Why we must defend NHS

Their hard work, care, dedication and professionalism was second to none ranging from the porters, nursing staff and doctors to surgeons and everyone else within the MDT team.

They were rushed off their feet but their care shone through to all patients as they kept everyone's spirits up with their good humour.

Nothing was too much trouble and again typified why we must work to defend a National Health Service that is freely available to all regardless of age, class, background or damaging postcode lottery.

The government should pull back from its deeply damaging, reckless and corrosive health plans that will only undermine the strength of our NHS and allow opportunist privateers to get more of a foothold.

The government's botched health-care proposals are helping to cause chaos and insecurity for those working within our NHS. That will cause irreparable damage to patient care, probable huge job losses, cancelled operations and longer waiting lists.

As Unison rightly said, "The public do not trust the government with the NHS. Its Frankenstein Bill will see the end of our health service as we know it."

I fully support Unison, Unite and the Royal Colleges of Nursing, Midwifes, GPs and the many other professional bodies who are all united against the NHS Bill.

It's time to stop putting our NHS, staff and the public at risk. Drop this madcap plan.

Ged Dempsey
Rotherham