from voluntary organisations, for example, the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), which runs its own clinics. Some abortions at a BPAS clinic are paid for by the NHS. This depends on where you live. You can get more information on the BPAS website at: www.bpas.org.uk. The website has information in a range of community languages, including Spanish, Polish and Punjabi.
If you cannot get the abortion on the NHS, you’ll have to pay privately. The price depends on how many weeks pregnant you are and which method is used to carry out the abortion.
For more information about abortions on the NHS, visit the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk. Information is available on this website in a range of community languages and different formats, for example, in audio format.
Alternative medicine
Some forms of alternative medicine (also known as complementary medicine) are available through the NHS from certain GPs and hospitals. Therapies which may be available through the NHS are acupuncture, osteopathy, homeopathy and chiropractic.
Ambulances
Ambulances provide both emergency and routine transport for NHS patients. Emergency ambulances can be contacted through the emergency telephone service (999). Ambulances for routine journeys can be arranged through GPs or hospitals.
Breast cancer screening
Breast cancer screening is available on the NHS at three-yearly intervals if you are a woman aged between 50 and 70. If you are a woman aged over 70, you can be screened on request. Contact your GP for more information. For more information about NHS breast cancer screening, visit the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk. Information is available on this website in a range of community languages and different formats, for example, in audio format.
Cervical screening
Cervical screening is available on the NHS every three to five years if you are a woman aged between 25 and 64. If you are a woman over 64, you can be screened on request. Contact your GP for more information. For more information about NHS cervical screening, visit the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk. Information is available on this website in a range of community languages and different formats, for example, in audio format.
Contraception
Contraceptive advice and supplies are available free on the NHS through GPs and family planning clinics.
You can get emergency contraception, for example, the morning-after pill, from your GP, family planning clinics, most NHS walk-in centres and some pharmacies. You can also get condoms.
Free advice and supplies are also available from some voluntary organisations, for example, the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (www.bpas.org.uk).
For more information about contraception, visit the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk. Information is available on this website in a range of community languages and different formats, for example, in audio format.
Community care
If you are elderly, disabled, or mentally ill, you may need help to continue living at home. For example, you may need someone to come in and help with personal things like washing and dressing. Or you might need help with cooking or shopping. The NHS does not provide these services. They are provided by social services.
However, if you need nursing care, this should be provided by the NHS. For example, your GP can arrange for a district nurse to visit you (see under heading District nurses).
If you have been in hospital, you should not be discharged until you have had an assessment of your continuing health care needs and, where necessary, of your community care needs. A doctor may decide, for example, that you need a package of health and social care to be able to return home.
If you are discharged from hospital needing a high level of continuing health care, this should be provided and funded by the NHS. This could be provided in a hospital, a care home, a hospice or in your own home.
Counselling services
Some GP practices provide free counselling services on the NHS. Contact your GP for more information.
For more information about counselling, visit the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk.
Information is available on this website in a range of community languages and different formats, for example, in audio format.
Dentists
You can get a list of dentists who provide NHS treatment from your local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) or your local HealthWatch.
You have to pay for NHS dental treatment, although some groups of people may get free treatment.
For more information about free dental treatment, see Help with health costs.
District nurses
District nurses are nurses employed by the NHS to provide nursing care for patients who are living at home. For example, they can change dressings or give injections. They are based at GP surgeries and health centres and can also be contacted through local community nursing offices.
General Practitioners (GPs)
Everyone is entitled to be registered with a GP. For help in finding a GP, contact your local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) or, your local HealthWatch. You can also get help from NHS Choices at www.nhs.uk.
As well as providing health advice and treatment, GPs provide check-ups, take cervical smears, give vaccinations against infectious diseases (immunisations) and sign certificates for people unable to work because of illness. Many GPs also provide health promotion clinics, contraceptive services, minor surgery, counselling, maternity services and medical examinations for insurance and other purposes (for which they may make a charge).
For more information about GPs, see NHS patients’ rights.
Health services in prison
Prisoners should have access to the same range and quality of health services, including mental health services, as the general public receives from the NHS.
Health visitors
Health visitors provide support through the NHS for families with children under five and for older patients. They are normally based at GP surgeries.
Hospices
See under heading Terminal care.
Hospitals
Most NHS hospital admissions and appointments take place through referrals by GPs. You can go to the Accident and Emergency department without a referral. You can also go to a special clinic for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases without a referral.
