Stephen Hammond voted to keep risk register SECRET

This is the email I have sent him in response. Will post up his reply once i get it.

Dear Stephen,

Why is this government so scared of releasing the risk register for the Health Bill? I can only assume it is because it contains damming evidence pointing out serious flaws in this bill. I am deeply disappointed that you voted against releasing it - despite the Infomation commissioners advice. We may disagree about the best way forward for the NHS but to simply to with hold evidence and to fight to keep it secret is no way for an honest and decent government to behave.

I strongly urge you to reconsider. The NHS is a loved and trusted institution which is the best in the world at delivering health care. You have no mandate for this dreadful top down policy - no one voted for it.

I appreciate this is going to be a tough u turn for the government but as our MP I urge you to put the needs of your constituents first, before the pride of your party.

Best wishes,
Jackie Schneider.

If you want a template email to send your MP click on 38 degrees link

Song for the NHS

St Georges hospital - demo March 1 noon.

I spent last night with a group of people who are determined to keep the NHS public. They have planned a demonstration outside St Georges on 1 march at lunchtime. I won't be able to go as i shall be at teaching. My contribution is to spend Sunday making posters and placards. Am now rounding up all the felt tips, crayons and rolls of wallpaper I can find!

Delighted to see the e - petition has enough sigs to generate a parliamentary debate. It's not that I think parliament should be the focus but it will generate more publicity. I think we need to organise local protest where we live - hence this blog. BTW - have you actually got round to emailing Stephen yet?

Publish the risk register

The Information Commissioner have instructed this government to publish the risk register. This is their own research into potential problems and difficulties that may arise as a result of their proposed changes. This is public information and we have a right to see it. Andrew Lansley thinks differently and is covering it up despite being instructed to make it public.

Labour MP Dr Eoin Clarke says he has been told the risk report contains damning evidence that this bill will damage the NHS fatally

The chief warning in the report is that Lansley's reforms will spark a surge in health care costs and that the NHS will become unaffordable as private profiteers siphon off money for their own benefit. The report specifically warns that GPs have no experience or skills to manage costs effectively. The profit element contained in Lansley's reforms is the chief reason for the report citing these worries.

Grahame Morris MP has tabled a motion asking the gov to publish this report. I have emailed Stephen about this. See below.

Dear Stephen,

Thank you for your letter re NHS. It is clear we disagree but can you not agree it is best to proceed with the full facts in front of us? That is why I am now asking you to support Grahame Morris's EDM 2659 which calls for the publication of the risk register.

I really don't understand why the risk register is not in the public domain. Indeed, if your arguments are correct then surely the risk register will back this up.

The information commissioner has instructed your government to publish this document. Do you support the Department of Health's attempt to hide this important information? Surely we need to know all the facts about this bill before proceeding. Since the overwhelming majority of the medical profession are against it the least you need to do is prove it is safe. And yes, I know the BMA voted against the establishment of the NHS rather like the conservative party did!

Best wishes,
Jackie

We can't stand idly by!

If you live in Stephen Hammond MP's constituency please join with me to persuade him to vote against the Health bill. On our own we are weak but if we come together to lobby him we will be much more effective. The point of this blog is to help us organise visible opposition to the bill so we can encourage as many people as possible who agree with us to take action. There is lots of evidence that the majority of the public agree with our doctors and nurses and oppose these reforms. If we can even half of those who oppose it to take action we stand a chance of stopping it.

Please visit the "act now" page to email Mr Hammond, download the poster and tell your friends.