Reveal the Secret Plans for the NHS

We'd like to invite you to a public discussion about the secret plans for our NHS in Derbyshire called Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs) [1]. These plans are huge and complicated. 38 Degrees has started to shed light on them. But we just don’t know enough yet. [2] If we want to have our say on our local NHS services before it’s too late, we need to see every detail.

Some of these plans for our NHS are downright scary. From the proposed closure of hospitals in Buckinghamshire, to losing hospital beds in Leeds, these plans will mean a different NHS for all of us. A lot’s still unknown.

Right now these plans force local NHS leaders to make impossible decisions to save money. Yesterday (13/10) yet another shocking report, this time from the Care Quality commission, told us chronic Government cuts have left the NHS under tremendous threat and is putting lives at risk. And yet the Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs) have to drive through another £22 billion of cuts by 2020/21. That works out approximately as half a billion pounds for Derbyshire. (The Government is talking about ploughing more money back in, but it is only talk and but a fraction. Nor is it talking about how much is being siphoned off by big business). But they could be so much better. Imagine an NHS with state-of-the-art technology, and doctors and nurses who have the time to look after every single patient properly.

Derbyshire NHS have responded very positively. Ifti Majid, Acting Chief Executive, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust will be there and Perveez Sadiq, Service Director, Adults and Health from Derby City Council will attend as well. The NHS have asked a senior clinician ideally a GP from Southern Derbyshire CCG to attend and will confirm nearer the time. Dr Sally Ruane (Health Policy Research unit, De Montfort University), Keith Venables (Chair of Health Campaigns Together) and Cheryl Pidgeon (President of Derby Areas Trades Council) will be on the panel.

We want to take this to our MPs so please sign the petition for your area: https://speakout.38degrees.org.uk/campaigns/1309 and tell your friends.

This meeting is being organised in partnership with the Derby Area Unite Community branch and Health Campaigns together.

NOTES:
[1] 38 Degrees blog: Is our NHS at risk of cuts? NHS England’s “Sustainability and Transformation Plans” explained:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/nhs-secret-plans-faq
[2] BBC: NHS cuts 'planned across England':
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-37186455
The Guardian: NHS plans radical cuts to fight growing deficit in health budget:
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/aug/26/nhs-plans-radical-cuts-to-fight-growing-deficit-in-health-budget