[punky]

It would fall by even more, if you made it easier for people to go private, which reduces the queue for people who can't afford to go private. No point in having private hospitals with loads of empty beds, and state hospitals leaving people on trolleys in the corridors.

The best way to do that is allow people to have the value of their NHS treatment credited towards a a private operation. So, if you imagine a NHS operation would cost £4000. It might cost £6000 private. People can't afford NI contributions, and £6000, but they can afford NI contribtions, and £2000, which would allow some people to go private, reduce the waiting list, and won't cost the NHS a penny difference.

Any party who takes that stand would get my support. Last I knew only the Tories were.