GMB On NHS Changes
Wednesday 15th June 2011
GMB INTERIM RESPONSE
TO THE NHS FUTURE FORUM RECOMMENDATIONS
In reality Nick
Clegg and David Cameron admitted that the original NHS plans were
wrong and accepted after significant pressure from all stakeholders
including the GMB the need for the plans to be changed
GMB today set out its
position on the recently published NHS Future Forum
Recommendations.
Rehana Azam, GMB
National Officer Public Services Section said “ The
report and recommendations on the face of it appears that
significant progress has been made. In reality there is much to be
concerned about and until the details emerge as to what the amended
Bill will look like the GMB remains of the view that Bill should be
scrapped. The Bill in its current format will lead to the break up
of the NHS and this break up continues to be the most significant
threat to the NHS.
In reality Nick Clegg and
David Cameron admitted that the original NHS plans were wrong and
accepted after significant pressure from all stakeholders including
the GMB the need for the plans to be changed. Had this not happened
Lansley’s Bill would have been in law by now!
And the recent hype of the
last few days from the coalition Government in the speeches or
press comments made may appear that they are taking a step in the
right direction but we can’t afford to be dropping our guard. Until
the full amended Bill is proposed the GMB will continue with its
efforts in raising concerns on the Bill.
A meeting of the Shadow
Health team has been set up before the month end and the GMB
alongside other trade unions will be scrutinising the amended bill
one published, line by line, as we have previously done.”
So what should be our priorities?
Over the coming week a
questionnaire will be issued so that all GMB NHS Reps/Members can
engage in shaping the campaign established in saving the NHS – as
agreed at GMB Congress this year.
For ease the CEC Statement
on the NHS below sets out the GMB position. The Statement will
support regions in articulating the GMB’s position on the reforms.
A copy of the statement I made on behalf of the CEC to GMB Congress
is available upon request.
End
Contact: Rehana Azam, GMB
National Officer on 07841 181 656 or GMB
Press Office on 07921 289880 or 07974 251823