NHS - safe in their hands?‏

The Tories told us before the General Election that they would protect the NHS. There would be no more 'top down' imposed reorganisations and funding would be ring-fenced. So how do their promises hold up? Well the NHS budget is not ring-fenced and health unions, health professionals and user groups' voices are warning of the dangers in store for the NHS. We are already seeing a rise in waiting times, concerns about public health policy and an attempt to attack health workers terms and conditions.
http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2011/01/health-bill-nhs-reform-medical

UNISON was right to launch a judicial review into Lansley's plans in the White Paper to be introduced on Wednesday. The coming together of all health unions, professional organisations, including the BMA, Royal College of GP's and others to condemn the reforms being announced show the dangers the NHS is facing under this Government.

At a time of financial constrains a reorganisation which is going to cost billions is being pursued. GP's are being made into commissioners, a job the majority of them don't want. Health professionals are warning that to reorganise so fundamentally at a time of reduced money and resources is not only misguided but puts the NHS in grave danger.

This is not about making the NHS more responsive for patients. This is not about improving health outcomes for patients. This is about political dogma. This is about shrinking the size of the NHS to ensure the private market can get a foothold in providing healthcare.

Already we are seeing private companies circling round to take over running commissioning for GPs. We are seeing a forced privatisation on the NHS which if allowed to succeed will be the most fundamental and damaging action to the NHS since its formation in 1948.

The Government's arrogance by ignoring the voices of everyone involved in the delivery of healthcare is extradinary and shows they are not interested in listening to the views of those who really do know better. Cameron says he is going to take a personal interest - we suggest that he stops these expensive, unnecessary and dangerous reforms which will destroy the best of the NHS which is about high quality care, free at the point of use, and which is the foundation of the what is regarded as one of the best healthcare systems in the world.

Clare Williams