In via iterum

If you're going to rely on the state....

...beware.

NHS 'meltdown' predicted by Government bird flu report

The health service will be plunged into chaos if Britain is struck by a bird flu pandemic, a Government report warns.

Faced with a possible 4.5 million victims, demand for hospital beds would outstrip supply and doctors might have to deny treatment to the sick and elderly to save younger, fitter patients.

I'm well aware that the possibility of a flu-pandemic is extremely low, but it is one of those things that if it occurs is likely to be devastating. This report reveals that the NHS and the rest of the state apparatus would not be able to cope - something which has been obvious for some time, but frankly in the worst case 1918-9 style pandemic even the best organised state will fail.

Which means, make your own assessment of the risk and plan accordingly. If the government imposed a travel ban tomorrow would you have enough food in the house to last a week or two? Mark my words, those who rely on the state to help them will come off worst if this does happen.

posted by j @ 9:56 AM