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Post by carlton43 on Jun 8, 2016 9:07:38 GMT
Formal Announcement (Source: National Health Action Party website)Wales is often held up as an example of how the NHS can still be run as a public service even in times of public sector cuts and a push for privatisation. But Llansantffraed Community Councillor Harry Hayfield’s personal experience has led him to realise that whilst there are differences between what is happening to the NHS in England and the NHS in Wales they share a common problem – underfunding leads to cuts in service. Cllr Hayfield says: “I have been a Liberal Democrat for the past twenty four years, however last March a chain of events started that has persuaded me it is time to change. When my grandmother was put onto the Welsh NHS’ waiting list for a hip operation, I was fully aware that she would have to wait at least eighteen months. But what I was not aware of was just how painful the condition was. She was forced into a position where her only option was to have private treatment. Although the operation was a success she was discharged without being completely tested for after effects. That treatment was to lead to complications which meant she was admitted as a patient to the NHS, after all. The NHS is obliged to provide emergency treatment but its underfunding is restricting its ability to provide a timely service to the public. It is clear to me from my experience that a market for the private sector is being opened up. I was elected as a Liberal Democrat community councillor in Ceredigion but worry that, because the money for the NHS comes from Westminster, the Welsh service is in desperate need of help that the Assembly has little control over. Having seen that it’s the NHS which picks up the pieces after private healthcare has made its profits, I am concerned that there is no clear political voice spelling out what the real issues are. I have therefore made a personal decision to join the National Health Action Party in order to campaign for people, like my grandmother, to get the care and treatment that they deserve." Dr Clive Peedell, the NHA party leader said, “We are delighted by Cllr Hayfield’s decision. We do not want to see the NHS in Wales – or in Scotland – following the same route as in England. We were very disappointed to hear Leanne Woods talking before the Welsh Assembly elections about creating lean organisations, bringing in the private sector and tightening up the public sector. This sounds worryingly like the language of someone who has accepted George Osborne’s austerity agenda. Progressive politics recognises the importance of a clear distinction between public service and private business. Investing in the NHS as a public service brings rewards to the greater economy, it is not a drain. Cllr Hayfield wants to use his change of party to highlight that distinction, to make people realise that better services cannot be provided under a constant regime of cuts and change. The NHS in all the UK’s countries needs stability, public provision and decent funding. Cllr Hayfield will be making a public statement, which we support, about his change of party. If there are 10 people from his electoral area who object to his change of party then he will stand down and campaign for his community council place under his new colours. We hope his local electorate will understand and respect his reasons for change and allow him to help the NHA to highlight the danger our NHS faces from underfunding and privatisation. Cllr Hayfield also has a personal reason for wanting to be part of NHA. He grew up up in the area served by Dr. Richard Taylor, who co-founded the NHA with me and is now its life president. Dr Taylor was the MP for Wyre Forest, and was elected twice as an independent candidate fighting for an NHS that was fit for purpose. The National Health Action Party welcomes Cllr Hayfield as part of that campaign." I used to prefer your informal announcements. Hubris lurks for the unsuspecting. |
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Sibboleth
Labour
'Sit on my finger, sing in my ear, O littleblood.'
Posts: 14,517
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Post by Sibboleth on Jun 8, 2016 15:28:36 GMT
Isn't the NHS in Wales held up as an example of mismanagement? It gets a lot of stick. Confusion of 'outcomes' (urgh) and competence plus politicians being politicians: in reality it's run about as well as in England (better in some respects, worse in others) but the lower levels of health (for various reasons) and Wales being the most rural region of Great Britain have certain hard to avoid effects on statistics. |
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Post by Tangent on Jun 24, 2016 11:10:22 GMT
Not a defection as such. But, in this changed situation, can you make me LD, Kris? I will join the party as soon as possible. I have been a Conservative voter for my entire adult life, but I think that's over now.
