“The NHS is withering away” – senior doctors attack the Coalition’s record on the NHS

A group of 140 senior doctors have got together to lambast the Coalition’s record on the NHS. In a joint letter, the doctors assess the Government’s record and conclude that the Coalition have “failed to keep its NHS pledges”.

In a damning verdict these health professionals agree that “this administration’s record is characterised by broken promises, reductions in necessary funding, and destructive legislation, which leaves health services weaker, more fragmented, and less able to perform their vital role than at any time in the NHS’s history.”

They cite the damages caused by the 2012 Health and Social Care Act and say that “dozens” of A&E departments and maternity units have been closed or are being downgraded, while “51 walk-in centres have been closed or downgraded”.

They call for the Health and Social Care Act 2012 to be abolished and warn that privatisation “jeopardises training of our future healthcare providers and medical research.”

A Labour spokesperson responded to this letter, saying:

“It’s little surprise that doctors have written this letter – they are deeply concerned about the direction of the NHS under David Cameron and the consequences for patients of another five years of Tory government. The NHS needs Labour’s better plan for 20,000 more nurses and 8,000 more GPs, paid for with a £2.5bn a year time to care fund, and guaranteed GP appointments within 48 hours.”