CAMPAIGNERS held a mock auction to protest a “sell off” of NHS services.
Members of the Oxfordshire Keep Our NHS Public group handed out giant ears and feet to “fat cat” bidders.
Group secretary Bill MacKeith, pictured with Liz Peretz of the group, said it was in protest over county NHS plans to outsource audiology and podiatry services.
He said: “The response was very positive.
“Most people aren’t too interested in the run-up to Christmas, but when they hear the words ‘not for sale’ and ‘privatisation’ they come back for a leaflet.”
The group fears higher costs and poorer services, and worsening terms and conditions for staff, under Government plans to get the private sector to carry out more NHS work.
Ministers have said that giving NHS managers a choice over providers is a “powerful” way to improve health services.
NHS Oxfordshire – which is responsible for the county health budget – was not available for comment.
Picture: OX56303 Andrew Walmsley
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