GPs' voice concerns over NHS privatisation

Dec 8 2009 by Helen Rae, The Journal

HEALTH chiefs from the North East are meeting MPs in the House of Commons today to voice fears over what they claim is an “increasing commercialisation” of the NHS.

The meeting has been arranged by the North Eastern British Medical Association (BMA) to outline GPs, consultants and specialists views on the private sector, building of polyclinics, walk-in centres, and introduction of the European Union working directive.

The BMA representatives want to talk to MPs about their fears over increasing privatisation and a belief that the core values of the NHS are being undermined to the detriment of patient care.

They believe this is because of policies which place greater emphasis on competition as opposed to cooperation, collaboration and integration of services.

Whitley Bay GP, George Rae, chairman of the North Eastern BMA said: “It is absolutely amazing that a Government which is so much at ill-ease about partly nationalising some banks is at the same time at ease with privatising the NHS.

“There is a strong concern amongst the medical profession about the negative impact current Government policies could ultimately have on patient care.

“Many believe the widespread introduction of private providers into the NHS will not improve the quality of care patients receive.

“We have serious concerns that the traditional core values of the NHS, in particular continuity of care, risk being lost as Government encourages increased private sector involvement.

“Although we cannot go back to 15 years ago there is a strong feeling there has to be no further commercialisation.”