In reply to freeflyer:
> The Cuba solution. Start with the idea that there is no money.
Doesn’t Cuba benefit from a more intrusive health service? A vast network of community nurses, much more compunction to follow government health initiatives. Not necessarily a bad idea, but people in the UK moan if the government suggests they eat the odd vegetable.
> Scrap A&E. Ok, you can't do that, but get the idea across that A&E is for medical emergencies, not for grandad fell over again or I cut my thumb. The only way you get into hospital is by referral.
there have been trials that suggest almost the opposite is true. Having a doctor as the gatekeeper to a&e means people get sent to the right place immediately. It cuts down waiting, cuts costs, but may well require more doctors.
> Put some of the money thus saved into a completely separate organisation for social care and mental health.
I think nhs care homes may help. There seems to be a big issue with bed blocking where people stay in £800 a night beds when they could be in £200 a night care.