Debbie Abraham deserves the congratulations for showing courage of conviction .I support the march to "Keep our NHS public".The government claims to be 'reforming' the NHS, but has only succeeded in raising public anxiety and alienating health professionals. One of the most significant policy departures is the challenge presented by Labour to the traditional culture of general practice.White Paper seem to be game, set and match for corporate sector. Commercial operators, with their ability to borrow to invest, will be in a better position than GPs to set super surgeries,one size fit all. It could mark the beginning of a shift from the corner shop (the GP surgery) to the supermarket at the cost of the personal relationship lost for good.As a GP who has worked for the NHS for last 25 years,I like Debbie believe passionately in the NHS; for me too it is not just about how we organise and provide health care, it reflects and represents the values of our society. I have seen a steady stream of national policies introduced - Foundation Trusts, Choice, Independent Treatment Centres and now Commissioning a Patient led NHS - which threaten these values and the future of a NHS that is equitable and free at the point of need.The British Society so proud of "My GP "concept would be lost for good.Early in the life of the government the prime minister said that the NHS would be about Values, standards, inspection, regulation and funding.
Has he lived up to that?NO NO NO..
Now much of this new NHS is in place. As far as values are concerned the fundamental values of the NHS have been compromised - There are sufficient reasons to be alarmed about the future

I totally support this persons actions,and respect someone who is motivated by ethics and principles,rather than greed and status.The private sector is making far too many inroads into the NHS,creating a less efficient and more expensive system.Studies have shown for example that privately run health schemes such as are the model in the USA,are less efficient as regards quality and quantity of treatment,and more expensive,as shareholders,directors etc have to take their own huge cut of profits,and other non treatment costs are higher i.e. marketing,commercial development etc.The founding principles of the NHS are being slowly undermined by the son of Thatcher, Tony Blair,and his increasingly pathetic party.The NHS rather like all essential services..education,benefits etc,were improved and widened by Labour after the war,and are a testament to a caring and cohesive society,Blair is transforming them into a money making scheme for speculators.Personally I would like a clear division between the public funded services and the private sector.With the nhs for instance being funded and provided with public money,the only reason why this model has faltered in recent decades is due to Tory underfunding.I appreciate Debbies point that some private money in the NHS is not a bad thing,though I imagine that she believes that such money should only be used IF it works for public benefit. Thank you for making a stand Debbie,you could have stayed on,gone along with it and took the money,but you have too much integrity to do that.You are the very opposite of the unprincipled career driven type that Blair seems to surround himself with.

All credit to Debbie Abrahams on coming out and speaking the truth, it takes a lot of courage to do such a thing and I applaud her.
Hopefully Debbie's honesty will make a lot more of the hierarchy also come forward and help stop this madness they are creating within our Hospital services.
It's time the Pennine acute are made to answer instead of shutting up thier dedicated staff by threats and bully tactics (which I can personally vouch for)
I was part of the rally in Manchester today and was proud to be there the atmosphere was brilliant well done to the organisers
I look forward to the next one
Councillor Jean Ashworth
Rochdale