and pay the extra, I could argue that I have liberated more space on the bus for other people. This is true, in theory. But it takes no account of market realities. If enough people take taxis instead of buses, then bus routes close down, the infrastructure is destabilised and eventually the whole network collapses. Then everyone is faced with the dilemma of either having to pay for a taxi if they can afford it, or walking if they can't. In addition, the bus drivers -- NHS consultants -- are moonlighting as cab drivers as well, so further developing a market that results in fewer buses. Which only makes more people want to get a cab because they're seen to be more efficient. Viewed this way, it is no wonder that the private health insurers are encouraging people to make claims. While in the short term they might see their profits drop slightly, in the long term they know that the more people who go private, the more destabilised the NHS becomes. And a destabilised NHS means that more of us will feel compelled to get private health insurance in the first place. Use private health care if you want to, but don't believe the lie that you're helping the NHS in the process. I'M NO FRIEND OF THIS DEMENTIA PLAN A new initiative, termed "Dementia Friends", was announced last week by the Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, to much fanfare. Under the scheme, a million people will be offered training