Our NHS

by David.38 Wed 17 Sep 2014, 11:54

David.38: Guest

Post n°1

Our NHS

Post by David.38 Wed 17 Sep 2014, 11:54

There’s a battle raging within the Labour Party over whether or not to fund the NHS properly. [1] NHS finances are in crisis, and with less money to go around, life-saving local services are left with no option but to cut back hours or worse, close down.[2]

Some senior Labour figures are telling Ed Miliband to be bold to protect the NHS. They say the NHS needs a 1p tax rise so it has enough money to give us all top-class care. [3] But Labour’s shadow chancellor, Ed Balls, is digging his heels in. He is scared of saying he’ll spend any more on our NHS than the Conservatives.

Ed Miliband will want to make an announcement at next week’s party conference. Will he go along with his cautious shadow chancellor? Or will he be brave and back a funding boost for our NHS? A big petition telling him that funding the NHS is a vote winner could help tip him the right way.

Please sign the petition now – and we can deliver it straight to Ed Miliband later this week:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/increase-NHS-funding

We’ve had success persuading Labour to change their policies before. Thousands of 38 Degrees members wrote to Ed Miliband asking him to commit to scrapping the gagging law. That’s now Labour Party policy! [4] So now let’s do the same to get Labour to promise more funds to stop the NHS cuts.

38 Degrees is independent of all political parties. We hold politicians of all stripes to account. We know that without a properly funded NHS, we’d all end up paying much more in premiums to the private health industry. Most people agree that a 1p rise to National Insurance is a bargain if it means the future of our NHS is protected from privatisation. [5]

What Labour say now matters. With a general election less than a year away, Labour could soon be in charge and in a position to help or harm the NHS. And even if they’re not, we are way more likely to persuade the Lib Dems and Conservatives to stop NHS funding cuts if we’ve got Labour to commit to protecting our NHS.

The NHS is something we are all proud of. We all benefit from it, and we are all willing to pay for it to keep it our NHS.

Please sign the petition now:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/increase-NHS-funding

Thanks for being involved,

David, Nat, Rachel, Blanche and the 38 Degrees team

PS: Some 38 Degrees members have asked why this campaign focuses on raising taxes as opposed to collecting money in other ways like cracking down on tax dodging. National Insurance taxes are ring-fenced, this means the money raised could only go towards services - like our NHS.

We know that Ed Miliband is already considering making the 1p National Insurance rise Labour policy ahead of their party conference next week. So now is the moment to convince Labour that proper funding for our NHS is a vote winner. When the moment comes to crack down on tax dodging, 38 Degrees members will be there too - we won't rest until our NHS has the money it needs to give everyone free access to healthcare.

PPS: Opinion polls show that most of the public would much prefer a small tax rise to NHS cuts or charges for services. So let’s persuade Labour it’s the right thing to do. Add your name now: https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/increase-NHS-funding

NOTES
[1] The Guardian: Labour urge Ed Miliband to campaign for NHS health tax:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/2014/sep/13/labour-urges-ed-miliband-nhs-health-ta
[2] The Guardian: NHS faces mounting financial crisis as deficit heads towards £1bn
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/sep/15/nhs-financial-crisis-deficit-1bn-hospitals/
[3] The Guardian: NHS will cease to exist without reforms to secure funding, warns Frank Field:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/jun/02/nhs-funding-national-insurance-frank-field-
[4] 38 Degrees Blog: Great news: Labour commits to repeal gagging law!:
http://blog.38degrees.org.uk/2014/04/03/great-news-labour-commits-to-repeal-gagging-law/
[5] The Guardian: Half of voters happy to pay more tax to fund NHS – poll:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/2014/aug/15/voters-tax-fund-nhs-poll

by **Kitkat** Wed 17 Sep 2014, 18:25

Kitkat

Kitkat

Post n°2

Re: Our NHS

Post by Kitkat Wed 17 Sep 2014, 18:25

Signed.

by Nat Whalley Tue 02 Dec 2014, 20:54

Nat Whalley

Nat Whalley: Guest

Post n°3

WE DID IT!

