UNISON urges government to scrap damaging NHS competition rules

Commenting on the reports today (Tuesday) that the government is to review the Health and Social Care Act, UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“Since the Act, the NHS has been operating with one hand firmly tied behind its back. The government’s reforms have proved expensive, pointless and exposed the health service to unnecessary and avoidable strains.

“It’s just such a shame it’s taken six years for the government to realise the scale of its mistake.

“As an immediate fix ministers should scrap the damaging competition rules that force the NHS to sell off its services to private firms.

“They must also get rid of this controversial piece of legislation and replace it with new laws protecting the NHS from damaging privatisation and ensuring all parts of the health service can work as one team.

“This would help show patients and staff they are truly committed to an efficient, effective, caring and modern NHS.”

Notes to editors:
Earlier this year, UNISON gave evidence to the Health Select Committee advising MPs to repeal the Health and Social Care Act. It also suggested, as an interim measure, abolishing the Section 75 secondary legislation stemming from the Act, immediately removing the need for services to be put out to tender.