Dear Editor, The cost of the Coalition Government’s reorganisation plans for the health of each of the PCT areas is nothing short of scandalous.
South Birmingham PCT for example has set aside a staggering £26 million for the top down reorganisation – which incidently the Prime Minister pledged would not happen – out of the national figure of £3.4 billion.
To add to this farcical situation PCTs are being allowed to disintegrate before Clinical Commissioning Groups have been established and before Parliament has given its consent to the Government’s plans.
The NHS Confederation has confirmed reports that many staff being made redundant with payment, may be re-hired elsewhere within the NHS.
Following the Coalition Government’s relaxation of Labour’s targets, there has also been a huge increase in the number of patients – 36 per cent in South Birmingham PCT – who had to wait longer than 18 weeks for treatment.
The Conservative’s record on the NHS when last in power left a lot to be desired and since coming back to power, they have only added to their bad reputation.
Investment in frontline NHS staff is what’s required, not a top down reorganisation.
I call on all those who wish to protect the NHS to pressure the Government into dropping this ridiculous Bill.
Councillor Ian Cruise
Labour & Cooperative
Working for and Living in
Longbridge Ward
