LANSLEY NHS PLANS “A BIG MISTAKE”, WARNS UNISON
LANSLEY NHS PLANS “A BIG MISTAKE”, WARNS UNISON
Andrew Lansley’s decision to push ahead with the massive shake-up to the NHS, in the teeth of fierce opposition, is “a big mistake”, warned UNISON, the UK’s largest union today (15 December).
The union is disgusted at the Government’s failure to stick to its election pledge of no more top-down NHS reorganisations and is calling for the Government to see sense.
The timing of the changes could not be worse with hospitals being told to make £20bn in efficiency savings.
Karen Jennings, UNISON Head of Health, said:
“This unnecessary, badly-timed, ill-thought through and damaging NHS reorganisation, is Lansley’s vanity project. The Government should take a long hard look in the mirror and consider the damage that will be inflicted on the NHS and patients and call a stop now.
"The timing for this re-organisation could not be worse. The combination of this major re-organisation alongide the £20bn demanded by the Government in efficiency savings, creates a lethal cocktail that is a danger to patients.
“Lansley’s so-called consultation was a sham and a foregone conclusion. By forging ahead with his plans in the teeth of fierce opposition from leading health experts, patient groups, staff, unions and GP’s themselves, he is showing an utter disregard for the long term future of the NHS.”
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