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GOVERNMENT DOGMA WILL GUARANTEE CLOSURE OF NHS SERVICES

February 4, 2005 5:52 PM

Commenting on John Reid's statement today on patient choice and closing hospitals, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Paul Burstow MP, said:

"Not only is John Reid prepared to see NHS hospitals close, but by insisting that the NHS switch up to 15 per cent of its work to the private sector, he is guaranteeing that NHS services will close.

"By placing dogma ahead of common sense, the Secretary of State is in danger of undermining the very principles of the NHS that Labour said they would always defend.

"Using private beds to treat patients more quickly make sense. Using the private sector to hoover up existing NHS work does not. The test for private treatment centres must be that they offer value for money for the taxpayer and quality care for the patient."

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