Teresa is urging people to respond to the Department of Health’s consultation on proposed changes to the NHS before the deadline on 31 May. Many people have written to Teresa to express their opposition to the Government’s plans. Teresa is against the reforms – which will open the doors to privatisation of the NHS – and will continue to vote against the Health and Social Care Bill in Parliament.
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has been forced to put the legislation on ‘pause’ after widespread opposition. The Government says they are conducting ‘listening exercises’ across the country and Teresa has written to the Health Secretary to ask when one will be held in or near Erith and Thamesmead.
In the meantime, you can email your comments about the Government’s NHS reforms direct to nhsfutureforum@dh.gsi.gov.uk or complete the online form as part of the consultation at http://healthandcare.dh.gov.uk/send-views/
For more information about the consultation visit: http://healthandcare.dh.gov.uk/listening-exercise-how-to-get-involved/
It is important that as many people as possible write in to the consultation. The Government has not properly publicised it, so many people are unaware that they can share their views with the department directly. Without a strong response from the public, the Health Secretary will try to push the reforms through.