The NHS, its patients and its staff all need a Labour government, says UNISON

Speaking in the health debate at the Labour Party conference in Brighton today (Sunday), UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “The NHS is our party’s greatest achievement, the jewel in the crown of the welfare state. It’s still free at the point of need, and a beacon of humanity and human decency. “But Boris Johnson is a total disgrace. Last week he shamefully used the NHS as a cheap backdrop for a cheap stunt, posing for pictures and prancing through wards. Displaying incredible hypocrisy after a decade of Tory neglect, cuts and crises. “It’s no wonder Omar Salem confronted the Prime Minister and spoke the truth to power, calling him out because what he saw is what we’ve known all our lives. You cannot trust a Tory with our NHS. “Time and time again the Conservatives have slashed the NHS, pushing it to breaking point. But health workers are far more than extras in a cheap political stunt. Nurses, doctors, cleaners, healthcare assistants, paramedics, catering staff and porters are all essential and valued workers in the NHS team. “The staff at Whipps Cross Hospital, who Boris Johnson sought to use this week, saved my life. Some years ago I was given a cancer diagnosis that gave me months to live. Yet they pulled me through, with their skill, care and compassion. That’s why, every minute of every day, I will fight to protect everything our NHS stands for. “But the NHS is under siege, facing threats it will be sold off and privatised, with wholly ow...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: News dave prentis labour conference labour leadership NHS Source Type: news