I've read with interest all the comments on the NHS. I admit to a bias - I've been employed by NHSScotland all my working life (37 years so far), as has my wife, my parents (who got "nationalised in 1948 when their hospital was absorbed into the NHS) & two of my daughters.
The NHS in the UK costs about 60% of the amount spent in France & Germany, and up to a point you get what you pay for, but I think that it is good value for money. What nobody has mentioned is that the NHS in England is a different entity from the NHS in Scotland - they were formed on the same day in 1948 (although Scotland had a previous system that was incorporated), but due to the different legal systems between the two countries, they are different NHS's. As an example, Scotland has no Trusts - they were disbanded several years ago when a direct Health Board system was established. Scotland also spends slightly more per head of population on health than England, and has slightly more doctors relative to the population as a result.
It will never be a perfect system, since it will never meet the hopes & expectations of everyone, but in general I genuinely think it is one of the best in the world, especially in an emergency situation.
Just my opinions,
John