You are here:   Home How we're fighting back Cuts to Healthcare Healthcare PRESS RELEASE: NHS Services Escape Privatisation after High court Drama

PRESS RELEASE: NHS Services Escape Privatisation after High court Drama

Print PDF

PRESS RELEASE 09/02/2011 

NHS Services Escape Privatisation after High court Drama

Statement from Stroud Against the Cuts, one of the local anticuts groups that supported the case.

 

James Beecher from SATC said: "We are delighted that options for community health services in Gloucestershire to remain within the NHS are now back on the table. This is what the people of Gloucestershire wanted. This outcome shows what can be achieved, and gives the people of Gloucestershire, health workers and health unions the opportunity to continue to work together to defend our local NHS hospitals and services."

 

Caroline Molloy, also from SATC, added: "It will continue to be crucial for people to make their views known, and we will be organising a public meeting as soon as possible. We continue to collect signatures on our online petition. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us. As Nye Bevan said, "The NHS will continue to exist for as long as there are folk left with faith to fight for it." We hope our local health services will remain in the NHS, publicly owned and accountable, for many years to come."


Click Read More for contact information and the statement issued by Michael Lloyd and NHS Gloucestershire (or click here for the statement alone: http://www.stroudagainstcuts.co.uk/fightback/healthcarecuts/38-healthcare/110-joint-statement-from-nhs-gloucestershire-and-michael-lloyd-claimant-in-the-judicial-review.html).

 

These members of SATC were responding to the joint statement issued earlier today by NHS Gloucestershire and the Claimant in the case, Michael Lloyd: "Both parties agree that the public of Gloucestershire deserve the best possible NHS services.  We recognise the need for efficient use of public funds and believe that an end to legal proceedings is in everyone's interest - particularly patients.   NHS Gloucestershire is pleased to be able to report that it has agreed terms to settle the Judicial Review brought by Gloucestershire resident, Mr Michael Lloyd.   The PCT recognises that it is important to maintain the confidence of patients, public and staff in decisions made concerning NHS services in our county.   Accordingly, and in view of the matters raised in court and without in any way accepting that there is merit in the legal complaints made by Mr Lloyd, the PCT has agreed not to implement its decision to enter into a contract with GCS at this time.  The PCT has agreed that it will start a new process to explore the best option for providing community services in Gloucestershire. As part of that process, NHS Gloucestershire will advertise for expressions of interest for the provision of NHS services in Gloucestershire.   The PCT will take necessary steps to ensure an appropriate level of staff and public engagement.  Following this step, the PCT will then make a decision concerning whether to enter into arrangements with another NHS body for the provision of community healthcare services in Gloucestershire or whether its preferred option is for the provision of services through a different arrangement, including the possibility of such services being provided by a Community Interest Company.  The relevant community services are presently being delivered by staff employed by the PCT. This arrangement will continue whilst these processes are followed through.   Mr Lloyd acknowledges that the PCT has responded properly to local concerns by taking the above steps and is grateful to the PCT for doing so.   NHS Gloucestershire acknowledges that this has been a difficult time for care services staff and they want an outcome which is the best for staff and patients alike. They also wish to minimise as far as possible uncertainty for its dedicated and professional staff."

 

 

For more information CONTACT: Caroline Molloy 07931 302507  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or @StroudAntiCuts on twitter (if you are not on twitter visit www.twitter.com/StroudAntiCuts to see links to many articles of interest to SATC supporters)