70 years ago today (5th July), Labour created the NHS, on the principle of universal public health care for all. This Conservative government has forgotten that principle, with the NHS in the midst of a staffing, funding and organisational crisis. 12 hour waits at A&E across the country are at their worst ever, and Southmead tops the list. Bristol has lost 600 beds since 2010, contributing to a worsening crisis in social care.

The last Labour government saved the NHS from disaster, and the next Labour government will do so again. Labour has committed to repeal the disastrous changes to our NHS, banishing privatisation and restoring a universal, public National Health Service with democratic oversight and a functioning organisational structure.

We’ve seen changes to health care provision within our own ward recently too, with the Bishopston Medical Practice being taken over by the BrisDoc company. If any patients feel that there is a drop in service or standards then let Cllr Tom Brook know and he will hold the practice and NHS to account.