I frequently see arguments both here and at Dana's terrific site about how wonderful socialized medicine is.
Of course, I always feel obligated to point out horror stories from Britain's NHS, and Dana normally quotes stats from Canada about the long waiting periods for relatively simple operations.
Now comes the story of a man who had to deliver his own child because the NHS-run hospital was full.
During a difficult pregnancy, Elizabeth Jones was monitored every day because doctors were worried about the health of her baby.
But on the day of the birth, she was twice turned away from the hospital because it was full - forcing her partner to deliver the baby himself at their home.
Miss Jones, 24, and her partner Anthony Jones - who coincidentally share the same surname - dashed to their local maternity unit when she started to have strong contractions.
However, their excitement at the prospect of the birth soon turned to horror when staff on the ward told them: "Sorry we are full. Come back later."
Medics at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, near Cardiff, insisted the baby would not arrive for hours and suggested the couple go and have a cup of coffee while they tried to free up a bed.
Three hours later, they returned to the hospital when Miss Jones's contractions became more frequent.
This time she was given a thorough examination by a midwife who confidently sent them away for the second time, telling them the baby was still "hours away".
Once again, the frustrated couple headed back to their home in Bridgend. But within minutes Miss Jones felt the baby arriving.
Her partner's 17-year-old daughter Kirsty called 999 and relayed instructions, as he delivered the baby himself on October 12 at 11am.
"It was a great experience - but at the time I wished we were in hospital in a controlled environment," Mr Jones, 39, said. "What if something had gone wrong?
"It's worrying that the only maternity hospital for miles around had to turn us away twice just while Elizabeth was in the last stages of labour.
"You hear so much about the NHS being under pressure but you would think that maternity would be a priority. Many things can wait for a later appointment - but never a baby.
"It's very worrying that they haven't got the facilities to do the job properly when you want it.
He added: "They need more beds and at least another ward at the hospital. We've been told that it's always getting full there. We turned out to be fine - the next family may not be so lucky."
Yes, indeed. What if there had been certain complications during birth? Or after the birth?
This situation is yet another highlight of the failed socialized medicine of Britain where NHS is pushing for women not to use epidurals because they cost too much.
Hmm. Longer labors. No pain meds. No hospital beds. Boy, socialized medicine sounds like something we need here, right?
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