After #NHS299 - the fightback starts now

As the dust settles on the magnificent UNISON-led demonstration through Manchester on Sunday, the big question on activists lips is “What next!” That is the right question and the answer must be that we build on the momentum of the energy and passion shown by the 60,000 people snaking through the city centre demanding that we fight to save the NHS. This is a fight which everyone has a part to play.

Hands off our NHS says Prentis

#nhs299 (and @BBCNews in case you're missing this) UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis, in a speech to the 'wonderful people' at the Manchester rally, says the union will fight to keep the privateers out of the NHS.
   "55,000 people marching, speaking with one voice a clear message to the Tories, hands off our NHS", said Dave. He pledged support to the fight against privatisation at George Eliot hospital and for UNISON ambulance workers about to ballot. 
    He warned privateers would 'suck money' out of the NHS. "The NHS loses out, patients lose out, staff lose out: the only winners are the shareholders. Even the NHS chief executive now agrees that the government's ridiculous competition rules are holding back quality improvements.
   "Cameron said he could sum up his priorities in three letters: NHS. It turns out he was right. But in Tory language, this stands for 'National Hospital Sell-Off'."
   See also UNISON head of health Christine McAnea's speech on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3b5iYLfBlv8&feature=youtu.be&a

Let's hear it for the Future Directions workers

#nhs299 Joining the Manchester rally are UNISON members from Rochdale on a 10 day all out strike in their campaign to reverse cuts in pay following outsourcing of adult social care services to Future Directions a community interest company 100% owned by Calderstones NHS Foundation Trust. http://unisonactive.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/future-directions-workers-striking.html

Photos from the march in Manchester today

#nhs299 As thousands upon thousands march for our NHS in Manchester, photos are coming in thick and fast from the front line.....

Andy Burham, Dave Prentis and Frances O'Grady head up the march in glorious sunshine

The myths behind NHS privatisation

#NHS299 Dr Jacky Davis outlines the main myths behind the drive to privatisation of our NHS - with patient choice and value for money among the familiar bogus justifications for opening up health services to private companies:
http://www.redpepper.org.uk/mythbuster-health-warning/