Save our NHS, photo Mary Finch

Save our NHS, photo Mary Finch   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Campaigners from local groups involved in Health Campaigns Together gathered on 22 August to protest outside Leeds Town Hall, where a consultation on plans to remove 17 treatments from the NHS was being held.

These treatments have been dubbed ‘unnecessary’ by NHS England, who wish to take away the ability of doctors to refer patients for them. It is really a measure about cost cutting, which could push those who want such treatments into the private sector.

The treatments include a number of measures to ease pain, from carpal tunnel syndrome to back pain. One of the treatments, grommets to treat glue ear, is something I had as a child, which made a big difference to my hearing but also my ability to fully take part in lessons at school.

The idea that such treatments will be denied to others is motivation enough to fight this and other penny-pinching measures the Tories have lined up to run down our NHS.

Iain Dalton, Leeds Socialist Party