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The Royal Society
for the Promotion of Health
38A St. George's Drive,
London, SW1V 4BH
 
Tel: (+44) (0) 20 7630 0121
Fax: (+44) (0) 20 7976 6847
 
rsph@rsph.org

Tax funded NHS must remain for the good of public's health

The Royal Society of Health today refutes the suggestions made by the pressure group Doctors for Reform and backs the ongoing model of a tax-funded NHS.

Professor Richard Parish, Society Chief Executive said:

"Despite its current financial problems, the NHS is a world renowned model of best-practice healthcare delivery. The suggestions made by Doctors for Reform are a cause for concern. Forcing individuals to pay for their healthcare will place further strain on sectors of the community already experiencing the greatest health inequalities. The major causes of ill-health in Britain today are largely avoidable. The best thing the government can do to alleviate the struggling NHS is to place more resources into prevention and public health and we will have a healthier public and NHS budget in the years to come".

The Royal Society of Health believes that access to health services should remain publicly funded and free at the point of delivery.

The Royal Society of Health urges all political parties and policy makers to continue supporting a publicly funded National Health Service and simultaneously invest more in public health interventions.

Ends
3 April 2006

Media Contact
Professor Richard Parish
Chief Executive
Ph. 0207 630 0121 or 0771 3255 972

Notes for Editors
The Royal Society of Health is the largest and longest-established public health organisation in the UK. We were founded in 1876 to promote joined up thinking between health professionals and we are a networking organisation that cuts across traditional professional boundaries.