richards odes

NHS

We have a health service of which we should be proud 
But do we see its merits and praise them right out loud?
Oh no! We pick exceptions where something has gone wrong
And moan about it vehemently extremely loud and long.
Of course it is expensive and uses lots of cash
So let us cut its budget, who'd think that that was rash?
Better still we'll cut the cost of capital expense
And put it on their budget, they won't notice , they're too dense
The private firms make money by putting up their rent
How can that be a problem to any great extent?
As we squeeze their budget surely it's a scare
When some people tell us it will hit patient care?
Then we let our lawyers loose to prey upon the weak
And tell them they have every right to compensation seek.
This leads to a blame culture, but hey, it's rather neat!
Of course, the cost in damages goes on the balance sheet!
With all of this conspiring to make our medics fear
Is it any wonder we can't recruit this year?
Our doctors and our nurses leave and posts cannot be filled
But there's a boost in admin staff with which, I'm sure, we're thrilled !
Is it any wonder that those with private wealth
Choose to take their ailments to their own private health?
Maybe they are lawyers who sit in parliament?
Or funds could come from businesses who charge inflated rent?
Call me an old cynic but I really cannot see
How running down the NHS does much for you and me!
Let's celebrate the good things which far outweigh the bad
And recognise that politics is really rather sad!