Post by Nat Whalley Tue 02 Dec 2014, 20:54

https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/page/-/images/38degrees_logo_email.png

Good news: public pressure, and a huge petition signed by 38 Degrees members, has forced George Osborne into announcing a whopping £3bn of extra funding for our NHS. [1]

This extra cash will go a long way towards narrowing the funding gap that experts says could take our NHS close to a “cliff edge” next year. [2]

A huge chunk of the extra cash is coming from the money big banks like HSBC and RBS coughed up in fines. [3] 129,000 of us got together and signed a petition to George Osborne telling him we wanted the bankers' fines to go to our NHS - and he’s agreed! [4]

Let’s celebrate this step forward. Can you share the image below on Facebook to spread the message that we love our NHS and we’re here to protect it:

SHARE ON FACEBOOK

Our NHS Unnamed%20%283%29

Today it’s good news. But the future of our NHS isn’t safe. Every day, we see stories of increasing privatisation; just last week it was announced that arms dealer Lockheed Martin is bidding to provide NHS services. [5] That’s why we need to carry on campaigning, to protect our NHS.

Thanks for being involved,

Nat, Elizabeth, Blanche and the 38 Degrees team

PS: 38 Degrees members had another success on the NHS last week! Together, 75,000 of us pressured Jeremy Hunt’s executives into publishing details of the money they spend on private companies. Now we can see who’s who is carving out a profit from our health service. Read more here: https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/nhs-england-spending

NOTES
[1] The Guardian: George Osborne under fire over £2bn NHS pledge:
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/nov/30/george-osborne-billions-extra-nhs-funding
[2] The Kings Fund: The NHS productivity challenge:
http://www.kingsfund.org.uk/sites/files/kf/field/field_publication_file/the-nhs-productivity-challenge-kingsfund-may14.pdf
The Guardian: More patients, overstretched doctors – is the NHS facing a winter crisis?:
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/nov/27/nhs-winter-crisis-more-patients-fewer-doctors
[3] The banks were fined for their dodgy deals around foreign exchange rates.
BBC: Six banks fined £2.6bn by regulators over forex failings:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30016007
[4] BBC: George Osborne confirms £2bn for the NHS:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-30265833
[5] The Mirror: World’s biggest arms firm targets £1billion NHS contract:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/worlds-biggest-arms-firm-targets-4657964

by Ali T Thu 04 Dec 2014, 14:24

Ali T

Ali T: Guest

Post n°4

WTF?

Post by Ali T Thu 04 Dec 2014, 14:24

Stephen Dorrell MP has just taken a job with KPMG, a private company that wants to bid on a £1 billion NHS contract. [1] But he refuses to give up his parliamentary seat.

Mr Dorrell has admitted his new job is “incompatible” with his role as an MP. But he's refusing to step down until May 2015. [2] How can that be ok? Who is his boss for the next 5 months - KPMG or his constituents?

If thousands of us sign a petition to David Cameron to show our outrage, the weight of public opinion could force him to crack down. Please sign now:
http://secure.38degrees.org.uk/dorrell-conflict-of-interest

For four years, Stephen Dorrell MP was the chair of the powerful Health Select committee, helping open the NHS up to privatisation. His new job is with a private company bidding on the NHS.

Here’s what Chris, one his constituents says:
“Public trust in politicians is currently at an all-time low. Dorrell's action in joining KPMG displays a cynical lack of integrity amongst MPs. This presents a serious conflict of interest and misuse of his privileged position, making him unfit to continue as an MP."

From campaigning for a law to allow voters to sack rogue MPs, through to fighting to protect our NHS from private healthcare vultures, [3] 38 Degrees members have a history of challenging politicians who act against our democracy. Let’s show David Cameron we’re watching his every move.

Can you sign the petition asking David Cameron to tell Stephen Dorrell he can't take a job in health privatisation whilst he's still an MP?
http://secure.38degrees.org.uk/dorrell-conflict-of-interest

Thanks for being involved,

Ali, Robin, David and the 38 Degrees team

NOTES:
[1] Daily Telegraph: Stephen Dorrell MP faces calls to resign over conflict of interest:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/conservative/11264425/Stephen-Dorrell-MP-faces-calls-to-resign-over-conflict-of-interest.html
[2] Mirror: £1 billion NHS sell-off scandal: Tory MP works for firm targeting huge health service deal:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/1billion-nhs-sell-off-scandal-tory-4724959
[3] 38 Degrees blog - Recall campaign and NHS privatisation vote:
http://blog.38degrees.org.uk/2014/10/23/recall-mp-debate/ http://blog.38degrees.org.uk/2014/11/20/save-our-nhs/

by **Whiskers** Thu 04 Dec 2014, 15:25

Whiskers

Whiskers

Post n°5

Re: Our NHS

Post by Whiskers Thu 04 Dec 2014, 15:25

Hi Ali T,

Thanks for alerting us to all of this.

