The CEO of NHS Confederation responds to our recent article by Gary Walker, Kings Funds suggests NHS fees - but is it really 'independent'?
Dear openDemocracy
In his article on your website, Gary Walker sadly seems to have firmly grasped the wrong end of the stick, in more ways than one. First, it is absolutely crucial that we face up to the issue of NHS affordability. The fact is that without major changes to what we do and how we do it, the NHS in its current set up is not sustainable. To properly address that, we must look at the full range of options, even if we make early decisions that some are too unpalatable to contemplate further.
Second, he is wrong to suggest the NHS Confederation is in any way less than fully transparent about its funding sources. In just two clicks from our website's landing page, we clearly set out where our funding comes from and who we represent. Your readers can see it for themselves here.
I am proud that our members include the full range of organisations that make up a modern and effective NHS, including public sector bodies, independent sector organisations and charities, all of which play a valid role in England's modern health service.
The NHS Confederation is not promoting a “private sector agenda backed by private funders”, as Mr Walker’s article claims. We are promoting a sustainable, responsive NHS where care is commissioned and provided by the organisations best placed to deliver high quality cost effective care for patients.
I have no problem with alternative views, agendas and ideologies being put forward in the discussions about how to address the challenges facing the health service. I welcome the debate. To keep the focus on the issues, it is vital that we do not mislead the public about the scale of that challenge, the importance of facing up to it, or the integrity of those already engaged in developing solutions.
Rob Webster
Chief Executive, NHS Confederation
