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Tony Livesey and guests tackle the NHS and proposed health reforms. What are the facts? Is the coalition government about to destroy our National Health Service?

We're All In This Together - times are tough and there's a rallying call from politicians that we must share the pain to get the country back on track. But are we really all in this together?

This week, health: Is the coalition government about to destroy our NHS?

Tony Livesey and fiery guests take you through the facts and opinions surrounding the state of the NHS and proposed health reforms. What is the truth amidst the rhetoric and just what are the implications for patients and the future of healthcare?

Right-wing journalist and blogger Toby Young is pitted against left-wing New Statesman blogger and active cuts campaigner Laurie Penny, to thrash out opposing opinions over if and how the NHS should be changed.

As the government takes a 'pause' following the Royal College of Nursing's vote of no confidence in Health Secretary Andrew Lansley, this provides a guide to the facts surrounding health reform with jargon-free, clear explanation.

What exactly does 'GP commissioning' mean? - The programme finds out with a 'Dragons' Den style' interrogation of a GP in favour of the changes by tough business guru and troubleshooter Gerry Robinson.

Should GPs really take over the commission of health provision in local areas as is proposed? After all, what do family doctors know about running the business side of an enormous entity like the NHS? Or perhaps, GPs working at the front end of primary healthcare are the ones best placed to make those decisions?

Is competition of private and charity-based healthcare providers a threat to the future of the health service or something to stimulate innovation and quality of service?

Joining them in the studio are MPs, frontline medical staff, patients and experts to discuss whether the future of the NHS hangs in the balance.

1 hour, 30 minutes

Last on

Sun 15 May 2011 09:30

Broadcast

  • Sun 15 May 2011 09:30