Yesterday local MP Alex Cunningham joined health professionals and campaigners to wish the NHS a very happy 63rd birthday.
Across the UK health professionals are celebrating the NHS’ birthday whilst warning that the government’s proposed reforms will fundamentally alter the health service and undermine the basic principles on which it was founded.
Throughout the UK health professionals in their communities are celebrating the NHS to remind MPs and Peers that they need to safeguard the future of the health service.
Despite the government’s response to the recent NHS Future Forum report, unions still have key concerns about the Health and Social Care Bill. These include fears about a vast and damaging extension of competition, and concerns that the abolition of the private patient income cap will see NHS patients pushed to the back of the queue as waiting lists grow and trusts prioritise care for paying patients.
Alex said:
“Despite the ‘listening exercise’ that was put in place I still have very serious concerns about the way in which the future of the NHS is being handled by David Cameron and his Health Secretary.
“As we celebrate the 63rd birthday of our NHS we must also send a message to the government that their proposals are unwelcome and will cost billions at a time when budgets are being squeezed.”