I have signed the petition , for what good it will do but at least it's worth a try. rock

by David Babbs Thu 08 Jan 2015, 14:55

David Babbs

David Babbs: Guest

Post n°6

Your decision

Post by David Babbs Thu 08 Jan 2015, 14:55

Our A&E departments are in crisis. It looks like we’re now feeling the impact of the NHS shake up that no-one voted for. [1] And the politicians who did it are blaming anyone but themselves. [2]

The A&E crisis is just one example of how MPs’ decisions affect the lives of all of us. We only get to vote for our MPs and our government once every five years. This year, in May, we get that chance.

So what should 38 Degrees members push for at this election? What do you want to change about the UK, or about UK politics? What’s important to you right now?

Please can you take a few minutes to help decide what 38 Degrees could do during the 2015 election?

TAKE THE POLL: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HG5HSMG

Politicians and their spin doctors think they set the election agenda. But 38 Degrees is independent and people powered - if enough of us work together, we can turn politics-as-usual on its head.

Together we could make sure the things we care about, like protecting our NHS or cracking down on tax dodgers, are front and centre in the race for votes.

Please help decide what 38 Degrees should stand up for during the election - click here to vote on the plan:

TAKE THE POLL: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HG5HSMG

During the last election in 2010, 38 Degrees members voted together to decide the plan. [3] The key priority then was exposing candidates with links to the corporate lobbying industry.

Five years on, 38 Degrees has grown. There are now millions of us - so this time we can be more ambitious. So, what should we do together in 2015?

TAKE THE POLL: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HG5HSMG

With hope and determination,

David, Nat, Blanche and the 38 Degrees team

PS: The decision about what 38 Degrees does during the election is a big one. As well as this survey there'll be chances for 38 Degrees members to meet up and discuss these plans. You'll get more details about those events in the next few days - so please vote now:

PPS: After the attacks in Paris yesterday, we weren’t sure if today was the right day to send this email. In the end we decided that it would be the wrong response to delay a conversation about democracy. We hope you feel the same.

NOTES
[1] Mirror: Our NHS is dying as hospitals go into meltdown with worst waiting times in a decade:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/nhs-dying-hospitals-go-meltdown-4930938
Guardian: Cameron defends NHS as A&E units record worst-ever performance:
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jan/06/cameron-defends-nhs-ae-worst-performance-record-hospitals
Huffington Post: What Is Really Causing the A&E Crisis?
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/dr-louise-irvine/nhs-accident-emergency_b_6324026.html
[2] The government isn’t talking about the real reasons for the crisis - it’s blaming people for going to A&E when they don’t need to, and pointing the finger at our ageing population. But this isn’t the whole story. Cuts to social care mean older and disabled people can’t leave hospital because they can’t get care at home. And replacing NHS Direct with a privatised 111 service run by unqualified staff has landed many in A&E who don’t need to be there. Guardian: ‘Bedblockers’: the fit-to-leave patients deepening hospital crisis: http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jan/07/-sp-bedblockers-worsening-nhs-hospitals-crisis
BBC News: Six reasons A&Es are stuggling: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-30711442
[3] 38 Degrees: What could 38 Degrees do in the general election:
http://blog.38degrees.org.uk/2010/01/07/what-could-38-degrees-do-in-the-general-election/
38 Degrees: The election (survey) results:
http://blog.38degrees.org.uk/2010/01/12/the-election-survey-results/

by **Kitkat** Thu 08 Jan 2015, 16:03

Kitkat

Kitkat

Post n°7

Re: Our NHS

Post by Kitkat Thu 08 Jan 2015, 16:03

David Babbs wrote:
[2] The government isn’t talking about the real reasons for the crisis - it’s blaming people for going to A&E when they don’t need to, and pointing the finger at our ageing population. But this isn’t the whole story. Cuts to social care mean older and disabled people can’t leave hospital because they can’t get care at home. And replacing NHS Direct with a privatised 111 service run by unqualified staff has landed many in A&E who don’t need to be there. Guardian: ‘Bedblockers’: the fit-to-leave patients deepening hospital crisis:
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jan/07/-sp-bedblockers-worsening-nhs-hospitals-crisis

