Election fever is descending on the UK and the political parties are already starting to jockey for position. As usual, the health service finds itself the pawn in the race for election and, ultimately, government itself. Political parties will be using the health service as capital in their strategies. The media will also be using it to inflame the already heightened awareness of the public. Waiting lists, infection rates and dissatisfaction with current services are all fair targets in order to get the cross on the ballot paper.