That it is, Terri

The current regime 'privatizes' an institution, guts it and then steals the government funding. They have done this to VA Hospitals, old people's homes, prisons, migrant detention camps, the military etc. The list is long.
The government is predatory.

Jason, I know I would not be able to witness anything like, you described here. I don't think that anyone 'ought' to. It is tragic

Laurie, I am so sorry to hear your worries. We 'moan' in this country about the 'N.H.S.' not doing 'as much' as they used to years ago . . . but after reading your comment, it makes me consider myself 'fortunate', that we do, have help, to call on when we need it. Admitedly, they cannot work 'miracles', but we do have some great fascilities upon which 'anyone' can go at anytime.
I pray, you will get help somewhere for your friend

I live on a small disability income. Every month I have to choose between food and prescriptions.

I've often wondered, why, you have never done the same thing over there?
I daresay, you are probably aware of how our 'national health system' works, but for those who don't, it works like this:
For every man or woman who are 'employed', a percentage of their wage, is deducted & goes toward the 'health service' - and, some of that also, goes toward the 'Old Age Pension' which they will automatically receive when they arrive at 'retirement' age.
If, any man or woman are 'unable' to work (either through 'ill health' or 'unable to find work', they are helped by way of 'Social Security' ~ but, while they are claiming their 'benefit', they still have 'tax' deducted from their payment.
What it boils down to, is,that no-one ought to be unable to pay their rent or not have enough money to survive, whilst being ill. It does, get a bit 'complicated' from here on . . .

Isn't it 'always' the same!!