Wiltshire’s Liberal Democrats take the NHS Reform issue to Council

Wiltshire's Lib Dems have continued to stand up for the NHS, taking a motion to Council calling for changes to key areas of the government's NHS White Paper, an issue of real importance for the healthcare of Wiltshire residents.

Lib Dem Health and Adult Social Care spokesperson, Peter Colmer, welcomed the Government's pause for reflection on the proposed changes. "Given the importance of this this issue for the citizens of Wiltshire, it's important that the Council group takes a stand, and tells the government where changes need to be made if the NHS Reforms are to improve healthcare in Wiltshire. The government has taken a pause in the legislation to consult on the reforms. If they say they want to listen, then we must talk."

Following the Council meeting, Jon Hubbard, Lib Dem Group Leader, said: "We've made it very clear where the reforms must be changed before they are implemented. Any move to GP commissioning should avoid a fragmentation of service across Wiltshire and dysfunctional competition between consortia. There must be no presumption in favour of market options. Governance arrangements must include democratic oversight of the NHS at local level."

Jon continued: "Sadly, today the Conservatives on Wiltshire Council showed party tribalism trumps what's best for the people of Wiltshire. They know that the NHS reforms need changes to make them work for people not corporations, but it's clear that Wiltshire's Conservatives interests do not lie in promoting the health of Wiltshire residents."

More information:

The Full Council Meeting was held on Tuesday 17th May, at 10.30am. Papers are available online here https://cms.wiltshire.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=130&MId=5619&Ver=4