Back in the Saddle Again

I have written about my thanks for our wonderful NHS before, specifically, how the last Labour government's Cancer Guarantee saved my life and the excellent treatment I received at Barnsley Hospital. Now though, as I face more treatment things are different. Our NHS is not cherished and nurtured by this government, in the way Labour looked after its baby, it is seen as a huge achievement of socialism, something that flies in the face of Conservative ideology.

I feared for the NHS when the Tories formed a government, with the help of the Lib Dems; standing on the shoulders of compliance.

I feared when Andrew Lansley announced the scrapping of all clinical targets. Diseases like cancer demand targets, time is one of the greatest advantages to treating and beating it.

I feared the changes to funding that meant hospitals would be paid on outcomes, meaning hospitals could not be proactive - how can prevention be measured or demonstrated as an outcome?

I feared when I saw the funding cuts to NHS Trusts in the north, whilst in richer areas there were increases. Cutting health funding to areas where the health profile shows prevention services are an essential part of reducing clinical demand.

I feared for the clinical staff who would be under even more pressure as a result.

I feared when I saw that NHS waiting lists have soared in the first year of Tory management.

Yes, yes, we all know about the global economic crisis, the deficit and some cuts being necessary. What I do not understand is why cuts are being targeted in ways that reduce the number of people from poorer backgrounds entering further and higher education, and increase the number of people who are unable to get help with prevention of diseases and/or speedy treatment for those life-limiting conditions that mean they cannot work.

A wise person* once said to me, you cannot cut your way out of recession but you can work your way out. A top-quality, efficient health service is one of the main building blocks of a ready workforce.

It is also a neon sign pointing to a more equal society.

if the Tories damage our NHS beyond repair, it is only through the compliance of the Lib Dems. I once thought the Liberal Democrats had moved to the left of Labour on some policies, now I see, it was always a ploy, a honey trap to lure voters in. It worked for many, most of whom will never make the same mistake again.

We must fight to save our NHS from damaging reform, that is not driven by care for society but by money. People should drive the economy NOT the other way round, as this government is intent on doing.


*@CllrTim

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