Warning – the Government can seriously damage your health

Sir - The health service is in serious danger.

The government’s NHS reforms, unwanted by almost everyone except the private companies being lined up to profit from our health service, have so far cost £1.49 billion, £160m more than the original estimate and rising by £1m a day.

At the same time it is demanding “efficiency cuts” in order to meet the demands of international bankers for deficit reduction and to prepare the NHS for competition.

In Sheffield community services and hospital wards are being shut down. Next month three local services will be chosen to be prepared for tendering to outside agencies.

The more that the private sector gets involved, the bigger will be the risk to the fundamental principles of the NHS. The situation is bad, but it's not hopeless.

Here in Sheffield, local people fought back and won against plans to close two care homes for people with dementia. If we resist what's going on, we can make a difference.

We need to build these local victories into a movement that can beat the threats to our health services on a national scale. This is a situation that affects all of us, so come and get involved.

Join Sheffield Save Our NHS by marching with us from the Hallamshire on 3rd September 11 am and join our vigil outside Sheffield Town Hall on September 6 at 5 pm.

Andy Turner, Dinnington.