Plans to 'privatise' NHS in Cornwall are abandoned after protests

[Northerner]

Plans to create a controversial 'Accountable Care System' for health services which critics had said would allow the NHS to be privatised have been abandoned.

Cornwall Council has been looking at ways of improving the health system in Cornwall and to bring health and social care together.

Plans for an Accountable Care System (ACS) had also come forward after Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust was placed in special measures last year.

However the proposals had attracted widespread criticism, with protests taking place outside County Hall while the council held a series of inquiry sessions to explore whether an ACS would be the best option.

Critics had said that the ACS would create an "Americanised" health system in Cornwall which would have seen more services being provided by private firms and organisations.

https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/health/plans-privatise-nhs-cornwall-abandoned-1286890

 

[mikeyB]

Seems like a perfectly reasonable decision to me. The conservative councillor accuses the council of playing politics, but that’s exactly what he’s doing. The concept and aim of ACS can be achieved within present frameworks, with appropriate funding. That’s the thing with the Tory plan - they want funding and risk taken by private companies looking for profit.

 

[Davein]

Plans to create a controversial 'Accountable Care System' for health services which critics had said would allow the NHS to be privatised have been abandoned.

Cornwall Council has been looking at ways of improving the health system in Cornwall and to bring health and social care together.

Plans for an Accountable Care System (ACS) had also come forward after Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust was placed in special measures last year.

However the proposals had attracted widespread criticism, with protests taking place outside County Hall while the council held a series of inquiry sessions to explore whether an ACS would be the best option.

Critics had said that the ACS would create an "Americanised" health system in Cornwall which would have seen more services being provided by private firms and organisations.

https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/health/plans-privatise-nhs-cornwall-abandoned-1286890

They tried a few years ago to shut the hospital in Penzance (part of the RCH Trust). The people fought against it and they downgraded it to a 24h Urgent Care Centre. The RCH (where Mr Cameron's baby was born) is my nearest hospital, thirty miles away, when I need urgent treatment. I did once present myself at Penzance and was quickly given meds but as it was the early hours of the morning, I still had to be transferred to the RCH. I now go directly to Truro where the RCH is located. Next door to which is The Duchey, a private hospital where both myself and partner have both been referred to when requesting appointments. The booking centre will always include a choice of appointments including at the Duchey, which are usually a much shorter waiting time and paid for by the NHS.