Physicist Stephen Hawking has defended Britain's health service after it came under attack from America's Republican Party who branded it "socialist."
Politicians in the US are currently debating whether there should be reforms to the US health service.
Hawking suffers from Lou Gehring's disease. He is completely paralysed and has spent years in a wheelchair.
An American newspaper recently embarrassed itself by declaring: 'People such as scientist Stephen Hawking wouldn't have a chance in the UK, where the National Health Service would say the life of this brilliant man, because of his physical handicaps, is essentially worthless.'
The newspaper mustn't have known that Stephen Hawking is British, was brought up in Britain, lives in Britain and has been treated many times by Britain's National Health Service (NHS).
The physicist has now defended the NHS, saying: 'I wouldn't be here today if it were not for the NHS.'
In 2000, the British health service was ranked 18th best in the world by the World Health Organisation, and the US health service was ranked 37th best.
Hawking was in Washington last night to be awarded America's highest civilian honour, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
He is Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge.
'I owe my life to the NHS': Stephen Hawking tells US to stop attacking health service
By Clare Ellicott
13th August 2009
Daily Mail
Professor Stephen Hawking has defended the NHS after its severe criticism during the American political debate over health care reforms.
The physicist spoke up for the NHS after the Republican Right claimed it was 'evil' and 'Orwellian' in a direct attack on Barack Obama's plans to overhaul health care in the U.S.
Critics of the president have said his plans would introduce a 'socialist' system like Britain's.
Prof Hawkin, who suffers from Lou Gehrig's disease, said: 'I wouldn't be here today if it were not for the NHS.
'I have received a large amount of high quality treatment without which I would not have survived.'
He was in Washington last night to be awarded America's highest civilian honour, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
U.S. President Barack Obama presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to physicist Stephen Hawking during the White House ceremony
An American newspaper claimed: 'People such as scientist Stephen Hawking wouldn't have a chance in the UK, where the National Health Service would say the life of this brilliant man, because of his physical handicaps, is essentially worthless.'
However Professor Hawking - who as recently as April was treated in an NHS hospital - was quick to rubbish the claim.
President Obama wants a publicly backed scheme to provide for the 47million Americans who are without private health insurance and the 25million who are under-insured.
But opponents have begun a campaign equating the two - and in the process peddling some vicious myths, such as tales of NHS 'death panels' that deny care to the elderly and disabled and put an 'Orwellian' cap on the value of human life.
Republican Senator Chuck Grassley claimed that Democrat Senator Edward Kennedy, who is being treated for a brain tumour, would be left to die in Britain because he is 77.
Protests against Obama's proposals are becoming increasingly rabid, even leading to attacks on the UK'S NHS
And the Investor's Business Daily said in an editorial: 'People such as scientist Stephen Hawking wouldn't have a chance in the UK, where the National Health Service would say the life of this brilliant man, because of his physical handicaps, is essentially worthless.'
They had to correct the piece when it was pointed out that the physicist was born, lives and works in the UK.
Mr Hawking said: 'I wouldn't be here today if it were not for the NHS.'
The debate, which has dominated the U.S. political agenda for weeks, has seen former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin call Mr Obama's proposals 'evil', and others routinely lambast the 'British-style' plan.
NHS argument: Chuck Grassley (L) said a man of Ted Kennedy's (R) age would not be treated for a brain tumour if he lived in England
Opponents to reform suggest it would be too costly for taxpayers, even though U.S. citizens spend double per head on health - both their own and the limited state care for the old and needy - than the average for developed countries.
TV and radio adverts have scorned NHS waiting lists and the 'rationing' of expensive drugs.
Critics claim that reform will result in less choice and fewer drugs being made available for patients. Some likened the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, which determines the cost-effectiveness of NHS drugs, to 'death panels' that decide who should live and who should die.
British diplomats in Washington are treading a delicate line in correcting falsehoods while staying out of a vicious domestic battle.
But Mr Obama has hit back against the campaign, warning it is designed to 'scare and mislead'.
At a public meeting in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, he said: 'Where we do disagree, let's disagree over things that are real, not these wild misrepresentations that bear no resemblance to anything that's actually been proposed.
'Because the way politics works sometimes is that people who want to keep things the way they are will try to scare the heck out of folks and they'll create bogeymen out there.'
A Department of Health spokesman said: 'The NHS provides health services on the basis of clinical need - irrespective of age or ability to pay.'
She added: 'The NHS sees one million people every 36 hours and 93 per cent of patients rate their care as good or excellent.
'In recent years patients have benefited from record levels of investment and more lives have been saved through better prevention and treatment - waiting lists are at their lowest ever levels, there has been a 44 per cent reduction in the mortality rate from cardiovascular disease and 50,000 more lives have been saved through better cancer services.'
