NHS 'beats America's private healthcare'

The NHS was yesterday hailed one of the best healthcare services in the world - and far better than America's private system.

In an international survey, Britain came streets ahead of the US for quick, cheap and effective treatment.

The study follows a trans-Atlantic row during the summer over who has the best healthcare.

As Barack Obama battled for US reforms, many American rightwingers branded our NHS a failure - with "death panels" to decide the fate of patients.

Gordon Brown hit back with a "We Love the NHS" campaign saying it was fairer and more efficient than any other.

Now US think-tank the Commonwealth Fund has been forced to agree after surveying more than 10,000 family doctors in 11 countries - including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Holland, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and America.

In sharp contrast to the States, the NHS rated highly for fast, inexpensive and readily-available care for all.

The UK was also the only country where the majority of doctors feel the quality of healthcare is improving.

The study said: "Policies to invest and improve access, quality, and health outcomes have been put in place.

"Recent studies indicate that the reforms have improved outcomes."

Speaking from Washington, Health Secretary Andy Burnham welcomed the survey's findings.

He said: "The NHS is not perfect but it has moved from poor to good. I want to see it go from good to great on the next stage of the journey."

Mr Burnham added: "I would like today to pay tribute to the hard working NHS staff across the country and congratulate them for this magnificent achievement.

"This is a proud day for NHS staff and for the millions of patients that they look after so well."

BRITAIN V UNITED STATES
Patients have difficulty paying for medication US: 58% NHS: 14%

Doctors having problems getting treatment for their patients US: 48% NHS: 6%

Patients having long waiting time to see specialist US: 22% NHS: 28%

Number of GP practices offering out of hours care US: 29% NHS: 89%

'Awe-inspiring docs saved my baby's life'
By Daily Mirror Assistant Editor Alison Phillips

We are probably all more than a little guilty of taking our NHS for granted.

We trundle along to our GP, health clinic or hospital, confident that our problem will soon be sorted out.

It is only when something goes seriouslywrong that we appreciate how extraordinary the service is - which iswhat happened to me a fortnight ago.

After two natural births I thought my third labour would be a breeze.

But within minutes of arriving at thematernity ward of the Queen's Hospital in Romford, Essex, it was clearthat this was to be very different.

After being put on a monitor, the midwifediscovered my baby son's heartbeat was dropping dangerously low everytime I had a contraction. An emergency caesarean section was the onlyoption to get him out quickly.

The speed and professionalism of staff wasawe-inspiring and saved my son's life or prevented him from sufferingpermanent damage.

A midwife said: "Somebody up there must have been looking out for him."

Perhaps so, but she was doing herself and her colleagues a disservice.

Every day the NHS saves lives - with no bill attached. Unlike so many other countries around the world.

Obviously, though, it is not a perfectsystem. There are serious issues that need to be addressed but we mustnever forget the brilliance of our NHS.