I was recently asked by a great many constituents to attend the debate on the NHS Reinstatement Bill. I was in Parliament when the debate took place, and though it did not see completion I still listened to the points raised with interest.
In my opinion, the Bill contained a number of provisions which I found concerning, including the abolition of Hospital Trusts, GP Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and the creation of local Health Boards. This would result in another re-organisation of the NHS which I believe would be unnecessary. I think CCGs in particular have been very successful at making sure services are commissioned locally by health professionals in the interests of patients. Our CCG is one of the best in England and I will not be voting to abolish it, nor shall I vote for the re-organisation of the NHS.
Some constituents have told me that they think this Bill is necessary in order to stop the privatisation of the NHS. There are no plans to privatise the NHS and the Government remains firmly of the view that the NHS must remain funded by general taxation and free at the point of delivery. We have also ensured record spending on the NHS including many billions of pounds more than originally budgeted for. I am a proud supporter and user of the NHS where three generations of my family have worked.