Defend the Whittington Hospital Coalition

Opposition to Bill

Here is some information from the NHS Support Federation

Dear NHS Supporter

TORY MP EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER REFORMS

After receiving an email from an NHS supporter, Sarah Wollaston, the Conservative MP for Totnes in Devon (and a former GP), has been prompted to write in the Guardian expressing her concerns about her colleague’s reforms. (Click here). The article demonstrates that there is opposition within the coalition ranks, and that writing to coalition MPs can help to spread that opposition. At present, the Health Bill is predicted to start its passage through parliament on January 17, so now is a good time to continue lobbying if you’ve already started and a good time to start if you haven’t!


GP COMMISSIONING = PROFIT-MAKING OPPORTUNITIES



The central idea, GP commissioning, has of course been presented to the public as the passing of NHS funding into the hands of trusted family GPs. Who could object to that? Sadly this portrayal hides the reality that the plan puts commercial interests, not GPs, in the driving seat. We are already seeing in West London, multi-national for-profit corporations like United Health making decisions at the clinical heart of the NHS. (Click here)

If this change were really about empowering GPs, there are much better ways to do it, ways which don’t involve the waste and unfairness of a market in health care. The mis-selling of these massive changes to the public by anti-NHS politicians means that, more than ever, we need trusted organisations like the BMA to tell the nation the truth.

DOCTORS ASK BMA TO TAKE STRONGER STANCE


Over 100 doctors have taken an important initiative in defending the NHS against Lansley’s proposed reforms. They have written to the BMA to encourage their leadership to take a stronger stance in opposing the reforms. (Click here). The doctors write: “The NHS really is in your [the BMA's] hands. We understand the pressures you are under, but now is the time to mobilise the profession and stop these damaging reforms, which will not only destroy the NHS but also profoundly affect the social fabric of our nation.” As they press on with their unpopular plans, the government claim that NHS staff are behind them. This is not true and the government will have great difficulty in proceeding without their cooperation.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?

In a response to the letter (click here), Hamish Meldrum, the Chairman of the BMA has said, “We would encourage you to continue sending us your views on the government’s plans and to share with us your experiences of any developments locally. We have a member feedback form on our website where you can give your views on the key proposals or you can email us at info.whitepaper@bma.org.uk.” We will be in touch again soon. Thank you for your ongoing support.

NHS Support Federation www.nhscampaign.org 01273234822 07798922199

Come together to protect our NHS: Aneurin Bevan recognised right from the start of the NHS that, “it will only last as long as there are folk left with the faith to fight for it.”