NHS for Sale: Myths, Lies & Deception

by Jacky Davis, John R. Lister, David Wrigley

The English National Health Service (NHS) is under massive threat and this work challenges several myths relating to the issue, including that the NHS is broken and that it is not affordable. The authors review the policies of the Coalition and the Labour Party and suggest what can done to promote a healthy NHS. With a bevy of citations and evidence, the authors show that the private sector is not cheaper and provides an analysis on the effects of new structures and financial pathways relating to health care. This is a complete review of the efficiency of a state-sponsored health care system, making it an important addition to a subject that we all face.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics

260 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 2015

Reviews

[Jane Walker]

This is a very, very frightening book. Four days before the General Election which will determine whether the NHS survives, I got even angrier at the destruction detailed by the authors. All Tory politicians and their apologists should be made to read this aloud to a large audience and answer every charge made in the book. No one who has read it can be in any doubt who not to vote for.

[Arlene]

This is excellent and so important. The data's slightly dated as it was written before (and aimed at) the 2015 general election but quite frankly things have only got worse since then. As the title implies it's written with a clear anti-privatisation agenda (which you may find off putting if you want something more impartial) but it's really well researched and well argued. There's bound to be another election soon. Read it before then.

[Peter Timson]

This is an excellent book. A point of reference and a great summary of what's been going on and the way governments of all shades have lied and misled.

Neither main party is innocent and the revolving doors which provide jobs for former minsters are a disgrace: not that we didn't know this already.

The neoliberal approach is just rotten to the core no matter where it is applied but, in the platitudes dished out in selling the plans for the NHS, they are particularly egregious.

The references are good though some need searches now since websites have a habit is renewing themselves and addresses within them change. Of particular note is the spoof "Briefing for Cynical Commissioning Groups" - which is not so "spoof" but a reality.

This book may be thought as old now and it was written and published in time of the 2015 election. CCGs have already been renamed and it looks as though they will be renamed again. As (2021) another major government led reorganisation is promised, it would do well be get to know the sales techniques they use to make us think they are acting in the public good. They are not. This book tells you what you need to know - even if you've not had first-hand experience.

The NHS can be and is a great place and institution but what is good is largely despite government and not because of it. It certainly has nothing to do with its Americanisation. Private medicine does have a place but not running the NHS - or significant contracts within it.

It took me a long time to read this book. It is not a hard read but it made me so angry I had to put it done for my own sanity.