WORKERS PARTY VIEW ON DAISY HILL HOSPITAL SOS GROUP REPORT BACK
Workers Party Regional Spokesperson Nicola Grant has responded positively to the Daisy Hill SOS group 's report, highlighting the good news and agreed-upon changes.
She's particularly happy about the immediate takeover of Rathkeeland House GP surgery by the Southern Trust Area, a move she says the Workers Party has always supported. Grant argues that GPs should be employees of the health service, not private contractors who can easily hand back their contracts, causing significant problems for patients.
THE CRISIS IN HOME CARE SERVICES
Grant contends that the lack of home care provision is no accident; it's a direct result of past policies. She blames the "Transforming Your Care" policy, a precursor to the Bengoa report, which privatised home care services and care homes. This policy was eventually scrapped, but the damage had already been done, impacting both service users and care workers.
This privatisation, Grant says, is at the heart of the current health service crisis. Patients can't be discharged from hospitals due to a lack of available home care packages, which in turn exacerbates bed closures and staff shortages. The solution, she insists, is to bring these services back in-house
She points out that private contractors are struggling to recruit staff because of low pay and poor conditions. Despite this, the minister and health service managers are suggesting that these private companies be paid more. Grant is skeptical that this extra money would go to staff; instead, she believes it's more likely to benefit shareholders and company directors.
A CALL TO ACTION
In conclusion, Grant states that the Workers Party will continue its fight to restore the founding principles of the NHS. The party aims to stop the privatisation and fragmentation of services, arguing that the private sector, which she believes contributed to the current crisis, cannot be the one to solve it. The full response to the consultation documents can be found on the Workers Party website.