UK: NHS 'rife with 1970s'-style privatisation'
The UK’s biggest union today warned that “Life On Mars syndrome” was rife in the NHS, with 1970s-style privatisation taking over.
Unison urged the British government to stop giving health contracts to private firms who “creamed off” massive profits.
National officer Karen Jennings warned ministers they faced losing the support of health workers unless policies were changed.
She will tell Unison’s health workers conference in Brighton, which opens today: “The Labour Government has invested heavily in the NHS, but the real benefits are felt by the private companies, accountants, management consultants, lawyers, finance companies and shareholders who have creamed off an exorbitant £25bn (€36.9bn) from the NHS.
“The 70s may look cool on TV but under the Tories the NHS suffered from appalling under-investment and contracting out of cleaning, catering and services to the lowest bidder.
“However, back in the 70s it would have been considered crazy to send patients’ notes to India to have them typed – not in today’s NHS.
“Private companies are targeting hospitals with deficits offering free trials and promising big cash savings if they outsource their medical typing to countries such as India, Pakistan and South Africa.
“This makes no sense and is putting patients’ lives at unnecessary risk.”
The 1,500 conference delegates will vote on a motion expressing “disgust” that in the 10 years of Labour Government, legal and accountancy firms have increased their financial turnover and profits from the public purse.
Warnings of industrial action over pay are also expected during the three-day conference.