For more information about hospitals, see NHS patients’ rights.
Immunisation
See under heading Vaccinations.
Infertility treatment
If you need infertility treatment, and your GP refers you to a specialist for further tests, the NHS will pay for this. You have the right to be referred to a NHS clinic for a first investigation. However, infertility treatment is not widely available on the NHS and there can be long waiting lists. The treatment available also depends where you live and what the problem is. Your GP will tell if you are eligible for NHS treatment.
For more information about infertility treatment, visit the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk.
Information is available on this website in a range of community languages and different formats, for example, in audio format.
Maternity services
If you are pregnant, there are a number of different services available to you. These include:
- midwives. Your midwife might be based either in a hospital or in a local health centre or clinic. Midwives are responsible for the care of all normal pregnancies and labours. You do not need to be referred to a midwife by your GP. You can find out more information about care from a midwife from your local HealthWatch or from the NHS Choices website at: www.nhs.uk.
- a GP. Not all GPs provide ante-natal care and arrange for delivery. If your GP does not provide this service, you might want to register with another GP for your maternity care. You can get more information about local GP services from your local HealthWatch or on the NHS Choices website at: www.nhs.uk.
- an obstetrician based in a hospital. An obstetrician is a doctor specialising in caring for women and children during pregnancy, birth and post-natal. Usually, an obstetrician will only get involved if there are complications. But you can ask to see an obstetrician even if your midwife or GP is providing all your care.
What kind of antenatal care do you want?
You might have choices on the type of ante-natal care you want and where you give birth. How much choice you have will depend on where you live. Your choices could include:
- full hospital care. This would only happen, in practice, if you require a high degree of medical intervention
- shared care between your GP and the hospital. Normally, you would return home shortly after the birth
- a home birth, with care provided by a midwife and possibly a GP. You have the right to have your baby at home. If you choose this, you might need to contact the supervisor of midwives to arrange for this. You must be prepared to transfer from home into hospital if complications arise during labour or delivery.
You can get information on local maternity services from your local HealthWatch. Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), a health visitor or GP. This information will include:
- the type of care offered
- where the birth can take place
- what pain relief is available
- what tests are available and what they are for.
In some areas, there are maternity charters which set out the rights of pregnant women and new mothers, and the standards of service you can expect.
If you are having problems getting the type of care you want, or you need more information on maternity services in your area, you should contact the supervisor of midwives at your local maternity hospital or at your local CCG.
Other help you can get when you’re pregnant
If you are pregnant, you get free prescriptions and dental treatment from the time when the pregnancy is confirmed until one year after the birth.
For more information about free prescriptions and dental treatment, see Help with health costs.
If you are on a low income, you might also get other help if you are pregnant, for example, vouchers to help with the cost of milk, fruit or vegetables. If you are under 18 and pregnant, you can get this help whatever your income.
For more information about help if you are on a low income, see Extra help if you’re on benefits or your benefits have stopped.
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy helps you complete everyday tasks made difficult by an ongoing health issue. It’s free through the NHS or social services, depending on your situation.
Find out more about occupational therapy on the NHS Choices website.
Optical services
Optometrists carry out eye tests to check the quality of your sight. They look for signs of eye disease which may need treatment from a doctor or eye surgeon and they prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses. Opticians fit and sell glasses but they do not test eyes. They can give you advice on types of lens, such as single vision or bifocal and help you to choose frames. If you go to a high-street opticians, you’ll have your eyes tested by an optometrist but you do not have to buy your glasses there. You could take an optometrist’s prescription to an optician who will sell you the glasses you need.
You have to pay for eye tests, glasses and contact lenses. But some people can get free eye tests and vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses. This includes:-
- all children under 16
- some young people under 19
- people aged 60 or over
- people with certain eye conditions
- people entitled to certain benefits
- anyone else on a low income.
For more information about who can get free optical treatment, see Help with health costs.
Podiatry
Podiatry may be available on the NHS free of charge, although this depends on your local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). Each case is assessed on an individual basis and whether you get free treatment depends on how serious your condition is and your risk factor. If your health or mobility is not affected, you are considered to be ‘low-risk’ and you may not get NHS podiatry. If you have diabetes, you are treated as a high priority case. You must normally be referred to a podiatrist by a GP or clinic. If you do not qualify for NHS treatment, you will need to arrange private treatment.
