Well he didn't actually mention the 'P', that being 'private' but it was implied.  Mr Clegg has suggested that patients should be able to top up their healthcare over and above that provided by the NHS.

Although it does amount to the 'p' word it makes perfect sense.  Demand for resources is outstripping supply so something has to give.  It isn't possible to keep throwing money at it so at some point either demand will have to reduce (which it won't) or money will have to come form elsewhere.  Mr Cleggs solution seems a practical one.

The governments concern is in creating a two tier healthcare system which would wave goodbye once and for all to the NHs as it had been set up.

It would be good news for healthcare sales companies who are facing increasing barriers as the government seeks to ration treatments to reduce spend.  A partial privatisation would mean a new sales channel in a scenario where, at present, they face the end of the road.

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