This bit certainly rings a timely bell with me, having seen some of this problem only yesterday during my hospital appointment at Charing Cross (one of the hospitals in my area which is obliged to take on a huge influx of A&E visitors, due to the recent massive closures of A&E and other departments in many of the other hospitals throughout London). angry

by India Thorogood Fri 10 Apr 2015, 17:09

India Thorogood

India Thorogood: Guest

Post n°8

Have you signed?

Post by India Thorogood Fri 10 Apr 2015, 17:09

Have you signed the petition?

If not, please can you sign it today?
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/page/s/party-leaders-keep-the-nhs-free#petition

We’ve just caught a glimpse of the worst case scenario for our NHS. One of Britain’s leading doctors has just said that patients could have to pay for basic medical care after the election. He’s warning that politicians could “destroy the ultimate ethos of the NHS” by introducing fees and charges for NHS services like GP appointments. [1]

Our NHS was founded on the belief that everyone - rich or poor - should get the care they need. That principle is now in danger.

A huge petition now could force all political parties to promise they’ll never introduce charges in the NHS. If 38 Degrees members kick up a huge fuss now, parties will know they can’t sneak this through. But we haven’t got long to get them to rule this out - in the next few days, parties will be deciding on their final election promises. This could be one of them. Will you add your name?

SIGN THE PETITION

We rely on the NHS at the best and worst moments of our life. It has to be free at the point of use so it’s there for us all when we need it. Imagine waiting until payday to make a GP appointment for your child, or taking out a bank loan to have cancer treatment. That’s not the NHS as we know it.

Every single signature on the petition means more pressure on politicians to rule out charging us for healthcare. They know the public won't stand for broken election promises. If we can force party leaders to promise to rule out NHS charges now, we can hold them to it later.

Please sign the petition now to keep our NHS free when we need it:

https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/page/s/party-leaders-keep-the-nhs-free#petition

Thanks for being involved,

Amy, Bex, India, Laura and the 38 Degrees team

NOTES:
[1] The Guardian: Basic NHS services could be charged for after general election, BMA chief says:
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/apr/03/basic-nhs-services-could-be-charged-for-after-general-election-bma-chief-says
[2] At the moment, the only main party to have released its manifesto is Plaid Cymru. The other parties are expected to release theirs in mid-April.

by Nat Whalley Sat 25 Apr 2015, 16:46

Nat Whalley

Nat Whalley: Guest

Post n°9

Heartbreaking

Post by Nat Whalley Sat 25 Apr 2015, 16:46

The stories in this video would shock anyone into using their vote to save the NHS:

Watch the NHS video

https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/page/content/nhs-video

Stories like these are why - with just 11 days to go until election day - 38 Degrees members are uniting hundreds of thousands of people behind our campaign to save the NHS.

Today, thousands of us are taking to to our local high streets collecting petition signatures in support of our NHS, and speaking out against the politicians who threaten it. [1] Now it’s time to take our message from the streets and spread it like wildfire across the internet.

If we want the NHS to be the biggest story this election, we need to inspire millions of people around the country to use their vote to protect the NHS. Sharing this moving video with our friends, colleagues and family - to everyone we can - will do exactly that.

We’ll be able to reach millions of people with the message that our NHS needs protecting - and that we can use our votes to save it this election. The more people who see it, the more likely we are to wake up on May 8th with a government that knows it must keep our NHS safe.

This video is hard to forget. Will you share it with your friends, family, colleagues and everyone you know?
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/nhs-video

Thanks for standing up for our NHS,

Nat, Laura, Maddy and the 38 Degrees team

NOTES
[1] See pictures from across the country on twitter with #SaveOurNHS:
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23saveournhs&src=typd

by **Kitkat** Sat 25 Apr 2015, 19:14

Kitkat

Kitkat

Post n°10

Re: Our NHS

Post by Kitkat Sat 25 Apr 2015, 19:14

I am in complete and utter agreement with the aims of the Petition - but sadly, I fear that it may be too late. Privatisation of the NHS has already taken effect in many areas; it's really just a matter of time now - irrespective of which party is in the governing seat.

by Rebecca Falcon Sat 25 Jul 2015, 21:38

Rebecca Falcon

Rebecca Falcon: Guest

Post n°11

NHS Privatisation

Post by Rebecca Falcon Sat 25 Jul 2015, 21:38

The truth about NHS privatisation has been exposed. An undercover investigation has found shocking care failures by private health business Care UK. It's been caught leaving dangerously ill patients waiting for hours, and using work experience students instead of nurses. [1] This is what happens when private companies get their hands on our NHS.

