15.02.12
Further calls to drop the Bill
The Health and Social Care Bill is eligible for new parliamentary debate after an e-petition reached 100,000 signatures. The ‘Drop the Bill’ campaign was launched by GP Kailash Chand and has gained high-profile celebrity support
The Institute of Healthcare Management (IHM) is also publicly opposing the Bill. A poll of its members revealed that 87% believe the Bill is “fundamentally flawed” and would not result in more cost-effective delivery of care.
It also found that most believe the reforms would increase the involvement of the private sector and lead to a more fragmented system, but would not reduce bureaucracy in the NHS or lead to better patient care.
Sue Hodgetts, IHM chief executive, said: “IHM understands that change is necessary in order to deliver better patient and client care and improve productivity to meet a reduced resource. However, the Bill, together with the approach to the implementation of the Bill has both angered and frustrated the membership of IHM, leaving them fearful of the future, specifically in relation to patient and client care which they see as being eroded as a consequence of the above. Members are calling to oppose the Bill.”
Further pressure has come from the former vice chair ofCambridge’s Local Commissioning Group, Dr Peter Bailey, who has written an editorial urging the Health Secretary to scrap the legislation. He wrote at bmj.com that GPs are “being set up” as they are asked to take over jobs previously done at PCTs without sufficient skills or time to do so, whilst simultaneously trying to save £20bn.
Bailey concludes: “Let us put down the sledgehammer. Get rid of the Bill. And bring in a structural engineer to stabilise our finest institution.”
Yesterday Prime Minister David Cameron reiterated his support for the Bill, as a spokesperson said he was “fully committed to the reform and modernisation of the health service”.
The Bill is currently under discussion in the House of Lords.
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]