Questions about Universal Healthcare

[NeuroNP]

OK, I'm an American and I just read "Nursing:Against the Odds" by Suzanne Gordon. In it, she makes a strong push for Universal Healthcare, claiming that not only will it help people, but actually make it better for nurses as well.

I remember being on vacation in Canada back when Clinton was first trying this and talking to a Canadian who told me that your system isn't all that great and we would be good to be wary of it. I can't, however, remember his reasoning. I've of course heard about waiting lists, rationing and Canadians who come to the states for healthcare, but most sources aren't without political bias.

I realize that a lot (if not all) responses to this will not be without political bias either, but I'd like to hear from Canadians (and Brits and Aussies for that matter) what your take on this is. Is your system a good one? Would it work in the US? What are the downsides? Upsides?

Particularly if there's anyone who's experienced the US and Canadian systems, a compare/contrast would be nice.

Thanks!

Bryan

[lalaxton]

Bryan,

As a Canadian nurse who has worked both sides of the border I can honestly say neither system is the best! I have seen honest hardworking Americans who don't have health insurance lose everything to pay for a devastating accident or complex chronic illness. Physicians who make decisions not based on sound evidence-based research but on liability. Elderly having to decide wether or not to take meds or buy groceries...

I have also seen Canadians wait longer for procedures, and die or worsen while waiting, and not be able to find a family physician because there aren't enough.

I am back in Canada now and everytime I discuss wait times with a patient who says they would pay to jump the line, I offer to find them a doc in the US who could do the procedure/surgery tomorrow, oddly enough no one has been willing. As you can guess I favor the Canadian way, while admitting that it still has many bugs in it. I feel we all deserve equal access.

You will find people on both sides who think they have the best system, I think the truth is until we ditch the politics and put our patients first we never will find it.

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

I just read a very interesting article on the creeping privatization of Canada's health care. It's an excellent companion piece to Against the Odds. The author, Maude Barlow, is the chairperson of the Council of Canadians which is a national advocacy organization. She's also been called the Canadian Ralph Nader. Her article is a laundry list of why Canada should be finding ways of improving the public system rather than look for private solutions. You can find it at:

http://www.straightgoods.ca/ViewFeature5.cfm?REF=504

[fergus51]

Thanks for the link Jan. I always say I enjoy working in the US, but if I get sick I'm heading back to Canada.

[lalaxton]

I'm with you Fergus...

[cdngirl]

I'm a Canadian nurse who has gone south. After graduation in 1991 nursing jobs were few. Hospitals were closing wards, laying off nurses. I was working 2 part-time jobs and still couldn't make ends meet. There are definite pros and cons to both systems. There are hard working Americans who go bankrupt after serious illness. There are hard working Americans who also can't afford health insurance and go untreated for serious health conditions. Sure Canada's system has it's cons as well but I know where I'm going to retire. Having the government with their hands in the pot brings standards and equal access which are both good things in my opinion.

[Paulette RN]

I am one Canadian who is thankful for our universal system. You are right that there are many improvements that need to be made to make sure that those in years to come can still benefit from what we do. I think that when I am old and grey I will need to have someone advocating on my behalf as that squeaky wheel still seems to make a difference.