Oxford's Big Society Hospital - Video & Photos

[Video also available from  http://oimc.blip.tv/posts?view=archive&nsfw=dc - where your IP address will be logged]

The campaigners, from Oxfordshire Keep Our NHS Public [1] and Oxford Save Our Services [2] are opposed the the government's proposed reform of the NHS [3], and other cuts to public services, including huge reductions in budgets for adult social care services that prevent 'bed blocking' where people that cannot get care in their local communities end up using hospital beds.

As well as seeing the 'big society hospital' operations, members of the public were asked to contact their local MP, sign the on-line petition to Save Our NHS [4], and to get a coach from Oxford to the March for the Alternative in London on March 26 [5]. Graham Campbell, who was handing out leaflets at the demonstration, said “This is a once in a generation opportunity to save the NHS. If we don't do everything we can now, it might be too late. We've had amazing support from the public so far, and if we can keep up the pressure and get more people involved, I'm confident we can win.”

Alison Wright, a member of Oxfordshire Keep Our NHS Public said:
“These are the biggest reforms proposed since the NHS was set up. It opens the door for the wholesale privatisation of the 'National' Health Service. It will result in the cutting of front line services, the closure of local hospitals, and care for patients replaced with care for profits.”
“Nobody voted for these changes. The BMA [British Medical Association] and RCN [Royal College of Nursing] are opposed to the changes. The coalition government said that there would be no top-down reorganisation of the NHS and that health spending would increase. They are doing the opposite – imposing £20 billion of cuts and a massive restructure of the NHS.”

Sarah Collins, a resident of East Oxford, said:
“I'm really scared about the changes. I have rheumatoid arthritis and rely on the NHS to support me to manage my condition. This support means I can work, and contribute to our society. I'm worried that this support will vanish because it's not profitable. And I'll just end up on the scrapheap – not able to cope, and not able to play a part in my community.”

James Reid, a campaigner with Oxford Save Our Services said:
“All of our public services are vital. None more so that the NHS. We've always been promised care 'from the cradle to the grave.' But that promise is now under threat. The government tells us that health care will be available from 'any willing provider.' But the privatisation of the NHS may well mean that nobody is willing to provide care unless there is a profit to be made. And what then?”

Oxford based author Philip Pullman has previously said:
“The NHS was set up as the morally good way of providing health care. The care of the sick should be a matter of doing what is right, once you admit the principle of selling health care for money, you relegate their needs into second place behind the greed of the shareholders. ”


/ENDS

Notes to editors

[1] Oxford Keep Our NHS Public campaigns to protect the NHS from further privatisation and fragmentation. The are affiliated to the national Keep Our NHS Public campaign. More information at  http://www.keepournhspublic.com/

[2] Oxford Save Our Services are a group of local who have come together to challenge the public sector cuts being implement by Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council, and the UK government. More information at  http://oxfordsos.org.uk or by email at  oxfordsos@ox4.org.

[3] Health and Social Care Bill 2010-11 -  http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/healthandsocialcare.html

[4] Organised by 38 Degrees. See  http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/s/Protect_our_NHS_Petition#petition

[5] The March for the Alternative has been called by the TUC. More information at  http://marchforthealternative.org.uk/. Coaches from Oxford are available - more details at  http://falseeconomy.org.uk/travel/south-east/OX/t1.