At the recent Liberal Democrats Spring Conference, party members voted overwhelmingly against the Conservative Party’s proposed marketisation of the NHS. They voted for more accountability and openness in the health service, for safeguards against ‘cherry-picking’ by private sector providers, and against the undermining of local NHS services. In defending the NHS in this way, ordinary party members stand on the shoulders of giants, like Bevan and Beveridge, founders of one the greatest achievements in history. We must not forget that the NHS was the first in the world to offer free health care on the basis of need rather than on ability to pay, which has saved countless lives.  Whatever its faults, its preservation must be our top priority especially in hard times.  No one has voted for the creeping privatisation and top-down reorganisation of the NHS, which could divert vital funds away from local health services, as it was not in the Conservatives’ general election manifesto. Even Michael Portillo admits that if it was, David Cameron would not be in No.10… When asked by Andrew Neil why the Government had not told us about the plans for the NHS prior to the general election, he responded: “Because they didn’t believe they could win the election if they told you what they were going to do.”

Locally, Somerset NHS recently consulted on the Government’s proposed reorganisation but as all was not clear, I am seeking answers from them as to the possible impacts on services and opening hours at Frome’s Community Hospital and GP services, and to understand better how health services and out-of-hours cover can be further improved, after issues recently raised by a local resident.

If and when the super-surgery moves next to the hospital, this may improve our health service. But then we need to protect what remains of the Showground as an open space for all residents to enjoy. The benefits to physical and mental health from access to green and natural spaces are well documented.

Adam Boyden, March 2011

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