Privatisation warning over NHS reforms

LOCAL MPs and health professionals formed a united front on Friday as they gathered to oppose the current plans to reform the NHS.

Labour MPs Michael Meacher and Debbie Abrahams made speeches at the event at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on Friday.

Mr Meacher, Oldham West and Royton MP, said: “This is not the end by far.”

He argued that the proposed health bill will lead to more privatisation of the NHS and GPs torn between doing what is best for their patients and trying to save costs.

He added: “The primary care trust in Oldham will be abolished. We have a very good one in Oldham and I think it is pretty vandalistic to get rid of it.

“Doctors will be under immense pressure to make cuts and they will be forced to prioritise cost over quality.”

He said this undermines the trust between doctors and patients.

Also speaking at the meeting were trade unionists Liz McInnes, from Unite, and Karen Reissman, from Unison.

Shaw doctor Steve Watkins, who backed a petition against the bill earlier this year, was also at the event.