People hold up signs as they attend a town hall meeting on healthcare reform in California
READERS' COMMENT
If these money grubbing hypocrites want too comment on anything about this country they should get there facts right. Life isn't a Hollywood movie and American history is certainly not made up of facts. The likes of the much venerated George Washington would have remained a loyal subject if the British Government had offered him a peerage. Don't forget either that the run-away "army" that revolted against the British, were for the most part a rag tag of hobos who thought that they had bounties to gain from the pillaging of there own native born citizens
- Mike, Liverpool U.K
*************************************
I'm not sure what's worse... the fact that US politicians spread such utter claptrap about our health service (as many people have no doubt pointed out, there IS private care if you want, and state care, the NHS, if you can't afford it) or the fact that the general populace of the US seems to believe the rubbish spouted by their politicans.
For the record, my wife (from American, born and bred no less) is today ashamed to be american... says a lot doesn't it?
- Ian, London
****************************
Before the Americans rubbish our NHS they should at least see for themselves.
I worked for the NHS for over 35 years, yes it has it's problems, but the ethos that all treatment is free irrespective of who you are or your ability to pay is wonderful.
I had a collegue who worked in the USA hospitals for many years and his accounts of what went on out there were to say the least harrowing. Treatment provided on the basis of ones ability to pay. Once the money ran out then the patients would be shipped off into the state system, which was very poor.
Over 40 million Americans denied healthcare by being too poor to afford insurance.
No the main opponents to a sysytem like we have in the UK is the Doctors, Insurance, Drug companies and politicians who see a drastic cut in their profits.
Thus the continued scare stories they put out to the American public. Of course Mr. kennedy would have been treated in the uk and very well at that.
- Alan Smith, Merseyside
******************************
I have lived in the UK for 40 years and the attention and promptness to treatment that myself and my family have received from the NHS has ALWAYS been first rate and is not dependent on ability to pay whatsoever.
- Connor, Windlesham
**************************
The American health system is very bad. Many end up on the streets, literally, because of it.
However, paramedics and hospital emergency rooms are required by law to treat those who are suffering from life threatening injuries or illness. You will not be left by the side of the road while the medics check your insurance.
You will be taken to the hospital where you will receive the best trauma care in the world from specialists who have experience treating wounded soldiers in Iraq. Then you will be sent home with a handful of pills and a bill for $2million. If you don't have insurance you lose your house and file for bankruptcy.
This has been a very interesting discussion board! Thanks!
- T, Seattle, US
******************************************
This from the country where people die because they cannot afford to take up health insurance and medicine is pursued as a career because of the money that can be made rather than for vocational reasons. There are plenty of things about the UK which are horrendous at the moment - particularly under this disgraceful Brown regime - but the work of the doctors (like my dear, now retired father) and the nurses in the NHS should be applauded.
- Kate, Epsom
*****************************************
I'm an American who has lived in Britain for 25 years. The NHS is wonderful! As I was growing up, my parents often couldn't afford some needed dental or healthcare for our family, even though they had full insurance.
My own children growing up in the UK have had far better care than most kids would in the States. I had thyroid cancer here & I had 1st rate care & now have full health. My friend in the States also had thyroid cancer, but they didn't give her enough radio-iodine treatment ( the NHS gave it to me twice to make sure the cancer was gone) so 5 years later her cancer returned & spread.
Americans also poke fun at the Brits for having bad teeth, but the truth is, moast Americans have diseased & missing teeth because they can't afford dental care, even with insurance! Only the wealthy can have their teeth veneered.
The NHS exists to take care of us. American healthcare exists to make as much money as it can.
- Joy, London
**********************************
I can tell you from personal experience that the NHS were far better than American healthcare for my pregnancy/labour. I am British and had my first child in the UK. The care and attention I received from the NHS was outstanding. I have no complaints what so ever. My second child was born in America and the care was minimal (and I have really good health insurance coverage). If I had known that it would be so awful, I would have come back to Britain to have my baby.
- MHC, USA
**************************************
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...ent.html?articleId=1205953&commentId=20523872
We have a similar healthcare system to the UK in Germany, and we have no such problems as these rabid free-marketeers point out. The right-wing journalists just picked the European healthcare system most publicised for recent problems and ran with it. I would prefer to go to a British hospital where if I have anything from cancer to a migraine, it's free for me. I shall never enter the United States as long as they continue with their unfair health system where it costs to get well but free to die.
Professor Hawking has more experience than most of UK hospitals, and he is totally justified in feeling upset by these unfair jibes. It says more about the minds of Republicans than it does about the UK health system.
