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UNISON’s nursing
sector members today slammed government proposals to bring in private companies
to run primary care services, as a dangerous experiment with patients’ health.
They are concerned that the work of many thousand district nurses, health
visitors, community midwives and health care assistants, occupational therapists
and podiatrists and other public health services are threatened by plans to
change the role of primary care trusts from providers of services, to
commissioners only.
Chair of UNISON’s nursing sector committee and coronary care nurse, Ann Moses,
said she had never seen nurses quite so upset or angry as they are over these
changes.
“Health workers provide a wide range of highly valued services out in the
community and these changes are a dangerous experiment with patients’ health,”
she said.
“Looking after patients in the community relieves pressure on hospitals and
providing help and advice on family planning, healthy eating and how to quit
smoking or overcome addiction, promotes healthy lifestyles. I fear that many
nurses may vote with their feet, rather than see their life’s work in these
areas dismantled and sold off to the highest bidders.”
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During prime minister’s questions yesterday, Tony Blair was asked if he was
aware of the huge disquiet amongst MPs about his plans to force health workers
such as health visitors, midwives, occupational therapists and physiotherapists
out of the NHS and into the private, voluntary and not-for-profit sectors.
“The Labour party conference backed UNISON’s motion calling for a halt to these
proposals, he should do the right thing, listen, and stop now,” added Moses.
An Early Day motion (813) has been tabled in the House of Commons. The motion,
on NHS reorganisation, is being supported by UNISON MPs through the union's
Labour Link.
UNISON is urging members to contact their MP to ask them to sign the motion and
signal their support.
Download the
early day motion 813 in PDF format
20/10/05
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