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Dear UNISON Member,

Please watch our two minute film about what the NHS could look like under the Tory-led Government's proposals http://youtu.be/wSy3zbavGFs

Next Wednesday 7th September, MPs will have a final chance to vote on massive changes to the NHS in the form of the Health and Social Care Bill. The Government's 'listening exercise' did nothing to address many of the main issues that threaten the break-up of our NHS. It's vital to say 'No' to this Bill for many reasons, but here are just three to remember:

*Our money will be wasted on private profit and decisions made by management consultants

*Patient care quality will decline with postcode lotteries, hospitals closing, fewer treatments and longer waiting times

*There'll be more red tape, with costs to the NHS and taxpayers rising as hospitals are tied up in bureaucracy.

This is your last chance to tell your MP that they need to get involved NOW before it's too late.

*How you can help*

1) Email your MP today urging them to take action against the Bill - it only takes two minutes using our tool:

If you have a Lib Dem MP click here:

http://action.unison.org.uk/NHSLibDem

If you have a Labour or Tory MP, or aren't sure, click here:

http://action.unison.org.uk/nhsbreakup

2) Join the online vigil for the NHS to show MPs the level of concern about the threats to the NHS: http://www.goingtowork.org.uk/nhs-mosaic/

3) This Saturday and Sunday thousands of NHS supporters are coming together to fight for the NHS at events across the country. Find out about 'Big NHS Weekend' events near you now:

http://www.nhsalert.org.uk/pages/big-nhs-weekend-find-campaign-events-near-you

Please forward this email to family, friends and colleagues asking them to email their MP today - it's the most powerful action we can take in the next few days for the future of the NHS.

For more information on UNISON’s campaign and to download materials, see http://www.unison.org.uk/ournhs/docs_list.asp

Many thanks

UNISON Health Group

You may have read a posting on our 'have your say' page relating to speed and ambulances. Please click here for the website referred to and let us have your comments and views on the subject. 

Ambulance staff without full emergency training are being sent on life-or-death calls in Huddersfield.

Health bosses have told the drivers – who usually transport people between hospitals – that they must respond to 999 calls as well.

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www.wmambo.co.uk

Health unions are united in their opposition to Government plans to make NHS workers pay more, work longer for less pension. 

While sector talks continue, the unions have set up a campaign group to coordinate their responses and to prepare for the possibility of industrial action. Christina McAnea, UNISON Head of Health said: “No union wants this, but our members are facing cuts in jobs, a pay freeze at a time of rising inflation, increasing workloads and stress, as well as the potential break-up of the NHS as we know it - in England at least. “Now the Government is proposing an average 50% increase in pension contribution rates (more for higher paid staff) and staff will have to work longer to get less.”

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