Health Policy

George C.A. Talbot   12/11/2013 at 00:34

I opposed privatisation of the public utilities most of which are natural monopolies and in 2011 found that cooperation was better for community healthcare than competition and that the NHS gave good service from modest funding. I spent much of my spare time challenging the H&SC Bill. I have watched the video and tried to understand the efficiency changes. But I note that in response to questioning by Sara about vertical integration, 1:08:13-1:10:55, Sir David said the policy is really clear. Competition is a tool commissioners can use to improve services for patients when they wish but this is not happening in practice. Taken in context, Sir David means demands for competition are preventing important policies being implemented. I have heard this claim about competition from politicians but this was not the burden of the Bill. Nor must you be a lawyer to know this: Just read experts in healthcare who have read it or the opinions of lawyers. 38 Degrees hired one specially. The Bill was intended to privatise the NHS and to introduce competition. These aims have been maintained despite widespread and sustained opposition. I cannot believe Sir David does not know this!