There are few of us who either enter or leave this world without its presence. In between, the NHS is there for broken bones, depression, ingrowing toenails, heart attacks, cancer and all the diverse pain, fear and suffering of our lives’ journeys.
There are few of us who either enter or leave this world without its presence. In between, the NHS is there for broken bones, depression, ingrowing toenails, heart attacks, cancer and all the diverse pain, fear and suffering of our lives’ journeys.
It does not always get everything right. But for a huge amount of the time, it mends, saves, soothes and supports our frailties. And it does all this without sending us an invoice. Still free at the point of delivery, as established by the social visionaries of the 1945 Labour government, but increasingly under threat from a neo-liberal administration, the NHS is a deeply humane and civilised institution.
A couple of days ago, I took a friend to the outpatient department of a large hospital for a radiotherapy appointment. This treatment obviously comes after surgery and in many cases, after chemotherapy. The people gathered in rows of pale blue chairs, quiet and private behind carefully composed faces, were all in the process of dealing with one of the most devastating diagnoses any of us can receive. Many had travelled considerable distances and would do so daily for at least 15 sessions. There were no complaints and no signs of impatience, though most of the five treatment units were running about 40 minutes late.
There was something profoundly touching to me about being present among these people who had suffered considerably and were entrusting themselves to the technology, skills and compassion of our publicly funded health service. Their chances of life and their futures were focused on this place and the care it provides. The snatches of conversation I heard, and my friend’s discourse, were all centred on gratitude and relief: “they’ve looked after me so well”, “we can’t be thankful enough…”, “they’re all so kind.”
But this unique organisation is already being fragmented and made subject to competition and market forces by a government which truly knows the cost of everything and the value of nothing. It is not the purpose of this present blog to explore the idiocy and cruelty of hostility to our remarkable system of state funded health care, but it does seem a good moment to draw attention to the 999 Call for Change campaign.
This invites all NHS campaigners, activists, trade unions and concerned citizens to join together in a National Convention to Save the NHS in England and Wales.
The idea for the 999 Convention for the NHS grew out of the 999 People’s March for the NHS from Jarrow to London which took place during August and September. On its journey through 23 towns and cities, the march united trade unionists, councillors, politicians, pensioners groups, health campaigners and local communities in defence of the NHS.
Realising that such diverse layers of support could be weakened by fragmentation, the organisers looked for a means of providing a united voice and of coordinating days of action in the run-up to the General Election, putting the NHS at the centre of the election campaign and preparing the ground for campaigning beyond it.
They say: “We want the mass protests in defence of hospitals in Lewisham and Stafford, united with the determination of the 999 Marchers, combined with the energy and direct action of UK Uncut and tax avoidance campaigners, occupying banks and blocking bridges to protect the NHS. The convention will be a chance to discuss the way forward, agree days of action before the General Election and organise a national campaigning body to continue to defend the NHS whichever party wins the general election.”
They emphasise that the convention is open to all who want to defend the founding principles of the NHS. Discussions have taken place with key figures from other organisations including Keep our NHS Public (KONP), National Health Action Party, and local NHS campaign groups who have already indicated support.
An initial meeting took place in Darlington today (13 December 2014). There is to be an open planning meeting in January with the intention to hold the convention in early February 2015, to allow time for campaigning before the election.
We all use the NHS. We all need it. A moment’s inattention on a motorway, a few rogue cells in the viscera and our lives will depend on its dedication and skill. As the General Election approaches, it is well to remember Aneurin Bevan’s words: “It will last as long as there are folk left with the faith to fight for it.”
Now is the time to show faith in the organisation that is perhaps the ultimate witness to our common frailty and to the best of our shared humanity.
*Find out more and contact the campaign here: http://999callfornhs.org.uk/contact/4583609411
* More on the upcoming General Election from Ekklesia here: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/generalelection2015
Views expressed by individual contributors do not necessarily reflect an official Ekklesia view.
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© Jill Segger is an Associate Director of Ekklesia with particular involvement in editorial issues. She is a freelance writer who contributes to the Church Times, Catholic Herald, Tribune, Reform and The Friend, among other publications. Jill is an active Quaker. See: http://www.journalistdirectory.com/journalist/TQig/Jill-Segger You can follow Jill on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/quakerpen