We are social animals but we are also hierarchical which by definition means there will always be inequality across all manner of areas of our lives from social status to financial realities.

Surely we should be looking at better support mechanisms and more pro-active measures for that part of society that will, by definition of a hierarchical society, need more help and support.

For example, rather than throwing billions of pounds at trying to maintain the status quo of the current NHS, we should be looking at making it more pro-active in getting out into society and promoting healthy living and good lifestyle choices.

The recent pro-active ‘get off smoking’ campaign should be a template for addressing health issues in society and making a real difference.

As a ‘fairly’ healthy 30-something year old, I have not needed the NHS for nearly 20 years – at this moment in time the NHS is irrelevant to my life.

That might at first reading appear like a selfish statement, but this is the same for the vast majority of people.

However, if the NHS was taking an active role in promoting exercise, healthy eating, responsible use of alcohol and all other manner of lifestyle decisions, not only does it become a solution to the causes of problems, it also becomes relevant to everyone in society, either through the traditional re-active care or through pro-active help and advice.

This benefits all levels of society.