Defend Haringey Health Services

On November 15th, BMJ (BMJ 2011:343:d7407) reports that Health secretary, Andrew Lansley has until December 6th to publish the document that outlines the risks that his controversial Bill could pose for the NHS, after which a challenge will be made in the commons.  The Department of Health  refused Freedom of Information requests to publish from John Healey, former shadow Health Secretary, but the information commissioner ruled on November 2nd that it should be published.

Briefing number 9 given here deals with clauses 59-63.  How peers have voted  is analysed by Dr Isaacs, with an Excel file here. Not all Labour Peers are turning up to vote. Bishops should be encouraged.

Congratulations!   BMA voted to oppose Lansley’s Health & Social Care Bill on Friday November 25th. 

Amendments to the Bill are being debated in the House of Lords until the end of the year.  Shadow Health Secretary, Andy Burnham has launched a campaign against the Bill ‘Drop the Bill’ with a petition at http://www.labour.org.uk/dropthebill 

For earlier briefings: November 14th  on clause 10 here -  November 7th  here on the importance of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGS).  Baroness Shirley Williams (Liberal Democrat who has not supported opposition amendments) gives summaries  here here & here.   For detailed infomation refer to  Hansard at:  http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld/ldtoday/l_05.htm#d2e530
 -   Pulse magazine for GPs questions quality of GP administration subcontracted to a private firm; read this here.   November 2nd KONP briefing is given here  and Guardian report on Nov 3rd here. Earlier KONP briefings on amendments  here . & latest here. 

The House of Lords debates  the  Health & Social Care Bill  that started on Tuesday October 25th throughout November,  December and into the new year -  all peers taking part.   Amendments are being submitted in strict order and as no review is allowed letters must be written urgently.  KEEP WRITING LETTERS! Be polite and appreciative, choose a cross-bench peer or one who could be persuaded; encourage Labour Peers to take part – they are needed.   Find how Lords voted here on October 12th.  If you have not written to any Lord you can adopt a Lord.  List of lords here Be allocated one here but do give priority to cross-bench peers.

Your letter should urge her/him to support amendments that: Retain the responsibility of the Secretary of State to provide a comprehensive health service. Ensure the NHS is the normal provider of services. Limit the role of Monitor as a market regulator, insist on collaboration. Ensure that commissioning is done by NHS staff not private companies. Ensure that commissioning groups are coterminous with local authorities to facilitate collaborative social as well as health care – also needed to ensure a universal service. Ban commercial confidentiality in any contract using taxpayers’ money. Strengthen the rights of Health and Well Being Boards. Ensure registration is not needed for existing NHS hospitals, contracted NHS GPs and dentists. Ensure that Board meetings are in public with published minutes for all commissioning groups and the National Commissioning Board. Keep a cap on private practice income in Foundation Trusts.  More information can be found on www.keepournhspublic.com

Find a  letter sent by Rod here and further advice from Anne Gray here.  Use the DHHS briefing full or short to help you. You can write to more than one peer as they have no constituents.