For more information about NHS podiatry, visit the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk. Information is available on this website in a range of community languages and different formats, for example, in audio format.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists (also known as chemists) are responsible for dispensing medicines. They can also provide free information and advice about many common medical problems.
For information about whether you have to pay for prescriptions you get at the chemists, in England, Wales and Scotland see Help with health costs, in Northern Ireland see Help with health costs.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is physical treatment that helps you regain use of your body after an injury or disease. It is also used to slow the progression of long-term conditions. It is available through the NHS to patients referred for treatment by GPs or hospitals.
For more about physiotherapy, visit the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk.
Information is available on this website in a range of community languages and different formats, for example, in audio format.
Prescriptions
Doctors, dentists and some nurses can prescribe a range of drugs and appliances on the NHS. They can normally only prescribe a limited quantity of a drug at any time (usually one month’s supply).
For information about who can get free prescriptions, see Help with health costs.
School health
Health checks on school children are carried out by the school nurse. These tests include tests on hearing, sight and growth. Parents have the right to be present at these checks. School nurses also provide health education and general advice on managing health problems in school.
Sexual and reproductive health clinics
There are a number of clinics that provide specialist sexual health and reproductive health services. At these clinics you can get services like:
- family planning
- termination
- well woman advice and information
- services for young people.
If you want to use these services, you can go directly to the clinic. You do not have to go to your GP to access sexual or reproductive health clinics. The clinics are usually based in hospitals.
You can find your nearest sexual health clinic online from NHS Choices at: www.nhs.uk.
Information is available on this website in a range of community languages and different formats, for example, in audio format.
Substance misuse
Some people can use substances such as alcohol or drugs on a regular basis without any problems. Other people experience damaging psychological and physical effects as their habit turns into an addiction. There are many different organisations that provide treatment, support and advice for people with addictions. You could choose to consult your GP first, but help is also available from community addiction centres where you can drop in without an appointment. Treatment and support is provided from a range of different people, including specialist nurses, counsellors and psychiatrists.
For more information about alcohol misuse, go to www.nhs.uk. You can also get more information and find support on the Alcohol Concern website.
For more information about drug misuse, go to www.nhs.uk.
Terminal care
Terminal care (sometimes called palliative care) is the treatment of symptoms where cure is no longer considered an option, in other words, when someone is dying. Terminal care concentrates on:-
- controlling pain and other symptoms
- improving the quality of life for the patient and their family
- meeting the patient’s social, emotional and spiritual needs.
NHS terminal care may be given in hospital or at home. There are also a number of NHS hospices providing care for patients as well as hospices run by voluntary organisations.
For information about how to find a hospice, visit the website of Help the Hospices at www.helpthehospices.org.uk.
For more information about the help and support available when you or someone you know is dying, you can also visit the website of Marie Curie Cancer Care at www.mariecurie.org.uk.
Travel to hospital for treatment
You may be able to get essential travel costs paid to and from hospital for NHS treatment, for example, if you are on a low income or getting benefits like Income Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, the guarantee part of Pension Credit or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
For more information about help with health costs, see Help with health costs.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations (also called immunisation) protect you against different infectious diseases. The NHS provides vaccinations for children and some adults. A charge may be made for vaccinations needed for overseas travel.
For more information about vaccinations, contact your GP or visit the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk.
Information is available on this website in a range of community languages and different formats, for example, in audio format.
Walk-in centres
Walk-in centres are NHS centres staffed by nurses. You can go there without an appointment. They will treat minor illnesses, for example, coughs, colds, and infections, as well as minor injuries like strains, sprains and cuts. They provide information about all other local health services, including pharmacies, dental services and out-of-hours GP services.
For the address of your nearest walk-in centre, contact NHS Choices at www.nhs.uk.
Information is available on this website in a range of community languages and different formats, for example, in audio format.
Now let’s turn to Education
Here is a brief introduction to the education system in the UK, including primary schools, secondary schools, and university preparation in the UK that would have to paid for out of everyone’s individual pockets if we got rid of socialism.
Primary education in the UK
In England and Wales, all children aged five to sixteen must receive full-time education. In Northern Ireland, compulsory education begins at four. For children under five, publicly-funded nurseries and pre-schools are available.
Children leave primary school at the age of eleven, moving on to secondary school. Parents can educate their children at state or private schools. All children in the UK between five and sixteen have a free place at a state school. This is in contrast with the private education sector, where taxes are quite expensive.
