9 Comments
May 10Liked by Leah Gunn Barrett

We have to fight this take-over threat all the way. One of the most important outcomes of devolution was that the Scottish Gov (Labour at that time) allowed the NHS in Scotland to develop the strategies for its governance and everyday functioning. One of the first things they did was to eliminate the Tories' "internal market concept" along with the individual hospital trusts and revert to regional oversight (the Health Boards), with separate, single Acute Care and Primary Care divisions in each region running the NHS's public-facing services.

One of the many benefits of the Scottish model was that, when Covid came along, we had a structure where all types of data were reported using standard Scotland-wide measurements, so our data was consistent and reliable for the whole nation. In England it was very different: the internal market concept meant that individual hospital trusts had more control over data measurement, with the result that the data for England might not be comparable and therefore inaccurate nationwide.

We have to make it clear - to our own people and to UK Gov - that the Scottish NHS model is better across the board and that the role of the Scottish Government in financing (as best it can considering its own finances ultimately reflect public spending in England - UK Gov cutbacks there automatically mean a pro rata reduction in Scotgov finances) the NHS as a whole and public benefits (like free prescriptions) works in the interest of our people much more effectively than the English structure does. It's that old, fundamental truth again: Sovereignty in Scotland lies with the people and is embedded in our law, while in England it lies with the ruling party in Westminster whose "Constitution" is not set in law (it's a set of supposed "conventions") and can be be overturned by a majority government without challenge. 2 irreconcilable concepts: egalitarian Scotland & feudal England.

This should be a major Scotgov component in any independence polling, referenda etc: the only way we can retain our Scottish NHS and all its services and benefits is to vote for Independence. Labour has already sold it, and the English and Welsh NHS too, to its private-interest sponsors. Keeping our NHS could be the deciding factor in our own independent future as everyone living in Scotland relies on it sooner or later. Our Scotgov also pays our NHS staff better wages and so avoids the constant drain of staff churn. But how do we reach the whole Scottish electorate when 95 - 97% of our MSM is controlled by Unionists?

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It seems to me that this is an issue that Salvo should be working on - not Freeports. Freeports are already a fact. The Scottish Health Service can still be saved but people must be informed and alerted to the impending danger of English Labour's plans to sell it off under our noses. And you're right that bringing back the Health Boards was crucial to keep our health service coordinated and working together, not fragmented as down in England. We need to keep pounding this message home. If people have SNP MSPs or MPs, please contact them about this. Unfortunately, I've got Ian Murray and Daniel Johnson, both English Labour.

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May 10Liked by Leah Gunn Barrett

Thanks Leah ! Another demonstration of why Independence is urgent - very urgent…

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May 10Liked by Leah Gunn Barrett

Just come back from London, following my daughter’s major surgery. It seems so obvious there what is happening and everyone you speak to seems to ‘know’ but feel they can do little about it. The politicians are silent - or worse.

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I hope your daughter is OK.

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Thanks Leah. She’s had a few weeks recovery with her aunt but is still weak- prob 6-8 weeks needed but as self employed she has to start working next week to earn a living. Hopefully she will be fine

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May 10Liked by Leah Gunn Barrett

well said Leah

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May 10Liked by Leah Gunn Barrett

I don't need to call on the NHS even though my blood is boiling! :-(

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May 10Liked by Leah Gunn Barrett

Thank you LGB, this indeed is another reason, why we urgently need independence.

Does anybody know any of the freeports NI details?

I've read that the companies within the freeports will be NI exempt.

Therefore, will the 30+ thousand workers be issued with some sort of health insurance? I see a strategic opportunity to erode the SNHS model, a loss leader, if you like.

Last time I looked, health costs in the US was 18% of GDP. Leads me to conclude that the US model is maxed out.

The parasite's moto; just milk the host body, it is a foolish parasite that kills the host body.

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