News from Southampton Labour
John Denham MP to hold ‘Drop the Bill’ rally in Southampton
Labour MP, John Denham, is to hold a rally in Southampton next month for local residents and health professionals to voice their opposition to the Tory-led Government’s unwanted Health Bill, which will cost almost £16million to implement in our city.
The Health and Social Care Bill will cause huge damage to the NHS. The Government plans to allow NHS hospitals to devote 49% of their beds and theatre time to private patients. This will open the door to an explosion of private work in NHS hospitals.
This rally is for everyone who is against the Health Bill and wants to voice their opposition. At this time, John Denham has speakers confirmed from:
* Royal College of Nurses
* Royal College of Midwives
* Unison
* Unite
* GMB
* Chair of Local Involvement Network (LINk) and Chair of NHS Southampton Patients Forum
John Denham believes the Health Bill – coupled with other measures in the Health and Social Care Bill – will result in lengthening waiting lists for NHS patients and increases in health inequalities.
Just in the last week, not only have senior Tory Cabinet ministers called for it to be dropped, but senior Liberal Democrats are now calling for the removal of the Health Secretary on national television.
In Southampton the cost of implementing David Cameron’s damaging and unnecessary top-down reorganisation of the NHS is at £16million. This will undoubtedly impact frontline patient care.
Labour launched its ‘Drop the Bill’ campaign last year, when it became clear the Tory-led Government would not make significant changes to their Bill, by listening to the serious concerns of healthcare professionals and patients.
The event will be in a panel format, with a chance to hear from some of the organisations who oppose the Health and Social Care Bill currently passing through Parliament. Members of the audience will also have the chance to voice their concerns about the Bill.
Mr Denham said: “No one voted for this Health Bill. No one voted for hospitals to allow 49% of their beds to be used for private patients. No one voted for Southampton City NHS to put aside £16 million from their budget this year to pay for a cost restructure.
“And it looks to me like no one wants this Bill at all. The list of healthcare organisations against the Bill is growing every week.
“It’s time for residents to put the pressure on the politicians. I’m holding this event on March 1st to allow Southampton residents to send a loud message to David Cameron and Andrew Lansley – drop this damaging, unwanted and unnecessary Bill.”
Date: 7:30pm, Thursday 1st March 2012
Location: Sir James Matthews Building, Southampton Solent University.
Everyone who is against this Health Bill is invited to join us.
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