In the UK, there are four types of state schools. First is the community school, which is run by the local authority, sometimes offering their facilities and providing services like childcare and adult learning classes.
There are also foundation and trust schools. Foundation schools have their own governing body, which employs the staff and sets the admissions criteria; while a trust school is a type of foundation school which forms a charitable trust with an outside partner. Voluntary-aided schools are mainly religious or ‘faith’ schools, although anyone can apply for a place. As with foundation schools, the governing body employs the staff and sets the admission criteria. Voluntary-controlled schools are similar to voluntary-aided schools, but are run by the local authority.
Secondary education in the UK
At the age of eleven, children start their secondary-school education. From the age of eleven to fourteen, students in British state and private schools study a broad range of subjects. Among them are: English, Maths, Science, Design and Technology, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), History, Geography, Modern Foreign Languages, Art and Design, Music, Citizenship, Physical Education. Careers education and guidance, Sex and Relationship Education and Religious education may also be included in the education curriculum.
Secondary school graduation covers the period from age fourteen to fifteen. After this two-year period, students take GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) state examinations. The GCSE is a single-subject examination, set and marked by independent examination boards. Students usually take up to ten GCSE examinations in different subjects, including mathematics and English language. After this examination, students may choose to either leave school or continue with their education.
They may continue at vocational or technical colleges, or pursue higher education in a university.
University preparation in the UK
At the age of sixteen, following two years of study, students may take A-Levels (Advanced Level examinations) required for university entrance in the UK. Over these two years following secondary school education, students specialise in three or four subjects that are usually relevant to the degree subject they wish to follow at university.
At the end of the first year, students take AS level examinations. They continue with three or four of these subjects in the second year and convert them into full A level qualifications at the end of the year. A-Levels are state examinations. All British universities recognize A-Levels results.
Schools in the UK do not generally rank pupils within their year; currently, the principal standards are the GCSE, SCE and AS and A-Level examination results.
University education has been partly privatised and is now significantly less socialist than it was just over a decade ago. A student loan process enables students to borrow from the state and pay back when in receipt of a prescribed income. However, it is worth noting that if socialism were removed altogether the opportunity for higher education would only exist on receipt of payment.
Benefits
For those who want a socialist free society the following benefits will simply vanish:
Attendance Allowance
Armed Forces Independence Payment
Bereavement Allowance
Bereavement Payment
Bereavement Support Payment
Blind Persons Allowance
Budgeting Loans
Carer’s Benefits
Child Benefit
Child Tax Credit
Cold Weather Payment
Council Tax Reduction
Disability Living Allowance
Disabled Facilities Grants
Discretionary Assistance Fund
Discretionary Housing Payment
Employment and Support Allowance
Funeral Payments
Free School Meals
Guardian’s Allowance
Healthy Start Food Vouchers
Housing Benefit
Incapacity Benefit
Income Support
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
Jobseeker’s Allowance
Local Housing Allowance
Local Welfare Assistance
Maternity Allowance
Pension Credit
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Reduced Earnings Allowance
Severe Disability Premium
State Pension
Statutory Adoption Pay
Statutory Maternity Pay
Statutory Paternity Pay
Statutory Sick Pay
Support For Mortgage Interest (SMI)
Sure Start Maternity Grant
Tax Credits
Universal Credit
War Pensions Scheme
Warm Homes Discount
Widowed Parent’s Allowance
Winter Fuel Payment
Working Tax Credit
People can currently claim some of these benefits whilst also earning up to £73,000. Not if socialism is eradicated they cannot.
Some other services that would have to be removed if socialism did not exist:
Supported/Public housing
Legal aid
State Pensions
Public roads
Business subsidies
Transport subsidies
Environmental subsidies
Local council services
Defence
Emergency services
Subsidies… for libraries, parks and museums
Preparation for work
Government officials….
Now imagine all these are removed.
How many can honestly afford to replace the socialism of the state with their own incomes?
Statistically a very small number is the answer.
The consequences would be illiterate unhealthy people in their tens… of millions with a much lower life expectancy, just like not long ago when socialism was unheard of and it was everyone for themselves.
Socialism is of course much much more than economic support. It is also a state of mind. It is about looking out for others.
Many of us also do that. Remove that too and we may as well be snakes in a sack.
Jason Cridland
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