Definitely not what is wanted, or I would imagine what the UK government hopes to achieve but possibly something in between. One that would involve partial patient payments, perhaps means tested, rather than 100% free for 100% of the population.
I’m not saying this is good or easy but I’m predicting. Thing is, a totally free healthcare system in UK is popularly seen as a ‘right’. The trouble is, that it is not even a ‘human right’ and its existence and continuance is at the mercy of government choices, albeit an elected government.
Clearly, unable to continue as is, what indeed are the options? There are numerous issues contributing to the overall breakdown, staffing being one and demographics another. Not unlike in France but to stop the whole NHS house of cards from collapsing the government has to act quickly on at least one front. Costs.
Here’s an idea