Free cake and NHS limos: Unexpected NHS reform ideas on new site

The care minister Stephen Kinnock visited Reading to launch a huge consultation on the future of the NHS, with the politician calling a local surgery a "fantastic" example for others to follow. 

Mr Kinnock visited the Melrose Surgery in Alexandra Road to kick-start the new nation-wide consultation about the government's ten year plan for the NHS. 

But not all of the suggestions have seemed completely sincere, including putting beer on tap in hospitals - and firing health secretary Wes Streeting from a cannon. 

Thanks to @JackElsom for sending this idea for Wetherspoons in every hospital.

Great idea, but sadly vetoed by the Chancellor during Budget negotiations.

Thanks also to the person who suggested I be fired out of a cannon to raise money for the NHS. No.https://t.co/KErAXPrURG pic.twitter.com/wXav0TFv08

— Wes Streeting MP (@wesstreeting) October 21, 2024

The health department has said that NHS staff are reviewing posts, and were removing or hiding material that was "clearly inappropriate or irrelevant".

Staff at Melrose Surgery said they were "excited" to make suggestions, saying it was an opportunity for the NHS to work more "wisely." 

Suggestions made so far have included adjusting nurse and doctor wages, prioritising hospital repairs, and adopting new technology like smart watches. 

And before they disappear, here are some of the most unexpected suggestions from the consultation so far: 

Free monster energy drinks - one of the suggestions on the NHS reform website. (Image: NQ) One member of the public suggested free Monster energy drinks for secondary school children as a "pick me up" for their exams.

Their post said: "As we all know, back in my day milk was given to kids to help improve their bone structure and teeth.

"But these days with the stress of homework and the poor sleep schedules of these kids,  pop them a little pick me up for their GCSE’s.

"Limit it to sugar free flavours obviously, don’t wanna rot their teeth."

This suggestion may stretch the NHS budget. (Image: NQ) "Our hardworking doctors and nurses deserve to be chauffeur-driven from place to place in a handsome carriage that sufficiently denotes their elevated societal worth," posted one member of the public, with a suggestion that may given the chancellor sleepless nights. 

A sweet idea. (Image: NHS) This idea may clash with another suggestion, which is to make each person's BMI their tax bracket. 

This idea would certainly boost some people's mental health. (Image: NHS) One member of the public had a plot fit for the big screen: "Cinemas need a boost- often empty post pandemic. We need hospital beds. People like films.

"People have mental health issues. Solution- the NHS rents out empty seats in cinemas so people can watch a film whilst they're waiting to be seen or under observations."

And the NHS could put on special screenings - The English Patient, Patch Adams, Carry On Matron...

One suggestion would have a lot of patients asking: Doctor Who? (Image: NHS) An idea fit for a regeneration of the NHS. 

Could the NHS's woes be over? (Image: NHS) Could a previous health secretary be making a bid to return to office? 

This idea will surely win a lot of support from journalists. (Image: NHS) One suggestion wants the NHS to stop removing all the "silly" suggestions - such as Mr Streeting being fired out of a canon - put back on the consultation site.