- Raymond, Saarburg, Germany
************************************
dailymail.co.uk
Politicians in the US are currently debating whether there should be reforms to the US health service.
Hawking suffers from Lou Gehring's disease. He is completely paralysed and has spent years in a wheelchair.
An American newspaper recently embarrassed itself by declaring: 'People such as scientist Stephen Hawking wouldn't have a chance in the UK, where the National Health Service would say the life of this brilliant man, because of his physical handicaps, is essentially worthless.'
The newspaper mustn't have known that Stephen Hawking is British, was brought up in Britain, lives in Britain and has been treated many times by Britain's National Health Service (NHS).
The physicist has now defended the NHS, saying: 'I wouldn't be here today if it were not for the NHS.'
In 2000, the British health service was ranked 18th best in the world by the World Health Organisation, and the US health service was ranked 37th best.
Hawking was in Washington last night to be awarded America's highest civilian honour, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
He is Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge.
'I owe my life to the NHS': Stephen Hawking tells US to stop attacking health service
By Clare Ellicott
13th August 2009
Daily Mail
Professor Stephen Hawking has defended the NHS after its severe criticism during the American political debate over health care reforms.
The physicist spoke up for the NHS after the Republican Right claimed it was 'evil' and 'Orwellian' in a direct attack on Barack Obama's plans to overhaul health care in the U.S.
Critics of the president have said his plans would introduce a 'socialist' system like Britain's.
Prof Hawkin, who suffers from Lou Gehrig's disease, said: 'I wouldn't be here today if it were not for the NHS.
'I have received a large amount of high quality treatment without which I would not have survived.'
He was in Washington last night to be awarded America's highest civilian honour, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
U.S. President Barack Obama presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to physicist Stephen Hawking during the White House ceremony
An American newspaper claimed: 'People such as scientist Stephen Hawking wouldn't have a chance in the UK, where the National Health Service would say the life of this brilliant man, because of his physical handicaps, is essentially worthless.'
However Professor Hawking - who as recently as April was treated in an NHS hospital - was quick to rubbish the claim.
President Obama wants a publicly backed scheme to provide for the 47million Americans who are without private health insurance and the 25million who are under-insured.
But opponents have begun a campaign equating the two - and in the process peddling some vicious myths, such as tales of NHS 'death panels' that deny care to the elderly and disabled and put an 'Orwellian' cap on the value of human life.
Republican Senator Chuck Grassley claimed that Democrat Senator Edward Kennedy, who is being treated for a brain tumour, would be left to die in Britain because he is 77.
Protests against Obama's proposals are becoming increasingly rabid, even leading to attacks on the UK'S NHS
And the Investor's Business Daily said in an editorial: 'People such as scientist Stephen Hawking wouldn't have a chance in the UK, where the National Health Service would say the life of this brilliant man, because of his physical handicaps, is essentially worthless.'
They had to correct the piece when it was pointed out that the physicist was born, lives and works in the UK.
Mr Hawking said: 'I wouldn't be here today if it were not for the NHS.'
The debate, which has dominated the U.S. political agenda for weeks, has seen former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin call Mr Obama's proposals 'evil', and others routinely lambast the 'British-style' plan.
NHS argument: Chuck Grassley (L) said a man of Ted Kennedy's (R) age would not be treated for a brain tumour if he lived in England
Opponents to reform suggest it would be too costly for taxpayers, even though U.S. citizens spend double per head on health - both their own and the limited state care for the old and needy - than the average for developed countries.
TV and radio adverts have scorned NHS waiting lists and the 'rationing' of expensive drugs.
Critics claim that reform will result in less choice and fewer drugs being made available for patients. Some likened the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, which determines the cost-effectiveness of NHS drugs, to 'death panels' that decide who should live and who should die.
British diplomats in Washington are treading a delicate line in correcting falsehoods while staying out of a vicious domestic battle.
But Mr Obama has hit back against the campaign, warning it is designed to 'scare and mislead'.
At a public meeting in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, he said: 'Where we do disagree, let's disagree over things that are real, not these wild misrepresentations that bear no resemblance to anything that's actually been proposed.
'Because the way politics works sometimes is that people who want to keep things the way they are will try to scare the heck out of folks and they'll create bogeymen out there.'
A Department of Health spokesman said: 'The NHS provides health services on the basis of clinical need - irrespective of age or ability to pay.'
She added: 'The NHS sees one million people every 36 hours and 93 per cent of patients rate their care as good or excellent.
'In recent years patients have benefited from record levels of investment and more lives have been saved through better prevention and treatment - waiting lists are at their lowest ever levels, there has been a 44 per cent reduction in the mortality rate from cardiovascular disease and 50,000 more lives have been saved through better cancer services.'
