Lewisham Keep Our NHS Public was re-formed last month by local GPs, nurses, patients and supporters because of the urgent need to educate and oppose the proposed reforms to the NHS.


SPEAKERS-

John Lister, London Health Emergency

Dr Jackie Davis, NHS Consultant Radiologist

Doris Smith, Lewisham Pensioners Forum

Andrew Lansley's bill has been described by privateer Tribal as a 'revolutionary de-nationalisation of the NHS'. It will hand the dirty work of making cuts to GP's, while forcing them to listen to bids from 'any willing provider' of services. GPs will have to think about the number of referrals they can afford as well as the patient's need.

Private companies will be free to compete to take over NHS services one by one, until the NHS becomes just the market-regulator, yet still burdened with the complex, non-profitable high-risk, care like emergency services- but without all the resources that will have been channelled into profiteers’ pockets. Many of the vulnerable people you work with will be left to suffer worse care than people from other areas or with less complicated needs. NHS hospitals will be allowed to increase their income from private patients, which will make waiting lists longer for those who can't afford healthcare. And the reforms will cost £3billion at the same time as cutting thousands of jobs because of budget cuts.

The NHS was created magnificently at a time of austerity and our legacy is to protect it for all of us who have contributed to it with our taxes. It is our NHS and it is not inevitable that this government will be able to sabotage it before the coalition falls apart. The government has performed U-Turns on many issues that have not been popular because it is not strong enough. But the bill could become law by summer because it is being rushed through with minimal scrutiny. That is why it is imperative to get involved now.

Follow us on Twitter: @LewishamKONP

Join our facebook group:  http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=139410419415062

Join the national campaign: Keep Our NHS Public

Attend the meeting and the national demonstration- 26th March