‘Privatisation in healthcare looks like it’s developing yet further’

• THANKS to Professor Sue Richards for her October 24 Forum article concerning warnings of National Health Service underfunding and “inappropriate use of privatisation”, (So what is the health secretary up to? October 24).

Some look to the new government for the “change” Labour sloganised loudIy about. But it is already clear that a proposed 4 per cent budget increase won’t cut the waiting lists.

And without a substantial rise in tax for the better-off, NHS underfunding looks likely to continue.

Meanwhile privatisation in healthcare looks like it’s developing yet further.

For example, the hire of wheelchairs at King’s College Hospital, where a firm called Wheelshare allows patients to use them “free” for four hours but then with payment by credit card so those with mobility problems must pay up.

What other charges might ordinary NHS patients be made to pay?

Laundry or hotel bills for their stay?

The United Kingdom private healthcare market is now estimated at £12.4billion pounds, as waiting lists soar.

It looks like more patients will need to join Keep Our NHS Public and help us all campaign against the destruction of our NHS from within!

JAN POLLOCK, N6