Keep up pressure on health bill

Commenting on Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley’s u-turn on introducing price competition into the NHS, Karen Jennings, Head of Health for UNISON said: “In a remarkable u-turn Andrew Lansley has publically stated that price competition is not now a part of the Government’s plans for the NHS – a victory for common sense. “UNISON wants this promise delivered, by making sure that NHS guidance reflects the policy change. The Government should have the operating framework amended to make it clear that there should be no price competition. “If price competition is indeed no longer Government policy, it needs to ensure that loopholes aren’t exploited that would bring in the tendering of clinical services. “However, the public should not breathe a sigh of relief too early. Despite this u- turn the Health and Social Care Bill will undermine the NHS. The whole direction that Andrew Lansley is taking will give a boost to private health companies at the expense of local NHS hospitals.”