Campaigners to Make Sure Government Listening On NHS Reform

On Wednesday 18th May, Nottinghamshire Save Our Services (Notts SOS) will be holding a picket outside the local NHS "Listening" event to raise their concerns about the Health and Social Care Bill.

The event is one of a series of events being held across the country as part of Andrew Lansley's "pause" following widespread opposition to the Bill.

Campaigners are concerned that, contrary to Prime Minister David Cameron's assurances, the Bill will essentially dismantle the NHS, removing the duty to provide universal health care from the Secretary of State for Health and handing the most profitable parts to private companies.

Rosemary Muge from Notts SOS said, "We're told that the cuts are needed to save money, but the same government slashing public services are happy to spend billions on a massive, unwanted, top-down re-organisation of the NHS that nobody but private healthcare providers wants."

Ian Hewitt from the campaign said, "The Health and Social Care Bill has been criticised by the British Medical Association, Royal College of Nurses, NHS Confederation, the unions and even the Liberal Democrat spring conference. The government now claim to be listening and our message is clear: save the NHS, abandon the Bill."

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. The listening event takes place at  Belgrave Rooms, 25 Goldsmith Street, Nottingham Wednesday 18th May, 6-8pm. Notts SOS will be assembling outside from 5.30pm.
2. Notts SOS was launched on 29th September 2010. We want to oppose cuts to services, job losses and cuts in benefits. We aim to support workers organisations, service users, community groups in fighting cuts in Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire. We hope to inspire confidence to think, meet and act. And to be inspired.