Privatisation fears for NHS (From Your Local Guardian)

Privatisation fears for NHS

5:03pm Saturday 14th June 2008 in

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We are told that private firms could be brought in to run some NHS hospitals and primary care trusts.

No doubt there can be discussion on whether this is the best way forward.

However, there can be no doubt that drastic remedies are called for, given the current state of affairs in the health service.

To get an appointment with my GP I have to ring at 8.30am.

Often, I then have to hang on for as much as 30 minutes and- when the receptionist answers - all the appointments are gone. One doctor has told me this is a necessary form of rationing as his surgery has more patients than they can handle.

On May 6, I had an assessment at St Peter's for CBT to treat my chronic fatigue syndrome, a disabling and distressing condition. On June 3 I rang to enquire why I had heard nothing. I was told: "The letters for May have not gone out yet."

Cause for concern indeed.

ANDREW MCLUSKEY
Stanwell