Care UK boasts that they are the single biggest business helping to privatise the NHS. [2] If we can kick them out of our NHS, it'll be a major blow to the government's privatisation project. A huge public outcry will pile pressure on hospital bosses to shut the door on Care UK - at every hospital they approach.

Can you sign the petition to stop Care UK making a profit out of our NHS? Your name will be added to a petition where you live to prove that Care UK aren't wanted anywhere near our local hospitals.

Sign the petition: https://speakout.38degrees.org.uk/campaigns/shut-the-door-on-care-uk

Local fights for our NHS can have a huge impact. [3] Decisions about hospitals are made at a local level - where NHS bosses aren’t used to feeling public pressure. The hospital at the centre of this week’s investigation has already called an emergency meeting to rethink their contract with Care UK. [4]

38 Degrees members already know that privatisation is damaging our NHS - and providers like Care UK are a symbol of everything that’s wrong with profit-making healthcare. [5] If 38 Degrees members can make the name of one of the UK’s largest private health companies a dirty word, we’ll make it much harder for the government to sell off our NHS.

A huge campaign by 38 Degrees members against Care UK could throw their plans to privatise our NHS into disarray. Step by step, our petition will put the focus on every hospital across the country to shut the door on this profit-hungry company.

Care UK is responsible for caring for more than ten million NHS patients, thanks to lucrative deals with local hospitals. But doctors have said that the company shows ‘total disregard’ for patient safety. Despite this, Care UK turned over £728 million last year. [6]

38 Degrees members believe in a properly-funded NHS where politicians listen to doctors and nurses, not vested interests - and where public money goes back into the NHS, not into the pockets of company executives.

So let’s fight to protect our NHS. Together, we can make sure our voice is louder than private health lobbyists - so when NHS bosses hear the words Care UK, they shut the door.

Thanks for being involved,

Rebecca, Nat, Laura and the 38 Degrees team

NOTES:
[1] The Mirror: Private NHS contractor 'boots out patients before finishing treatment to meet targets':
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/private-nhs-contractor-discharging-patients-6111502
[2] Care UK’s website:
http://www.careuk.com/
[3] 38 Degrees blog: NHS Victory: People Power in Staffordshire:
https://home.38degrees.org.uk/2015/06/12/nhs-victory-people-power-staffordshire/
[4] ITV: Medicine shortages, manipulated targets and patients doing nurses' jobs: ITV's Exposure at an NHS Out of Hours clinic:
http://www.itv.com/news/2015-07-21/medicine-shortages-manipulated-targets-and-patients-doing-nurses-jobs-itv-exposure-at-an-nhs-out-of-hours-clinic/
[5] Here are a few links to just some of the controversy around Care UK:
The Guardian: 111 helpline has fundamental flaw, say critics:
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/jul/29/111-helpline-flaw-critics
The Financial Times: 14 Care UK homes face investigation:
https://next.ft.com/243543e4-586d-11e4-a31b-00144feab7de
The Telegraph: A&E crisis caused by NHS 111 phoneline, senior medic suggests:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/nhs/11344941/AandE-crisis-caused-by-NHS-111-phoneline-senior-medic-suggests.html
Care UK now own Harmoni, the company at the centre of this tragic failure at an out of hours services:
The Independent: IoS investigation: Health care agency under fire on safety
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/ios-investigation-health-care-agency-under-fire-on-safety-8518076.html
[6] Daily Mail: Out-of-hours clinic that makes you take own temperature: Undercover probe exposes shocking care failures:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3168823/Undercover-probe-exposes-hours-clinic-makes-temperature.html

by Rebecca Falcon Mon 12 Oct 2015, 17:13

Rebecca Falcon

Rebecca Falcon: Guest

Post n°12

Re: Our NHS

Post by Rebecca Falcon Mon 12 Oct 2015, 17:13

It’s official: unless £2bn is urgently given to struggling hospitals, A&E waiting times will go up, cancer treatment will be delayed, and it’ll be impossible for hospitals to provide beds for people in need this winter. [1]

