Hi Tom, Long time reader but first time commenter, and boy, do I agree with you here! I'm with Mike R on this - as a non-medic, I don't particularly want 'choice' (the mantra of the capitalist age!) - I just want a reasonable standard of care in clean, efficient hospitals, treated by staff who are happy and well looked after. I'm not buying shampoo. As for targets - jesus. Why, if I go to A&E with a minor sports injury that is unlikely to result in my death or permament disability, should I complain about waiting for a while while staff attend to the three-year-old with suspected meningitis? Unfortunately, as others have said, there will ALWAYS be those for whom nothing is ever right and sadly, I feel Darzi's proposals will have that particular section of society rubbing their hands in glee. Cheers for another great blog!