'How dare you criticise our NHS': Doctors and nurses defend health service after Donald Trump attack

Donald Trump sparked another political dispute with the UK after criticising the NHS
REUTERS
Tom Powell6 February 2018
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Doctors and nurses have rallied to defend the NHS after Donald Trump branded it “broke” and “not working”.

The US president lashed out at the UK’s health service in a tweet on Monday, claiming it as proof that universal healthcare does not work.

But medics from the frontline were quick to respond to Mr Trump, telling him they were “proud” to work for a health service that “treats everyone the same”.

Their patriotic defence came as Theresa May and health secretary Jeremy Hunt also refuted the president’s remarks.

Mr Trump commented on marches calling for government action amid the NHS winter crisis after reportedly watching Nigel Farage criticise the service on Fox News.

NHS England chief executive Mr Stevens said Mr Trump had "got the wrong end of the stick" and invited him to visit the "brilliant" staff and services of the NHS.

Nurse Natasha White responded directly: “How DARE you criticise our NHS. I am a Nurse working for this fantastic organisation.

“It's not perfect, it needs more money but it offers some of the best healthcare in the world to all - no matter how much money you have or have not.”

Another nurse, Sami Jo Joyce, wrote: “People were protesting about low pay/ and the governments attempts to privatise the nhs! (sic).

“Universal healthcare helps more than it hinders!”

Rachel Clarke, a palliative care doctor, added: “When we need an opinion from an ignorant, racist, misogynistic, science-denying bigot, you can be sure we call.

“Until then, kindly keep your vacuous prejudices to yourself. That is all. The NHS.”

Consultant surgeon Sam Majumdar said on Twitter: “We have a lot to celebrate and certainly nothing to defend!! NHS treats everyone the same in the UK.”

Mr Trump’s attack came as he targeted Democrats pushing for a British-style universal health system in the US.

Mr Hunt responded with a tweet of his own, saying no-one protesting about the state of the NHS wanted a US-style system.

"NHS may have challenges but I'm proud to be from the country that invented universal coverage - where all get care no matter the size of their bank balance," he said.

Number 10 backed the health secretary in the dispute, saying: "Of course he speaks for the Government on these matters."

Mrs May's official spokesman said: "The Prime Minister is proud of having an NHS that is free at the point of delivery.

"NHS funding is at a record high and was prioritised in the budget with an extra £2.8 billion.

"In the recent Commonwealth Fund international survey, the NHS was rated the best in the world for a second time."

The US president's comments were also condemned by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and the organisers of the pro-NHS demonstration highlighted by Mr Trump.

He said Mr Trump was "wrong" and people were marching because "we love our NHS and hate what the Tories are doing to it".

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