Health Care in The UK

I've noted the discussion that is going on in the US about healthcare reform. While I don't want to tell my American friends how to run their affairs, given the amount of disinformation flowing around I'd like to say something about healthcare in the UK.

Firstly, Stephen Hawking is British. And by the way, the French do have a word for entrepeneur.

Secondly, we have a universal healthcare system- the National Health Service (NHS). It's pretty good. However, it's not compulsory: you don't have to use it. There is an alternative/complementary private system. Of course, if you can't afford it you have no choice - you get your treatment on the NHS.