Anoher difference between Scotland and rUK?
I know it’s not a necessary condition for the Scots to be really different from their neighbours to then deserve independence but, if it’s there, it can help in articulating a rationale which helps. Yesterday, in the Guardian/Observer, we read:
‘Three-quarters of NHS hospital trusts in England are using private debt firms to chase treatment costs from overseas patients and refused asylum seekers in a practice branded “inhumane” by critics, the Observer can reveal. Data released under the Freedom of Information Act shows that 77 of 102 hospital trusts have used private debt firms to pursue ineligible patients. Of 60 trusts that provided patient numbers, 8,468 patient debts were referred to private debt collectors between 2016 and 2018. However, of the 48 trusts that provided full financial details, only about £1.5m of the £21m of debt referred to private firms during those three years has been recouped – barely 7%.’
I searched and searched but could find no evidence of a single case of a Scottish health board pursuing the sick for the cost of treatment. Tourism is booming so there will have been a few. I’d have been horrified if I had. That wouldn’t be the better country I want to live in.
Mind you, maybe our health board accountants had already worked out that it would cost more to pursue than we’d get in return – canny!
Add the above to the list below to see that we are collectively, in our behaviour and values, a wee bit different.
More evidence of a difference as 73% of Scots back increase in taxes for higher public spending
Are Scotland’s employers also different – more willing to pay a decent wage?
Another step on the way to becoming a ‘Living Wage Nation’ and a ‘Better Nation?’
At 78% level of satisfaction with NHS Scotland is impressive 36% higher than for the NHS across UK
UK Government urged to follow Scotland’s praised lead on employee ownership – another 8% story?
8% of the population but 11.8% of the charitable donations – ‘punching above our weight?’
“Good night from us here in London, and now for the news where you are…………………………………………….”
“Good evening from Reporting Scotland”. “First we go straight to David Porter in London, for an news update……………………………..”
BBC Scotland, a colonial masquerade !
More College Green than Glesca’ Green while Englandsplaining things for us, here in Scotlandshire.
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