NHS experts say they’ve exhausted their options for saving money in hospitals, and now Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt’s cuts are putting patients’ lives in danger. [2]

38 Degrees members are the defenders of our NHS. [3] If enough of us decide to, we can make NHS funding the burning issue Jeremy Hunt can’t ignore - and force him to face up to his mistake. Vote now to decide if 38 Degrees should launch a huge campaign for emergency money for our NHS. It only takes two seconds:

YES - WE SHOULD : https://speakout.38degrees.org.uk/surveys/yes-responders-NHS-campaign-poll

NO - WE SHOULDN'T : https://speakout.38degrees.org.uk/surveys/no-responders-NHS-funding

image NHS £2bn deficit graph

Jeremy Hunt's mishandling of NHS funding is being described by regulators as “its worst financial crisis in a generation”. He'll know that being blamed for an NHS crisis could ruin his career. [4] So we can push him to do better.

At least £2 billion more is needed this winter to avert disaster. [5] Without this cash injection, we'll see real risks to patients, as our hospitals buckle under impossible budgets and key services get cut. So, do you think 38 Degrees should launch a big campaign to get extra funding for our NHS?

YES -WE SHOULD : https://speakout.38degrees.org.uk/surveys/yes-responders-NHS-campaign-poll

NO - WE SHOULDN'T : https://speakout.38degrees.org.uk/surveys/no-responders-NHS-funding

If together we decide to launch a campaign, there are two key ways 38 Degrees members could have maximum impact:

1. Sound the alarm nationally to force Jeremy Hunt to cough up extra cash: if he feels it's politically toxic to keep starving the NHS, he'll have to put more money in to protect his reputation.

2. Force our MPs to deliver on their election promises of more cash for our NHS: if there’s one thing MPs of all parties won’t mess with, it’s our local hospitals. Some of the best hospitals in the country now have ‘dangerous’ levels of staffing. By using our power locally, we can force our MPs to answer burning questions about the huge gap in funding needed to keep our local hospitals open this winter.

So what do you think? Should we launch a campaign now? Please vote:

YES -WE SHOULD : https://speakout.38degrees.org.uk/surveys/yes-responders-NHS-campaign-poll

NO - WE SHOULDN'T : https://speakout.38degrees.org.uk/surveys/no-responders-NHS-funding

Thanks for being involved,

Rebecca, Nat, Emily, David and the 38 Degrees team

NOTES:
[1] The Guardian: NHS facing £2bn deficit and 'worst financial crisis in a generation':
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/oct/09/nhs-trusts-in-england-run-up-almost-1bn-deficit-in-three-months
[2] BBC News: NHS deficits hit 'massive' £930m:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-34353408
[3] 38 Degrees blog: NHS funding:
https://home.38degrees.org.uk/2014/09/23/labour-nhs-funding/
Here are some of the other campaigns 38 Degrees members are running to protect our NHS:
https://home.38degrees.org.uk/?s=nhs
[4] The Guardian: NHS on brink of collapse, warns former health minister:
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/sep/19/nhs-collapse-former-health-minister-norman-lamb
The Mirror: After five years of Tory rule, Jeremy Hunt admits NHS is in grip of worst financial crisis in its history:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/after-five-years-tory-rule-6448738
[5] Full Fact: NHS deficit: hospitals in the red:
https://fullfact.org/factcheck/health/nhs_deficit_hospitals_red-47520
The Guardian: Ministers hiding details of NHS cash crisis:
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/oct/03/ministers-hiding-details-nhs-cash-crisis

by Nat Whalley - 38 Degrees Thu 19 Nov 2015, 19:14

Nat Whalley - 38 Degrees

Nat Whalley - 38 Degrees: Guest

Post n°13

Re: Our NHS

Post by Nat Whalley - 38 Degrees Thu 19 Nov 2015, 19:14

The government is trying to push through the plan that would allow private companies to access our personal medical data and increase privatisation of the NHS. But together, we could stop it. [1]

The scheme’s called Care.data. 38 Degrees members, along with other campaigners and the media, helped to put the brakes on it when it was first announced back in 2014. [2] But now it’s back. And it still plans to give private companies, hungry to make more money privatising our NHS, access to our data.