People hold up signs as they attend a town hall meeting on healthcare reform in California
READERS' COMMENT
If these money grubbing hypocrites want too comment on anything about this country they should get there facts right. Life isn't a Hollywood movie and American history is certainly not made up of facts. The likes of the much venerated George Washington would have remained a loyal subject if the British Government had offered him a peerage. Don't forget either that the run-away "army" that revolted against the British, were for the most part a rag tag of hobos who thought that they had bounties to gain from the pillaging of there own native born citizens
- Mike, Liverpool U.K
*************************************
I'm not sure what's worse... the fact that US politicians spread such utter claptrap about our health service (as many people have no doubt pointed out, there IS private care if you want, and state care, the NHS, if you can't afford it) or the fact that the general populace of the US seems to believe the rubbish spouted by their politicans.
For the record, my wife (from American, born and bred no less) is today ashamed to be american... says a lot doesn't it?
- Ian, London
****************************
Before the Americans rubbish our NHS they should at least see for themselves.
I worked for the NHS for over 35 years, yes it has it's problems, but the ethos that all treatment is free irrespective of who you are or your ability to pay is wonderful.
I had a collegue who worked in the USA hospitals for many years and his accounts of what went on out there were to say the least harrowing. Treatment provided on the basis of ones ability to pay. Once the money ran out then the patients would be shipped off into the state system, which was very poor.
Over 40 million Americans denied healthcare by being too poor to afford insurance.
No the main opponents to a sysytem like we have in the UK is the Doctors, Insurance, Drug companies and politicians who see a drastic cut in their profits.
Thus the continued scare stories they put out to the American public. Of course Mr. kennedy would have been treated in the uk and very well at that.
- Alan Smith, Merseyside
******************************
I have lived in the UK for 40 years and the attention and promptness to treatment that myself and my family have received from the NHS has ALWAYS been first rate and is not dependent on ability to pay whatsoever.
- Connor, Windlesham
**************************
The American health system is very bad. Many end up on the streets, literally, because of it.
However, paramedics and hospital emergency rooms are required by law to treat those who are suffering from life threatening injuries or illness. You will not be left by the side of the road while the medics check your insurance.
You will be taken to the hospital where you will receive the best trauma care in the world from specialists who have experience treating wounded soldiers in Iraq. Then you will be sent home with a handful of pills and a bill for $2million. If you don't have insurance you lose your house and file for bankruptcy.
This has been a very interesting discussion board! Thanks!
- T, Seattle, US
******************************************
This from the country where people die because they cannot afford to take up health insurance and medicine is pursued as a career because of the money that can be made rather than for vocational reasons. There are plenty of things about the UK which are horrendous at the moment - particularly under this disgraceful Brown regime - but the work of the doctors (like my dear, now retired father) and the nurses in the NHS should be applauded.
- Kate, Epsom
*****************************************
I'm an American who has lived in Britain for 25 years. The NHS is wonderful! As I was growing up, my parents often couldn't afford some needed dental or healthcare for our family, even though they had full insurance.
My own children growing up in the UK have had far better care than most kids would in the States. I had thyroid cancer here & I had 1st rate care & now have full health. My friend in the States also had thyroid cancer, but they didn't give her enough radio-iodine treatment ( the NHS gave it to me twice to make sure the cancer was gone) so 5 years later her cancer returned & spread.
Americans also poke fun at the Brits for having bad teeth, but the truth is, moast Americans have diseased & missing teeth because they can't afford dental care, even with insurance! Only the wealthy can have their teeth veneered.
The NHS exists to take care of us. American healthcare exists to make as much money as it can.
- Joy, London
**********************************
I can tell you from personal experience that the NHS were far better than American healthcare for my pregnancy/labour. I am British and had my first child in the UK. The care and attention I received from the NHS was outstanding. I have no complaints what so ever. My second child was born in America and the care was minimal (and I have really good health insurance coverage). If I had known that it would be so awful, I would have come back to Britain to have my baby.
- MHC, USA
**************************************
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...ent.html?articleId=1205953&commentId=20523872
We have a similar healthcare system to the UK in Germany, and we have no such problems as these rabid free-marketeers point out. The right-wing journalists just picked the European healthcare system most publicised for recent problems and ran with it. I would prefer to go to a British hospital where if I have anything from cancer to a migraine, it's free for me. I shall never enter the United States as long as they continue with their unfair health system where it costs to get well but free to die.
Professor Hawking has more experience than most of UK hospitals, and he is totally justified in feeling upset by these unfair jibes. It says more about the minds of Republicans than it does about the UK health system.
- Raymond, Saarburg, Germany
************************************
dailymail.co.uk
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