There's some irony in doing so through Virgin Money.

Virgin is seeking to privatize the NHS, and the group has Virgin Care, which is one of the largest private care providers contracted by the NHS. Naturally, Virgin Care pays no corporation tax -- Richard Branson has an allergy to tax, and doctors and politicians have so far not found a cure.

We don't want to add the terrible combination of cost cutting together overhead and waste of the private sector to our public services.

Interesting that you seem to imply that the private sector is the one with overhead issues...

Yes... the NHS has some of the lowest per capita healthcare costs of any comparable health service. And so far all attempts to bring in private finance have lead to spiralling costs.

That's not to say the NHS has no efficiency issues. It's the 5th largest employer in the world. Of course it has efficiency issues. But there's little evidence that making it private would improve things.

Mixing private with public does lead to spiralling costs. To me it seems like a system such as the one in Germany offers good outcomes at a reasonable price, while not denying anyone care.

> NHS incorporating a significant private component.

We already have a significant private component, and it's piss poor. Look at all the scandals in Priory Group, or Cygnet, or similar.

See also the numbers of private providers in the CQC recent inspections that were inadequate:

https://www.cqc.org.uk/search/services/all?f%5B0%5D=im_field...

Perhaps the NHS should manufacture its own ambulances as well?

The idea the what should be properly funded by taxes has to be propped up by charitable donations is abhorrent.

Vote Labour next election and fund the public sector properly!

> Vote Labour next election and fund the public sector properly!

Sigh. That time came 5 months ago and is now gone until the next 5 years. In the mean time perhaps you can play your part in donating in someway or even somewhere else instead of complaining.

Using the word "Sigh" online is a surefire way to start an argument. It is a passive aggressive put down and exceedingly rude.

Anyway pointing out the insanity of this situation is not complaining.

> Using the word "Sigh" online is a surefire way to start an argument. It is a passive aggressive put down and exceedingly rude.

Now's not the time. Hold your fire and stand-down.

> Anyway pointing out the insanity of this situation is not complaining.

Well you don't have to donate through there then. Donating and raising money for your local NHS trust goes further than just 'clapping' in appreciation.

The intention is good, but if the NHS needs more money (which it almost certainly does), for wages or otherwise, increased taxation seems like the better choice.

As suggested at the end of the submitted blog post, with the very same link.

Definitely! Also, just being a bit more diligent around social distancing and washing your hands can help :)