Save the NHS from death by one thousand cuts‏

The recent budget announced on 22 June by Osborne and his Coalition government brings with it the most stringent cuts to public services in recent years. Amongst the hype is the repeated mantra that NHS funding is ring-fenced. Although the NHS, at this time might not be facing the savage cuts of other departments the myths must be challenged.


Statistics announced yesterday highlight that the coalition are cutting jobs to deliver £20billion in cuts which is already seeing the loss of at least 10,000 NHS jobs cut- with the promise of even more to come.
http://yhoo.it/9Obju6

The announcement of a third of administrative costs to be saved will mean a significant number of further job losses. It is also important that it is understood that these so called ‘back office’ jobs are essential to the running of the NHS and can’t be got rid of without affecting patient care. There is no divide- healthcare is dependent on a whole team approach.

The idea suggested by some right wing think tanks that £12billion can be squeezed out of the health budget without harming patient care is just ridiculous, particularly when the impact of cuts in social care, education and other services will have financial and demand consequences on the NHS.
http://bit.ly/aYjDzf

So with 1 in 18 adults working for the NHS the impact of continued cuts, and resultant job losses will hit hard. It will throw thousands on the dole; it will affect patient care at a time when the need for health services is increasing.

The myths of the coalition must be challenged by all of us in the trade union movement and beyond. The future of the NHS depends on it.

Clare Williams