But there’s an opportunity for us to change this. The people behind the scheme are asking 38 Degrees members what we think about the plans. So let's use this opportunity to show them that we won’t let our health data fall into the slippery hands of private companies.

Tell the government to keep our medical records away from private companies:

ADD YOUR VOICE

A different, anti-privatisation version of Care.data could be used to make our NHS better. Doctors and researchers could use our data to improve public health and develop new treatments. [3]

But the current plan offers our valuable data to corporations. That's a breach of our privacy - experts say private companies could see details of our medical history. [4] Even if our data was shared anonymously, experts fear people could be easily identifiable - especially if they are living with a rare health condition. [5] It's also a dangerous boost to privatisation - giving corporations data which will help them take over more of the NHS.

Allowing private companies, like Serco, to access our data is part of the drip, drip privatisation of our NHS that 38 Degrees members are so keen to stop. That's why we've worked together to keep Care.data out of the hands of the corporations before - and why we could have a big impact together again.

So let’s take this chance to fix their plans now, before it’s too late. Can you add your views? You don’t need to be an expert and it should only take a minute or two:

TELL THE GOVERNMENT YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT CARE.DATA

We need to show NHS bosses that we want an NHS that works for us, not private companies. If they don’t change Care.data, the public will opt out.

Thanks for being involved,

Nat, Carlton, Blanche and the 38 Degrees team

NOTES:
[1] Computing: NHS England claims Care.data is not paused:
http://www.computing.co.uk/ctg/news/2425184/nhs-england-claims-caredata-is-not-paused
[2] 38 Degrees blog: NHS Care.data we’ve won a breakthrough:
https://home.38degrees.org.uk/2014/02/19/nhs-care-data-weve-won-a-breakthrough/
[3] The Guardian: The NHS plan to share our medical data can save lives – but must be done right:
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/feb/21/nhs-plan-share-medical-data-save-lives
[4] Pulse: RCGP demands new publicity campaign to address 'crisis in confidence' over care.data scheme:
http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/your-practice/practice-topics/it/rcgp-demands-new-publicity-campaign-to-address-crisis-in-confidence-over-caredata-scheme/20005847.fullarticle
[5] Royal Statistical Society: The risks involved in Care.data’s anonymisation system:
http://www.statslife.org.uk/opinion/1296-the-risks-involved-in-care-data-s-anonymisation-system

by David Babbs Mon 23 Nov 2015, 12:53

David Babbs

David Babbs: Guest

Post n°14

Jeremy Hunt doesn't want you to read this

Post by David Babbs Mon 23 Nov 2015, 12:53

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is trying to sneak through new NHS plans. [1] The Guardian newspaper has revealed that a key NHS blueprint has been slipped out. Even though the public have a right to comment, the government "has deliberately kept it quiet". [2] Because of this cover-up, we've now got just over 24 hours to flood the Department of Health with messages demanding that our NHS is protected. [3]

It's not hard to see why Jeremy Hunt would try to sneak his NHS plans through. Our health service is facing a dangerous winter, harmed by needless cuts and privatisation. [4] Hunt wants to claim that the public are happy with the way he's running the NHS. So the last thing he wants is a huge public rejection of his latest plan.

We've got until the end of Tuesday to send our objections to the Department of Health. Let's tell them that we want an NHS that is properly funded and available to everyone, and that we don't want privatisation or to have to pay to get an appointment.

Please can you send a quick message now?

SEND AN EMAIL https://speakout.38degrees.org.uk/campaigns/nhs-set-the-agenda

The NHS Mandate, which Jeremy Hunt is trying to sneak out, is a big deal. It "sets the government's objectives for NHS England, as well as its budget." [5] These plans mean continuing privatisation policies and a dangerous funding squeeze. [6] It would obviously suit Jeremy Hunt to be able to claim that no one objected to these plans!

But Jeremy Hunt has been found out - and luckily we still have until Tuesday evening to protest against his destruction of the NHS. Let's respond in our hundreds of thousands. Then when the results come out, they'll be embarrassing for Jeremy Hunt because they'll prove that the public don't like what he's doing to our health service.

