Annual Report 2010
Chair's Report
We are facing the greatest onslaught on health in generations. The most significant impact on health will be from the deep and wide cuts in benefits which will impact most significantly on the poorest.
The redisorganisation of the NHS, if the Bill is passed, will be dangerous and costly and may well spell the end of the NHS, as it moves towards an insurance-based system – that is what the McKinseys and the KPMGs are waiting for.
A virtually evidence-free policy, whose stated aims could be met far more cheaply and effectively without these foolish and pernicious reforms. We expect that patients will be significantly more at risk through increased waiting lists, fragmentation, private companies having an eye to shareholder value rather than patient care and the conflicts of interest facing GPs – their patient advocacy will become overwhelmed by loyalty to the consortium’s finances.
As a consequence, this last year has had a significant impact on the SHA. We have become a campaigning organisation again, working with a range of other organisations and individuals. Our membership has increased and their style and character seem different, more militant, more questioning. We have rebuilt solid links with the health unions, are harnessing social media and online campaigning groups and continue to run meetings and make connections across the UK. We have worked with the BMA to help target LibDem MPs. Martin and blue-arsed fly come to mind….
We now have strong links with the shadow health team and our Richard Bourne is working closely with John Healey on the committee stage of the Bill. John’s new advisor is also an SHA member. The prime focus is on fighting the Bill and attempting to mitigate its effects. We also hope to work with the shadow team to develop new and effective policies over the next few years.
Our contacts in the Lords remain good, and we hope to be offering support and information in the fight against the Bill.
It is possible that this wave of political challenge will result in a groundswell that will effectively negate the Coalition’s rationale for the cuts. We need the country to see that this is an ideologically motivated attack on the social fabric of the UK as a whole. That it is the financial system which needs fundamental reform, not the NHS.
The SHA will remain at the forefront of this fight, offering a radical, informed and balanced approach.
The SHA owes a huge debt of gratitude to Martin, our director, who criss-crosses the country tirelessly, building bridges, opening doors, challenging received wisdom and bringing a breath of ironic humour to every gathering. Thanks to his stewardship, the SHA finances remain in good shape.
I look forward to the next year, challenging as it will be. We have a strong, flexible, skilled and influential organisation, built of a wide range of people with a deep knowledge of the NHS and the social, economic and political context in which it works.
Dr Brian Fisher
Director's Report
2010 was a very hectic year for us. The first few months of the year were overshadowed by the General Election, and speculation that it might be called before May. Then we launched into the Labour Leadership election and that was followed by the election to the Shadow Cabinet. At the same time we had first the Coalition Agreement to say that there would not a be a reorganisation of the NHS and then the White Paper, starting the biggest reorganisation there has ever been.
We had more media exposure than for many years – not all of our choosing, as explained in the performance report – The Today programme, local and national TV, various blogs, national papers. The leadership hustings was the biggest event we have organised for at least 20 years.
Organisation and Development
Organisationally this was also a year of uncertainty. It wasn’t until about October that it became clear what sort of activity might be necessary under coalition government, who we would be working with or how we should organise. The Director was elected to the Labour Party’s National Policy Forum, the Joint Policy Committee and the Health Policy Commission – though none of those committees actually did anything significant during 2010.
The Association established a Campaign committee because it was felt that we needed to involve more people in the day to day decision making and that has been very helpful.
We have been boosting our on-line presence with a lively Facebook group and contributions to various political blogs. We have improved our working relationships with both Unison and Unite, whose support we are grateful for.
Branch Activity
The Scottish, West Midland, Welsh, and London branches have continued to meet more or less regularly, and relate actively to the political structures there.. An active branch has developed in Lewisham. In both Wales and Scotland our members are both individually and collectively well connected to Labour front benchers, but the political and health systems in Wales and Scotland continue diverge from those in England. Branch activity in Yorkshire, Manchester and in Bristol shows signs of resurgence.
I must thank Brian Fisher and the other officers and members whose voluntary efforts make the Socialist Health Association the stimulating organisation it is.
Martin Rathfelder
Director