Thread by @mccanntb

Matt Hancock on #r4today says again that the problem isn't the failure of Serco Test & Trace, rather that demand is exceeding supply of testing because it is "free & easily accessible".

2nd time in days he's floated this concept that the problem is people not having to pay. 1/5

How long before GP, A&E or treatment waiting times are blamed on the fact that it's "free"?

The Health Secretary should not need reminding of the founding principles of the NHS, that it be free at the point of delivery; that it be based on clinical need, not ability to pay. 2/5

Those pledges make our NHS the world class health service that it is.

But it isn't free, we just pay for it differently. The challenges come when governments decide not to fund it whilst blaming clinicians for the problems caused by not being adequately funded. 3/5

The other attempt to undermine confidence in NHS model is to insist on labelling the web of private providers under the NHS brand when referring to Test & Trace.

Returning to the initial point.

Serco alone has been awarded around £500 million whilst failing to deliver. 4/5

So Matty, we see what you're doing.

You're insidious, drip, drip, drip attempts to shift the narrative around NHS to a position supporting wholesale privatisation of front-line provision won't go unchallenged.

Testing is not free & your plan is not providing value for £.
5/5