Green Party councillors have called on Sheffield Council to show its support for the NHS and publicly oppose the Government’s new healthcare legislation.

The Greens have submitted a motion for Sheffield Council’s meeting on 7^th September, arguing that the Government’s revised Health and Social Care Bill will have damaging consequences for patient care. The motion asks the Council to tell Nick Clegg, other Government Ministers and local MPs that it opposes the Bill.

Sheffield Greens’ health spokesperson, Jon Ashe, said “We have one of the best health services in the world. So why is the coalition Government making changes that will almost certainly harm patient care? Many people, including health professionals, believe these proposals will mean increased privatisation and poorer-quality services.”

He added “If enough people act now, we can persuade the Government to change tack. But time is short – Parliament will debate the revised Bill on 6^th September. We’d like people to contact Nick Clegg, their own MP or their local councillor in the next few days. Also, they can show their support for the NHS by joining the public rallies in Sheffield over the next few days.”

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Note:

1. A copy of the Green councillors’ motion is below.

Notice Of Motion Given By Councillor Jillian Creasy
That this Council:-

(a) Notes that many people in Sheffield are concerned about the Government’s handling of the NHS and the effect its policies are having on patient care;

(b) Considers that the Government’s revised Health and Social Care Bill will, if it becomes law, have significant detrimental effects on healthcare in Sheffield and elsewhere;

(c) Considers that another major NHS reorganisation is likely to destabilise the system and leave patients, doctors and others confused about responsibilities;

(d) Believes the Bill is likely to result in the increased privatisation of healthcare;

(e) Notes that Government officials have already instructed local health bodies, including Sheffield Primary Care Trust, to identify three types of services that could be handled by different providers next year;

(f) Notes that the doctors’ organisation, the British Medical Association, has recently called on the Government to withdraw the Health and Social Care Bill;

(g) Therefore resolves that this Council directs the Chief Executive to send a copy of this motion to the Secretary of State for Health, the Deputy Prime Minister and all local MPs, urging them to oppose the Health and Social Care Bill.

2. A wide range of people are working together in the Sheffield Save our NHS group to oppose these changes – see www.sheffieldsaveournhs.co.uk . They have organised rallies showing support for the NHS as follows:

–          Saturday 3^rd September at 11am: rally outside the Hallamshire Hospital; and

–          Tuesday 6^th September at 5pm: vigil outside the Town Hall.