RUMMAGING among old paper I found an item I'd written in 1991. This was when the idea of Trust status was being mooted.
A few people who kept themselves informed attended most of the so-called consultation meetings.
The NHS & Community Care Bill was rushed through with indecent haste.
Some readers may have been on the coach which joined thousands to lobby our MPs. Ours was Simon Coombs then.
One consultant forecast it would be finance rather than patient orientated.
After the bill came the Private Finance Initiative.
Sadly we now see the results, wards closed, staff dismissed. Meanwhile the Trust is considering leasing beds to private operators.
The income from this manoeuvre will go back to the private company from which the Trust leases to the GWH to the tune of £24 million a year. Another 23 years to run.
ANNE LUBIN
Swindon
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