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https://www.sochealth.co.uk/2020/03/20/open-letter-to-the-prime-minister-from-the-socialist-health-association/ This below is a very pruned version showing just the opener and bolded sub-headings (Link above). Hari Kumar ______________________________ Dear Mr Johnson, The pandemic has exposed the steady destruction of our public services and welfare state which has happened over the last 10 years. This is the most unprecedented health challenge in 100 years which is complex and difficult – but as voiced by many experts in the field, we have significant concerns about the way the UK government has hitherto been approaching this national emergency. ..... ....However the public is finally waking up to the fact that, as a result of government austerity and privatisation policies, we are ill-prepared – with too few ICU facilities, NHS beds, healthcare staff and equipment – to offer a safe and effective response to the virus. Those most at risk also have to use a threadbare social care system which is already bending under the strain. 1. *You are placing staff at risk* 1. *You are placing patients at risk* 1. *You are placing communities at risk* 1. *You are placing the NHS at risk* 1. *You are placing Social Care at risk* 1. *You are placing democracy at risk* *WE EXPECT YOUR GOVERNMENT TO:* - Treat us like adults – show us the evidence on which you base your decisions - Protect frontline staff right now ... - Protect the population of the UK by permanently increasing NHS staff in hospitals and primary care, increasing hospital beds, increasing respirators. - Roll back privatisation and austerity across public services. - Seize the opportunity of this pandemic to invest for the long-term in the welfare state, recognising that a thriving society requires a thriving state. - Suspend now legislation on the charging and reporting of undocumented migrants. - Invest permanently in social care, making it free at the point of use, fully funded through progressive taxation, promoting independence for all and delivered by a workforce with appropriate training, career structure, pay and conditions. - Protect those in precarious employment from financial meltdown from the pandemic. All those who should not be at work should have an living income. - Ensure that people across the UK have equitable access to the help they need, through their Devolved Administrations - Review the Long Term Plan_______________________ _________________________________________________________ Full posting guidelines at: http://www.marxmail.org/sub.htm Set your options at: https://lists.csbs.utah.edu/options/marxism/archive%40mail-archive.com
