NHS employees call for private sector rethink

Employees from a number of sectors of the NHS have called for the government to end the increasing presence of the private sector in the delivery of health services.

Speaking at the northern regional launch of the NHS Together Campaign, employees also urged dialogue involving both workers together those that use the services regarding future reforms.

In addition, it appealed for a “clear vision” to be laid out for the future of the NHS.

Dave Prentis of Unison said: “Millions depend on the NHS every year, from cleaners to consultants, staff who have done so much to our communities, improving health, saving lives, are all united in telling the government to listen to what they are saying.

“They deserve more than the failed privatisation policies of the past.”

He claimed that the election of the Labour government in 1997 signified a rejection of the policy of privatisation of the health services and that further integration with the private sector and job losses should be prevented.

NHS Together includes all the health service unions and staff associations and the Trades Union Congress with the stated aim of highlighting changes occurring in the NHS and urging open discussion about the reform agenda.