There's a new forum started up for radical health care workers.

Why do we feel there's a need for a project like this?

Because there are plenty of radicals within the health care system, but within such a huge sector we are often isolated and left to navigate the complexities of health care by ourselves, instead of as part of a radical community.Because working in health care involves elements such as dignity, health, compassion, inequality, power, addiction, oppression that resonate with the wider struggle.Because health care, and the NHS in particular, looks very different from the inside. There needs to be a space to constructively criticise mainstream health care without being forced into a simplistic defensive position or reactionary alternative.Because the UK has both a massive economic deficit and a new government that is ideologically opposed to universal health care, and for all the election pledges to not cut NHS spending, the years ahead hold cutbacks, restructuring and privatisation.Because even before the restructuring by a new government, the NHS is in crisis. Many of us work in trusts deemed to be "failing," with little sign of things getting better.Because as workers we often find ourselves expected to work ever harder; with inadequate equipment, poor management and unsatisfactory support.Because we find ourselves ignorant of radical health care histories - of hospital occupations and strikes. With greater discussion and sharing of ideas, we can educate ourselves and learn from the past.