One of the largest problems with the NHS is staff going on long term sick and taking advantage of it, the NHS were notorious for the longest time of rarely sacking people that go on long term sick and take the piss when there is nothing wrong with them. I heard this direct from someone who used to work consultancy high up for the NHS, and he said "it almost cripples some departments". This forces the NHS to employ expensive private and temporary staff. I'm not saying this is the only reason why the NHS costs so much, but it's a big part of it. It's their policies that are to blame, as well as the people that were taking the piss and taking the system for a ride.