Larry K,

I too have recently had a stent fitted to relieve a blocked coronary artery, also with complete success and no complications.

I didn't have to pay one penny for anything, including a home visit from our district cardiac nurse, and a series of exercise classes at my local hospital which will get me back to full fitness. Nether do I have to pay for the medication I will be taking to prevent a recurrence.

I have paid National Insurance contributions (deducted from my wages) throughout my 47 year working life, contributions which were matched by my employers.

These contributions, which never caused me any hardship, helped to pay for healthcare for poorer people, and now that I am retired, someone elses money helps to pay for mine.

Nobody in the UK ever has to worry about getting treatment for illness. THAT'S real healthcare, and for all the difficulties the system is experiencing, it is IMHO the best in the world.

They understand what the word "care" means on this side of the pond.

They also understand that nobody really chooses to be poor.

Don T.