Member Article

The reality of NHS privatisation

In advance of May’s general election, the potential privatisation of the NHS has caused a political schism as parties continue to pass the buck regarding the future of our healthcare system.

The issue has sparked a remarkable ripple effect across generations, with Labour appointing NHS poster-boy Harry Smith to deliver an impassioned speech at last year’s party conference in which he recalled a 1940s Britain rife with poverty and void of free healthcare.

The Conservative party denounces accusations that it has been gradually increasing the number of health services contracted from independent providers since coming into power in 2010. The Liberal Democrats sit like gooseberries throughout the election build-up, as they focus on rebuilding their support network (not to mention their reputation).

Following a grandiose campaign, outside parties will be permitted to take part in pre-election television debates for the first time - so we might as well mention those too. Natalie Chapman’s Green Party stand staunchly against privatisation, while Nigel Farage’s UKIP is neither here nor there regarding this particular issue, as with several other important policies.

Although all major parties are currently denying the existence of plans to privatise our healthcare system, it is still one of the most hotly debated topics ahead of this year’s election. What if we were to consider the outlandish possibility that a politician would lie about a policy in order to gain public favour - please, humour me for a moment. What would a privatised NHS actually mean for our healthcare system and, more importantly, the people in it?

First things first, a privatised healthcare system wouldn’t immediately mean you’ll have to start paying to visit your GP or to have a life-saving operation like in the US. The change would be, and already is, much more gradual than that. It all comes down to contracts; an increasing number of NHS services are being outsourced to private companies - one estimate values the number of currently available contracts at £6 billion.

Many argue that a privatised system would be more convenient, and some are even prepared to shell out for the benefits that come from outsourcing services to private companies. In November, NHS boss Simon Stevens argued that the point of privatisation is to give people more choice regarding the service they receive: “I think that the vast majority of care that’s provided for NHS patients will continue to be provided by NHS providers, but ultimately it’s patients that should make that choice, not someone sitting in an NHS office.”

So privatisation will allow for a wider selection of locations, shorter waiting times and better quality services for those who can afford it - but what of those who can’t? Long term privatisation will affect the poorest parts of society the most, creating a world wherein the wealthy will receive a high standard of care, while the poor will suffer with yet more cutbacks and reductions to public services.

Our healthcare system is one of the most highly-regarded in the world, as we pioneer an equal level of care for all areas of society, regardless of class, race or religion. In my opinion, no one should cash in on our livelihoods - not the government nor private businesses, and each and every citizen of the United Kingdom should receive equal treatment. The ongoing yet gradual privatisation of the NHS is our first step towards a marginalised society, wherein wealth dictates who deserves care and who does not, and the fact that our government has provided free healthcare for 67 years is what distinguishes us a developed and egalitarian nation.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .