Douglas Carswell's Blog

We need to hold our nerve on NHS reform

Andrew Lansley is trying to make a series of fairly modest changes to the way we run the NHS.

Instead of 1950s-style command-and-control, he aims to give greater autonomy to those closer to the patients. Rather than allocating resources by formula, changes are designed to ensure that outcomes are determined by the needs of the patient. 

Far from revolutionary, even the Blairites within the Labour party now privately admit that after decades of top down micro management, such changes are necessary. So, too, do the so-called “Orange Book” wing of the Lib Dems. 

It would be bizarre if it turned out that opposition from within the Tory party killed off any chances of reform.

Of course there are various vested interests opposed to change. They should be listened to carefully and with respect.

But at the same time, we should remember that the British Medical Association, for example, has pretty much opposed every single reform ever since the NHS was founded. 

We should no more run a health service for the benefit of the BMA than we might run a political system for the benefit of MPs.   

Never one to slavishly support the party line, I would be quite prepared to oppose these reforms if I felt they were a step back. But I won’t. These changes are necessary – and contrary to much of the mainstream media coverage, in my experience they are quietly supported by many doctors too.

If these proposals were defeated, it would be a setback for all those of us who would like to see public service reform. We need to keep our nerve.

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