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This week I completed a four week online study course about the NHS. Designed by the King's Fund, it was a good way to invest about 8 hours of my time. I leaned a great deal about the history, organisation and funding of the NHS and finished with some thoughts on the future for the service. It was a picture of enormous complexity, ever changing demand, the role of advances in technology and medicine and other big issues. It was also exciting to give my own view on lots of the issues raised and to read the views of other learners. I have two main lasting memories: First - I do not envy those who have the job of planning and managing this crucial service. Second, the KF has proposed a deal between the NHS and its Customers, which gives the public more responsibility for protecting it's own health. While disease can strike at random, surely we are all obliged to protect and maintain our own health and fitness as much and for as long as we can?