
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, March 1, 1992                   TAG: 9203020219
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: E-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

MANY PRAISE ENGLISH HEALTH CARE

NANCY M. Kamwell (letter, Feb. 10) states: "Socialized medicine has failed miserably." I cannot talk about Russia, not having lived under that system. But I have lived in England, and have many relatives still gratefully abiding under the "English socialized medical system."

One may be put on a waiting list for surgery that need not be done immediately; all of it is not a life-and-death situation. But if a patient needs surgery immediately, they get it. They are kept in a hospital as long as it takes to get them well.

I have heard many praise the excellent care while in the hospital: Wonder of wonders, many are sent to convalescent homes for a week or so to recuperate further, all on socialized medicine. I could go on and on.

So the bill for Britain would "sop up" $56 billion? It will be paid, no one will be any the worse for it, and I don't believe they would exchange their system for ours.

I think it's everyone's right, rich or poor, black or white, to have access to medical need. Shame on us that we have millions in this country who cannot afford medical insurance. JOYCE WILSON ROANOKE

by CNB