The NHS is dying, and the Conservative Party is not willing to pay for life support.

COVID 19 hit at an interesting time. A time where it not only opened the curtains to the shortcomings of the current government, but one which shone a light on the failing infrastructure of our beloved health care system. This blog post is going to draw the stark connection between the Conservative government and its failure to keep the NHS afloat.

The struggle of the NHS to keep going is not a new issue we are affronted with, despite COVID being an almost ‘mechanism’ to demonstrate the extent of its failings. Rather, we can trace the Tory resentment back to its birthplace, when Churchill condemned its existence. The legislation for the national health care system faced a copious amount of scrutiny; with the Conservative party voting against the creation 22 times. One rational person can view this statistic in a way which demonstrated utter contempt from the Tory party, however, they themselves argued in support for the NHS, just not one proposed by the Labour Party. This for me, just does not align with their market ideology and it seems as though their actions demonstrate everything but their apparent support for the public service. This is quite evident from even early opposition from Thatcher’s government shown through the Central Policy Review Staff (CPRS), which was presented by Thatcher and her think tank. It essentially outlined to get rid of the welfare state but more importantly, outlined the closure of the NHS, advocating for individuals to opt for private healthcare. Fortunately, her Cabinet had seen the popularity and therefore protected it from her attempts for reform.

However, Thatcher was only the first hurdle which was put in front of our health care system. Soon after, Tory resentment took form of her successor, John Major and his vow for NHS privatisation. The introduction of the PFI, also known as the Private Finance Initiative, as well as the introduction of the internal market meant there was a continuation for a more private, public sector. It’s important to note that the Blair government also utilised PFI, thus meaning that even the ‘right-wing’ Labour governments cannot wash their hands from accountability. Despite this, during Callaghan’s government, there was an attempt to repair Tory damage to the NHS through the introduction of The National Health Service Act 1977, which looked for the separation of the private sector and the NHS. However, these small measures were nothing in comparison to the deprived state that our health care system faced. It seems as though we are failing at each hurdle.

Despite early opposition, we find that NHS neglect is theme followed through into even the past couple of years. The current cabinet is one of the most right-wing cabinets we have experienced for decades. A popular fear as a result of this is a future which emulates the economic system of the US; a rather scary thought. This is seeming to be more and more plausible as we first hand witness trade deal discussions between both the UK and US. A recent Dispatches episode shown the US has intention to dilute NHS powers in order for the UK to buy US-made drugs. This is just a step closer to us losing control over our health service. No one but those in the Tory Cabinet who revel in concentrated support is happy with the direction the NHS is going in. As of late, only 36% of voters were said to be happy with the state of our health service. Such levels of dissatisfaction have not occurred since 1977 under the Blair ‘right’ government. The Conservative response to public thought does not take accountability, but rather blames it on the buzz word that has circulated for the past two years; COVID.

COVID 19 is a safety blanket in which the Tory government attempts to use evade any form accountability for the sinking of the NHS. However, the NHS was already suffering from a 4.4million waiting list prior to COVID. When we refer to the system, we forget the individual impact this government has had on its own people. 3,000 people suffered “severe harm” whilst waiting for ambulances, with waiting times averaging 78 minutes. When cases are being admitted to hospital, they simply do not have the facilities or beds for patients. Waiting times, access to GP appointments and even pausing Chemotherapy treatment for patients during the midst of the pandemic is the reality of our current government’s handling of the NHS. COVID also saw Tory ministers clapping for the NHS, whilst endorsing over working and underfunding nurses, doctors, other healthcare professionals. This is the irony which stains the decades of mishandling the public health sector. And I believe that we cannot store hope in a party which is so firm against the welfare state, to restore our public sector. I truly worry for the state of our healthcare system, the NHS has been dying and yet, the Conservative party have been so reluctant to provide life support from the first moments of struggle.