The NHS: In sickness and in health?

What does the Health and Social Care Bill really mean to me?  Cornwall residents will get the opportunity to ask that question and more at a meeting being held near Bude this coming Saturday, 4 February.

At the meeting, called "The NHS:  In sickness and in health?" Cornish residents will be able to listen to and ask a panel of invited guest speakers uestions about the Bill and how it will affect them and their family.

UNISON Regional Organiser, Chris Dayus, who is amongst the speakers, said:

"The public haven't been given a proper opportunity to get to grips with the changes being made to the health care system, nor do we think it's been presented in an easy to understand format.  This will give them the chance to ask me and the other panel members about what's coming and what it really means to them and their families.

"I will be telling them that UNISON has grave concerns the changes which could be made to our health care system as a result of the Health
and Social Care Bill.  UNISON has always said that this Bill under this Government would result in the privatisation of the National Health Service and let's face it, private business are ultimately run for profit not for the overall good of the health of the nation.  Sadly we are being proven right, as this week we've seen the first private company take over of an NHS hospital, Hinchingbrooke."

Chris Dayus continued:

"We're really concerned about private companies taking over NHS hospitals and other NHS services.  If they fail, much like RBS, the public sector – and ultimately the taxpayer – will have to come to the rescue or patients and the local community will suffer.

"Although we may understand the changes, we don't understand the necessity for many of them, and believe that this Bill will end up damaging
the NHS."

The event is taking place between 2 and 4 pm at the Crackington Institute, Crackington Haven, Nr Bude and has been sponsored by
Just Desserts, a women's group from Crackington, which was formed to discuss and take action on political issues – and eat dessert!  The even is open to any member of the public to attend.

ENDS

Notes to Editor

Other speakers at the event include:  Judith Jolly, House of Lords; Dr Martin Morse and Dr Graham Garrod

For further information contact:

Chris Dayus, Regional Organiser, UNISON South West 01392 442650

or

Helen Willis, Regional Manager, UNISON South West c/o 01392 442650

Issued: 2 February 2012
Thursday 2 February 2012