UNISON turns the table on Department of Health myth busting 06/09/2011

UNISON, the UK's largest union, today turned the tables on the government's latest desperate so-called myth busting on the Health and Social Care Bill, saying it is hiding the facts about the dangers lurking in the Bill.

Christina McAnea, UNISON head of health, said:

"Despite the claims, sadly there are just days to save the NHS as we know it. The government's latest myth busting smacks of desperation. The public needs to know the facts about the Frankenstein Health and Social Care Bill, that is being rushed through parliament without proper scrutiny.

"Privatisation is a very real threat. By introducing Any Qualified Provider, the government has paved the way for private companies to get more involved in our health service. Talks have already taken place with German firm Helios, about taking over 10-20 NHS hospitals.

"Legal advice has clearly shown that the obligation on the Minister of State for Health to provide a comprehensive health service will end if the bill is voted through.

"It is obvious that removing the private patient income cap at the same time as squeezing budgets, will see those who can pay get to the front of the queue. Capacity is not being expanded - more private operations will be done to boost revenue, and less NHS patients will be treated.

"The NHS has always adapted to change, but this is the wrong change, at the wrong time. UNISON will continue to separate out the facts from the fiction."