Generally, I have nothing but good things to say about the NHS here in Scotland. The care I received at every level when I had my transplant was superb. The ideal we all want is, in my view, only hampered by political agendas and by bad management and short term vision. I have no reason to doubt the good intentions of the medical staff BUT,
@Mark_1, to say that "the NHS doesn't want to give out advice that will be ignored anyway, so eat a healthy diet is usually all the information given with no real expectations that it will be followed.." just isn't good enough. I wouldn't dream of stating the case for the NHS, but if it is "their" (management? senior staff? who?) policy to deliberately issue incorrect or totally inadequate advice because of "their" view of what "the public" might take on board or not, "they" are not providing the care they are empowered to provide (and by law is their obligation to provide) to those they serve. A "let them eat cake" mentality is both arrogant and judgemental and I for one expect those in power (government) to ensure that those in power (hospital management from budget control to care policy) do their utmost to train staff adequately and to ensure that the "clients" (us) are not dismissed en masse as idiots because of perceived common attitudes. I would add that training IS available (not all training courses are considered part of compulsory updating of skills) and that a number of the staff I have had the benefit of seeing ARE trained and DO know about low carbing AND favour it AND do advise it. What is perhaps a more accurate statement is that the NHS in this one area (though I am sure in others too) needs to ensure that it treats us as individuals based on our individual circumstances. The last thing we need to do is to lie down and accept that it's okay for doctors (or their managers) to assume we are all stupid. I would add that I don't even think that is the reason for the lack of proper advice - poor management and inadequate resources are likely the biggest factor alongside some complacency. I would stress again...I value the NHS greatly but let's not simply excuse some less than perfect areas because "they"
know what's best for us..when in some cases "they" clearly don't. I do, however, take
@slikwipman 's horribly amusing point and would add...some people really are stupid enough to be watching Deal Or No Deal with no feet and a big tin of biscuits!