THE Government's health reforms threaten the future of the NHS, says the chairman of a care trust.
Debbie Abrahams, of Rochdale Primary Care Trust, said she was speaking out before the Health Service reached `the point of no return'.
She said: "I believe passionately in the NHS. For me, it is not just about how we organise and provide health care, it reflects and represents the values of our society."
"During my period as trust chairman I have seen a steady stream of national policies introduced - foundation trusts, choice, independent treatment centres and now commissioning a patient-led NHS - which threaten these values and the future of a NHS that is equitable and free at the point of need.
"I have repeatedly raised my concerns without success. I feel I have no option but to speak out publicly before we reach the point of no return."
Last month, Pennine Acute Trust - which runs Fairfield General Hospital in Bury, North Manchester General Hospital, Rochdale Infirmary and the Royal Oldham Hospital - announced plans to axe up to 800 posts to tackle a £21m deficit.
