TO COMMENT on the Oxford Mail’s front page story (July 15), the so-called Government’s policy regarding the health service in England is apparently chaotic.

The cited Warneford nurse is spot on when he says “forced into a downward spiral”. This is typical of privatisation and will only get worse if TTIP is imposed on us, with or without health service exemption.

The Unison health branch communications officer points out that the Oxford Health NHS Foundation “trust is now moving towards a workforce crisis” which is a logical outcome of marketisation and fragmentation.

In most cases if trusts haven’t already gone bankrupt, the financial pressure implies worsening staff wages and conditions impacting on patients and the wider community.

Working through organisations like Keep Our NHS Public and The People’s Assembly, we support hospital workers struggling to make a living and defend our health service. The Oxford University Hospitals Trust is in a similar position. Of course, outsourcing is part of the problem.

Oxon Unison Health is currently in dispute with Carillion. They have a solid mandate for industrial action. If they are forced to use it we can show our solidarity by explaining to our neighbours why they’re doing this and by raising it in our own workplaces and communities.

Things probably wouldn’t be much different under a Labour-led (or Green-supported) administration but at least our MP has expressed his concern and intention to defend “vital services... patients... as crucial community provision”. The dismantling of our health service can be defeated.

ANDY GIBBONS
Unite Community, Deputy Chairman Berks/Oxon/Bucks Branch
Weyland Road, Headington