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Post by BossMan on Jun 24, 2016 11:30:10 GMT
Not a defection as such. But, in this changed situation, can you make me LD, Kris? I will join the party as soon as possible. I have been a Conservative voter for my entire adult life, but I think that's over now. Done! If there are any further changes, please tag me into the post to guarantee I spot it, I will change your group status as soon as possible. Also, on a personal note, I have rejoined the SNP. My membership had expired some time last year, and I hadn't renewed. It's all change now though... |
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Khunanup
Lib Dem
Portsmouth Liberal Democrats
Posts: 10,622
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Post by Khunanup on Jun 24, 2016 14:10:16 GMT
Not a defection as such. But, in this changed situation, can you make me LD, Kris? I will join the party as soon as possible. I have been a Conservative voter for my entire adult life, but I think that's over now. Done! If there are any further changes, please tag me into the post to guarantee I spot it, I will change your group status as soon as possible. Also, on a personal note, I have rejoined the SNP. My membership had expired some time last year, and I hadn't renewed. It's all change now though... Are you moving back to Scotland? |
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Post by BossMan on Jun 24, 2016 15:22:45 GMT
This is the plan!
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Post by gwynthegriff on Jun 24, 2016 15:40:09 GMT
Not a defection as such. But, in this changed situation, can you make me LD, Kris? I will join the party as soon as possible. I have been a Conservative voter for my entire adult life, but I think that's over now. Welcome aboard! |
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Post by Richard Cromwell on Jun 24, 2016 17:10:13 GMT
Thought I should make a very general comment: since my "defection", I'll note that the Socialist Labour Party has not charged me for a single membership fee and that, since the disgraceful defection of its president to the Labour Party, I've received no communication from them.
I'm the sort of person who'd like to be a member of political party (which explains my membership of the 'Green' party, when my views were so far removed from its standard), but I'm genuinely unsure of my future.
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Post by Tangent on Jun 24, 2016 21:06:28 GMT
(Apologies: wrong thread).
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neilm
Non-Aligned
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Post by neilm on Jun 25, 2016 11:58:41 GMT
Thought I should make a very general comment: since my "defection", I'll note that the Socialist Labour Party has not charged me for a single membership fee and that, since the disgraceful defection of its president to the Labour Party, I've received no communication from them. I'm the sort of person who'd like to be a member of political party (which explains my membership of the 'Green' party, when my views were so far removed from its standard), but I'm genuinely unsure of my future. Likewise. I'm not sure I can go anywhere really. |
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Post by afleitch on Jun 25, 2016 19:36:05 GMT
Please update me to SNP. I've been a verbal supporter but I've decided to formally join.
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Post by Tangent on Jun 26, 2016 21:04:40 GMT
Not a defection as such. But, in this changed situation, can you make me LD, Kris? I will join the party as soon as possible. I have been a Conservative voter for my entire adult life, but I think that's over now. I feel shamefaced to say this after the warm and generous welcome I received from the LDs here, but I will hang fire for a bit before joining. I shall still vote LD for the moment, but one does not change one's skin overnight. I still think I will end up in the LDs, but one does not change one's skin overnight. I will make a proper and responsible committment to the party before I join. |
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Post by greenchristian on Jun 27, 2016 20:30:17 GMT
Please update me to SNP. I've been a verbal supporter but I've decided to formally join. Quoting this and tagging BossMan as he seems to have missed it for a couple of days. |
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Tony Otim
Green
Suffering from Brexistential Despair
Posts: 10,478
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Post by Tony Otim on Jun 27, 2016 21:01:08 GMT
Still definitely a Green, but if there were to be a second Scottish referendum I'll be voting the other way.
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Post by BossMan on Jun 28, 2016 12:56:15 GMT
Please update me to SNP. I've been a verbal supporter but I've decided to formally join. Quoting this and tagging BossMan as he seems to have missed it for a couple of days. Done. |
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Post by BossMan on Jun 28, 2016 12:56:50 GMT
Still definitely a Green, but if there were to be a second Scottish referendum I'll be voting the other way. Which way did you vote before? o.o |
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Post by gwynthegriff on Jun 28, 2016 16:41:21 GMT
Still definitely a Green, but if there were to be a second Scottish referendum I'll be voting the other way. By post rather than at a polling station? |
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Post by Arthur Figgis on Jun 28, 2016 16:44:22 GMT
Using a pen?
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Tony Otim
Green
Suffering from Brexistential Despair
Posts: 10,478
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Post by Tony Otim on Jun 28, 2016 20:13:23 GMT
Still definitely a Green, but if there were to be a second Scottish referendum I'll be voting the other way. Which way did you vote before? o.o No |
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Post by mrhell on Jun 28, 2016 20:14:30 GMT
Which way did you vote before? o.o No I doubt you'll be on your own. |
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