Tory plans to reduce NHS exposed

An investigation by campaign group 38degrees has uncovered Jeremy Hunt's secret plans for our NHS. [1] So far, these plans - drawn up for every single area across England - have been kept under wraps. Here's the 38degrees release, including a link to their petition (note 3):

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These plans are huge and complicated. Together we've started to shed light on them. But we just don't know enough yet. [2] If we want to have our say on our local NHS services before it's too late, we need to see every detail.

The next step is to take this to our MPs. They'll be concerned about changes to the NHS too. If MP after MP puts pressure on Jeremy Hunt, it could be enough to force him into publishing his full plans for our NHS.

Right now these plans force local NHS leaders to make impossible decisions to save money. But they could be so much better. Imagine an NHS with state-of-the-art technology, and doctors and nurses who have the time to look after every single patient properly. An NHS that puts patients before budget cuts.

So 38 Degrees members are building a massive people-powered campaign across the country. From Liverpool to Canterbury, York to Leicester, 38 Degrees members in every area are demanding we see the full plans and get the chance to have our say on them. Together, we're saying that patients - not politicians - should decide the future of our NHS.

We're already making progress together. Already, a quarter of a million of us have signed the petition calling on Jeremy Hunt to lift the lid on the plans. [3] And thousands of us chipped in to fund the people-powered investigation that's splashed all over the media today. [4]

Some of these plans for our NHS are downright scary. From the proposed closure of an A&E in The Black Country to hospital wards in Leeds, these plans will mean a different NHS for all of us. [5] A lot's still unknown - and it's up to us to find out the truth.

[1] 38 Degrees blog: Is our NHS at risk of cuts? NHS England's "Sustainability and Transformation Plans" explained:

https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/nhs-secret-plans-faq

[2] 38 Degrees blog: The 38 Degrees crowdfunded investigation into secret NHS plans:

https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/nhs-investigation-blog

[3] 38 Degrees petition: Jeremy Hunt - Reveal your plans for the NHS:

https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/nhs-secret-plans-natp

[4] BBC: NHS cuts 'planned across England':

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-37186455

The Guardian: NHS plans radical cuts to fight growing deficit in health budget:

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/aug/26/nhs-plans-radical-cuts-to-fight-growing-deficit-in-health-budget

[5] See note 2