One of the creepiest of them all, IMO.

His latest missive* (about the “mutualisation” of NHS Hospital Trusts) is so clearly designed as a mechanism for future privatisation, it’s laughable.

*The Indy article repeats some very misleading PR about healthcare company Circle – essentially hedge-fund/PE-controlled & operating from a tax-haven, whilst masquerading as a cosy John-Lewis-style co-op… and entirely dependent upon the NHS for workforce training and acute capacity (i.e. the messy & expensive stuff).

So, basically the same as the ‘big society’ and localisation’ was meant to put services into the hands of local providers and charities, in a great big transfer of powers.

Where in reality, the conditions placed on the bidding process meant it was just a window dressing exercise, while handing the lot over, en masse, to Serco, G4S, Atos and Capita, to milk the taxpayer for all they’re worth. All while removing said services from democratically accountable local authorities, and hollowing out local government

They must think we’ve all just fallen out of a ****ing tree! ****s!!!

the nhs was privatised the day the first folk made a profit from it.. pay day.. do we expect the nhs to make its own ambulances stitch thier own blankets, tarmac thier own carparks.. no .. so whats wrong with getting x rays done by a private contractor.. do we insist on only been cared for by nhs employees or do we happily accept locums and agency staff when been treated..

if the nhs medical staff are only in it because they are commited caring folks ask why some ethnic groups are massively over represented in the highest paying roles and remarkably under represented in the worst paid roles.

while handing the lot over, en masse, to Serco, G4S, Atos and Capita

Maude on contract failures by Serco & G4S: ”I want the companies we are reviewing to emerge renewed and stronger.”

I look forward to not renewing you at the ballot box*, Maude.

do we insist on only been cared for by nhs employees or do we happily accept locums and agency staff when been treated

There’s a world of difference between that and the new commissioning process (which is pretty much enforcing the outsourcing of services… whatever DoH may claim). The NHS is now a kitemark, with widening gaps in continuity as various “[not very] willing providers” pass the buck to acute care.

(*insert weary political cynicism declaimer here)