No system is perfect – and we want to develop the British NHS, not import a foreign system. But we can learn from abroad. No other developed country in the world attempts the degree of state control of healthcare that we do. And no other developed country has waiting times as long as we do. The following examples are all from Western European countries whose healthcare systems are not only different, but deliver better outcomes. They show the possibility of change.

France

French citizens are the most satisfied with their healthcare in Europe. Patients can choose to be treated in the hospital of their choice – whether public or private; and waiting lists are non-existent. Most French hospitals are owned and run by independent trusts – some of them for profit, some voluntary – catering to publicly funded patients.

Germany

There are no waiting lists in Germany. Patient admissions to hospital are usually carried out on the same day as their referral. They are free to choose the hospital for their treatment. Half of all German hospitals are independent of the State.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands has the best cancer record in Europe. Patients are referred by GPs, but have the right to choose the specialist who treats them. Most Dutch
hospitals are owned or managed on a private not-for-profit basis – only the major university hospitals are in public ownership.

Sweden

Hospitals in Stockholm are locally-owned institutions. Financial tariffs were attached to each treatment and hospitals were paid according to the patients they treated. Within ten years over 200 new care providers have sprung up, many of them run by former employees of the public health system. Health staff report greater job satisfaction under the new system than the old one.

Denmark

Waiting times in Denmark are considerably shorter than in the UK. Under the Free Choice reforms of 1992, patients have a choice of any public hospital
in the country, rather than being restricted, as previously, to hospitals in the county where they live. Danish patients have a legal right to be treated within four weeks – backed by an obligation on the counties to provide treatment in other counties or in the private sector.

Finland

Finland has the lowest infant morality rate in Western Europe – a key indicator of national health. Primary care is available from any doctor licensed by the National State Sickness Insurance Fund. Patients in Finland can take 60% of the standard public sector tariff for their operation to help with the cost of treatment in the private sector.