The coalition Government's White Paper on NHS reform sets forth policies which could further restrict access to healthcare which would have a detrimental impact in three key respects: economic, public health, and legal.

Doctors of the World UK believes that further marketisation of the NHS could make it even more difficult for vulnerable patients to access healthcare.

We urge the Government to make equality of access a primary concern when determining how to implement the reforms set forth in the White Paper. Once implementation plans have been agreed, we urge the Government to conduct an Equality Impact Assessment.

Doctors of the World UK's Director, Susan Wright, warns that patients could face greater barriers to healthcare with the introduction of a strong profit motive in the NHS.  She warns: "For the last six years we have operated our clinic Project:London, helping vulnerable migrants access healthcare within the NHS. Once the NHS reforms are underway, it will be even more difficult to get them the care that they need."

"Many have voiced the concern that the government's plans represent a move toward privatization of the NHS, and we share that concern. Research has repeatedly shown that vulnerable individuals have significantly worse health outcomes in private health systems when compared to nationalised systems."

"As GPs meet with commissioning consortia and make decisions about how to plan for the care of patients within their areas, we would urge them to look behind the headlines about health tourism, and look at the data that has emerged. The patients in our clinics had quite routine medical needs, all of which could be treated in a cost-effective way. But ensuring early access to primary care is key. It helps avoid costly A&E treatment, and even more costly hospitalization."

To find out more, read our response to the White Paper.

Photo: © Tom Bradley