Please click here to spoil Jeremy Hunt's attempt to sneak his plans through - you've got just over 24 hours until the deadline, and it will only take you two minutes:

SEND AN EMAIL

Thanks for being involved,

David, Rachel, Blanche, Emily, Megan and the 38 Degrees team

PS: The NHS belongs to all of us. It's still something to be proud of, and the staff do an amazing job of looking after us whenever we need it. But after years of privatisation and budget cuts cracks are starting to appear. If we want to still be able to rely on the NHS for years to come, we need to fight to keep it. So please tell the Department of Health you don't like the direction it's heading in - click here to have your say:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/nhs-mandate-response

NOTES
[1] The "NHS Mandate" was first reported by OpenDemocracy, and then by the Guardian newspaper:
Open Democracy: Don't want the government to let the NHS die? Here's one crucial thing you can do right now:
https://opendemocracy.net/ournhs/caroline-molloy/dont-want-government-to-let-nhs-die-one-crucial-thing-you-can-do-now
The Guardian: You've been asked to have your say on the NHS. You just don't know about it
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/nov/19/nhs-mandate-england-consulation-deadline
[2]The Guardian: You've been asked to have your say on the NHS. You just don't know about it:
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/nov/19/nhs-mandate-england-consulation-deadline
[3] In a phone conversation with a 38 Degrees staff member, a Dept. of Health official guaranteed that messages from 38 Degrees members would be accepted "until close of business on Tuesday".
[4] See for example: BBC: NHS pressure worsens as key targets missed:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-34790100
[5] Government website: Open Consultation: Setting the mandate to NHS England for 2016 to 2017:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/setting-the-mandate-to-nhs-england-for-2016-to-2017
[6] Open Democracy: It may not look like it, but Jeremy Hunt DOES have a plan for the NHS:
https://www.opendemocracy.net/ournhs/caroline-molloy/it-may-not-look-like-it-but-jeremy-hunt-does-have-plan-for-nhs-0

by **Kitkat** Wed 02 Mar 2016, 13:07

Kitkat

Kitkat

Post n°15

Re: Our NHS

Post by Kitkat Wed 02 Mar 2016, 13:07

On a more serious note ............

The Royal College of Nursing has weighed in on Prime Minister David Cameron's health care proposals for the National Health Service.
The Allergists voted to scratch it, but the Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves.
The Gastroenterologists had a sort of a gut feeling about it but theNeurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve.
The Obstetricians felt they were all labouring under a misconception.
Ophthalmologists considered the idea short-sighted.
Pathologists yelled, "Over my dead body!" while the Paediatricians said, "Oh, Grow up."
The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while the Radiologists could see right through it.
The Surgeons were fed up with the cuts and decided to wash their hands of the whole thing.
The Ear Nose and Throat specialists didn't swallow it, and just wouldn't hear of it.
The Pharmacists thought it was a bitter pill to swallow, and the Plastic Surgeons said, "This puts a whole new face on the matter...."
The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists were p - - - - - off at the whole idea.
The Anaesthetists thought the whole idea was a gas, but the Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no.
In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to Whitehall.

by **Whiskers** Wed 02 Mar 2016, 16:24

Whiskers

Whiskers

Post n°16

Re: Our NHS

Post by Whiskers Wed 02 Mar 2016, 16:24

Kitkat wrote:On a more serious note ............

The Royal College of Nursing has weighed in on Prime Minister David Cameron's health care proposals for the National Health Service.
The Allergists voted to scratch it, but the Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves.
The Gastroenterologists had a sort of a gut feeling about it but theNeurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve.
The Obstetricians felt they were all labouring under a misconception.
Ophthalmologists considered the idea short-sighted.
Pathologists yelled, "Over my dead body!" while the Paediatricians said, "Oh, Grow up."
The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while the Radiologists could see right through it.
The Surgeons were fed up with the cuts and decided to wash their hands of the whole thing.
The Ear Nose and Throat specialists didn't swallow it, and just wouldn't hear of it.
The Pharmacists thought it was a bitter pill to swallow, and the Plastic Surgeons said, "This puts a whole new face on the matter...."
The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists were p - - - - - off at the whole idea.
The Anaesthetists thought the whole idea was a gas, but the Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no.
In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to Whitehall.

Very clever :thumb:

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