11.04.11
Can you hear us, Nick?
Deputy PM Nick Clegg has indicated that “substantive” changes to NHS reform will be made but the basic structure of the proposed bill will not be altered.
His statement was made just after the Royal College of Nursing released their analysis showing that 40,000 posts could close in the next three years because of the proposed cuts, a rise from 27,000 at the end of last year. RCN leader Peter Carter has said such a move could turn out to be “the biggest disaster in the history of our public services”.
He argued: “Clinical staff are the lifeblood of the NHS and it is haemorrhaging at an alarming rate. Many trusts are not being transparent by admitting the proportion of clinical jobs being lost.”
However Clegg maintained the “status quo needs to change”. He stresses that GPs should be made more financially responsible and that reforms are necessary.
The Government has recently announced a ‘legislative pause’ to the Coalition’s health Bill, promising to listen to complaints and concerns about their proposed NHS reforms. Clegg himself said: “I think it’s a good thing we are listening.”
Therefore should he not be analysing the RCN’s figures more thoroughly and addressing their concerns if he hopes to gain their support for such radical health changes?
If the Government truly wishes to tackle the widespread anger about the proposals perhaps they should take Carter’s argument more seriously and respond to his concerns with greater assurance.
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