GMB, the union for NHS staff, has welcomed the Government’s commitment to wipe out all NHS debt.
Rachel Harrison, GMB National Officer, said:
“This announcement will ease the pressure on already struggling NHS Trusts to enable them to focus their resources on tackling this pandemic which has caused additional costs due to staffing and PPE.
“They can now focus on implementing the new Public Health England advice on PPE and ensuring all NHS staff get the PPE and support they need.
“The Health and Social Care Act 2012 was a disaster which threw the door wide open to privatisation.
“This legislation has costed the taxpayers billions and continues to cost us right now.
“Never has the impact of NHS fragmentation and needless privatisation been more apparent.
“The Government needs to recognise privatisation has played a direct part in this crisis – causing failed supply of PPE and inconsistencies of advice given to our members on the frontline.
“They must now insource all contracts back into the NHS to ensure we can maintain an NHS that is free at the point of use for all.”
