Dear NHS Supporter

The patient isn't sick

The NHS isn't perfect and must keep improving, but despite the criticisms we often hear, it is still performing far better than some views would have you believe.

In recent studies by the Commonwealth Fund, the NHS ranked first or second on many significant criteria. Did you know that in a comparison of eleven countries, the NHS ranked FIRST for patient confidence, equity and safety, and in a comparison of seven countries, the NHS ranked FIRST for effective care and efficiency?

We are repeatedly told about the NHS overspending, but UK healthcare expenditure is still significantly less than France, Germany and the US - and still lower than most comparable European countries.

We are also told about the NHS underperforming, but careful analysis of long-term trends shows that mortality rates from cancer and heart disease are falling faster in the UK than higher-spending countries who are often used as a benchmark - but whose statistics are also often less thorough.

Getting to the truth about the NHS is vital as the government is using its own bleak assessment to justify its radical new reforms. These changes could do great harm by undermining the quality, efficiency and fairness of the NHS.

We have just carried out a poll showing significant public opposition to the Health and Social Care Bill and the results are being released to the press today. If you can, help us to go on revealing the truth and campaigning to protect and promote a comprehensive NHS.

The 'cure' could be poisonous

The government is misdiagnosing the 'problems' with the NHS. They are prescribing a cure that relies on competition and transferring services to the private sector. Even after the rethink, the Health Bill still places business motives at the heart of the NHS. The views of these prominent critics explain how:

Dr Ron Singer: "Andrew Lansley is wrong - GPs do not support this NHS bill"
Dr Clare Gerada: "The health bill should be amended again or withdrawn"
Sir Roger Boyle: "It is horrific that the NHS's future is threatened"
Max Pemberton: "The day they signed the death warrant for the NHS"
UNISON: "Five reasons to scrap the Health and Social Care Bill"

The government's plans, rather than improve our NHS, are likely to turn it's recent good health into a long-term, life-threatening illness.

Spread the truth - and the dangers of this misdiagnosis

Tell your family and friends about this costly and dangerous misdiagnosis. Forward this email on to as many people as you can. Tell people about the real strengths of the NHS and the dangers of the government's reforms. And of course, if you haven't already, tell your MP to vote against the Health Bill - particularly if they are a member of the coalition government.

We can improve the NHS by recognising and building on its strengths. If we ignore them, we will lose them.

Thank you for your support.

Paul Evans

p.s. Read the summary of the Commonwealth Fund's key findings on our website.