KONPNE campaign news – photos, videos, updates, media articles – from January 2020 to NOW
(For KONPNE Campaign activity for the ten years 2010 to December 2019, click here)
Monday 15th May 2023 – Disregard in West Yorkshire
Further to our post below (9th May) regarding the very poor response from NENC Integrated Care Board to a public question, it appears that West Yorkshire ICB have read the same operational manual…… Collaboration and transparency, where are you??…..
Click here to read about the public questions and (lack of) response in Yorkshire ….
Tuesday 9th May 2023 – Poor response from new “Integrated Care Board” in North East
“North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System” (NENC ICS) has been responsible for commissioning all health care in the region since July 2022. There are, of course, major difficulties with this organisational system, and these are identified on our webpage here.
The Board of the ICS meets every two months and, on reading the Agenda and papers for 28th March 2023 Board meeting, members of KONPNE were shocked to see the number of services in the region which, following CQC inspections, “require improvement” and, also, the required overall “efficiency” target of £48.4 million – all evidence of underfunding and the Governments strategic run down of NHS provision. Click here for the “Integrated Delivery Report” – scroll to item 8:1 on page 96
>> OUR QUESTION: With regard to this important issue, we submitted the following question to the March 2023 ICS Board meeting:
“Keep Our NHS Public North East (KONPNE) is a group of people who strongly believe that the NHS should remain a public service.
Members of KONPNE are very concerned to read in the North East North Cumbria ICB: Integrated Delivery Report February 2023 (Agenda Item 8.1) that a number of services within the ICS are inadequate, according to the CQC. We are aware that the Board have noted this.
Please detail, specifically, what the Board’s plans are for addressing this situation, given the requirement for the ICB to meet an overall efficiency target of £48.4 million”
>> THE VERBAL FEEDBACK to our question at the meeting was astonishing in both content and brevity. The person who made the response (we remain unsure who it was, as no surname or role was provided) seemed keen to assure that there was nothing to see here, as follows:
No services were rated as OVER-ALL inadequate; North East Ambulance Service was rated inadequate in part and a support package has been put together to look at elements of that (yes – but our question asked for specific details, which we need to know about)
There is a need for Enhanced Surveillance of some services (yes….details…?)
KONPNE notes that CQC rated a number of other services as “requires improvement” (this issue wasn’t developed in the response – it would have been a good opportunity to update on the actions regarding these services, instead of closing the question down)
Apparently the requirement to bank £48.4million in efficiency savings (flowery name – we know this as BUDGET CUTS) won’t affect the budgets of the services which require improvement (- so end of subject there, apparently no need to expand on that point….)
And the so-called “efficiency savings” / cuts will be made on “prescribing and CSE packages of care” (information about the effects of this and action plan regarding these services would have been useful).
Thus, in short, we feel this to be a minimal and superficial reply to an important issue, deserving of a considered and respectful verbal response. Click here to watch the video of the verbal response (click on the image for 28th March, go to 3:28 on the timer slide at the bottom of the video, and don’t blink), and click here to read the Minutes of the meeting (go to page 23).
>> As for the WRITTEN FEEDBACK to our question…. o dear, o dear…. the following, ….err….exceptionally brief written response was received from the ICB on April 23rd 2023, three weeks after the meeting….. what can we say…..:
“Thank you for your question.
None of the 11 provider organisations in the ICB are rated as inadequate overall. In North East Ambulance Service’s (NEAS) recent inspection, they were rated as inadequate for Well Led but overall as requires improvement. NEAS are being supported by the ICB to work through the actions identified by the CQC.”
>> KONPNE: Obviously, “North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board” need to do better regarding public involvement. We read on the ICB website that “The ICB is committed to providing clear and accessible public information to build understanding and trust….. The ICB will provide good quality accessible information that meets the needs of all people in our communities”. There’s some way to go, then. We will, of course, be writing to the ICB regarding their paucity of response and seeking more information about these issues.
>> PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT: And while we’re about it – some issues for the Board to develop around the PROCESS of public accessibility to the Board meeting…. that is, if true public involvement is to be welcomed….
1) We need to know who is speaking? Important for all verbal reports, but especially for the response to the public question! 2) The time period between the publication of the Agenda and the cut off date for the receipt of questions to the Board was NIL for both the November 2022 and January 2023 Board meetings and ONE DAY for the March 2023 meeting. Given that the Board meets every two months, this window for submitting a question is either non-existant or ridiculously small and is an indisputable barrier to involvement 3) We query why a question from the public to the Board must be based on the Boards’ Agenda? We require an openness and willingness to engage with the patient agenda regarding Board activity 4) Placing questions from the public at the very end of the meeting gives a message of reduced importance and can, furthermore, add another barrier to engagement for people with certain health or attentional difficulties. It is useful to note that questions from the public are at the start of the local full Council meetings. 5) An option to ask the question in person and a right to reply would be welcomed 6) Space is required on the agenda for receipt of petitions.
We will be contacting the ICB about these issues as a matter of priority.
UPDATE 15.5.23:
– We have contacted all seven Healthwatch organisations in the NE, so that they are aware of our concerns.
– NENC ICS have been in touch to offer a meeting to discuss our concerns – this is a positive development, we intend to accept this offer and will keep you updated.
Friday 5th May 2023 – Transport to the Northern March for the NHS
We have been invited by Leeds KONP and Yorkshire Health Campaigns Together to join a Northern March for the NHS on Saturday 1st July 11am at Leeds Town Hall. A steel pan band will play outside the Town Hall from 11-12 and there will be craft activities for children. A samba band will lead the march off at 12 to return at 1pm for a rally.
If you would like to attend, please email us (this weekend) at konpnortheast@gmail.com and we can include you in our travel plans (train or car shares, depending on numbers). All welcome!
Leeds KONP website: https://leedskeepournhspublic.wordpress.com/
Thursday 4th May 2023 – Health campaigning over the summer
Good discussions at the monthly KONPNE meeting this evening, and great to see our Campaign plans shaping up for the next few months; the Agenda included an update on NHS privatisation in the North East, campaign work regarding the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System, updates on collaborative work with “We Own It” regarding private contracts, planning for the “Threads of Survival” art installation in the North East in July and August 2023, feedback on our questions to the “Integrated Care Board”, updates on liaison with North East Councillors, info re the North March and Rally for the NHS, and our stall at the Durham Miners Gala, updates on national events and petitions, and much more….
CLICK HERE
to read the notes from the meeting (these are open, and available for all to read)
Our next meeting will take place on Thursday 1st June at 7pm via Zoom – Please add the date to your diary – ALL WELCOME. Zoom joining details and more info is here
Saturday 29th April 2023 – Tyne and Wear May Day March and Rally
Solidarity from all at KONPNE. May Day reminds us of the importance of collective action – crucial in the past and crucial in 2023 when people are struggling day to day as a result of the cost of living crisis and at a time of savage public sector cuts and pay injustice.
We stand in solidarity with all staff working in the NHS who are striking for fair pay, safe staffing levels and for the future of our NHS.
Angela Robinson, retired nurse, addressed the rally in Newcastle city centre on behalf of KONPNE – many thanks to the May Day Committee for inviting us to speak and for organising.
Sunday 23rd April 2023 – Privatised eye surgery?
Following discussion at this months KONPNE meeting, it was agreed that we find out more about pathways into eye surgery – there appears to be a recent growth in private organisations taking referals (and making money) from eye surgery.
A “Freedom of Information” request has been sent off today – we will keep you updated:
Dear Sir/Madam
We have recently been discussing the role of large private companies in the provision of cataract surgery for NHS patients. It has come to our attention that opticians can make referrals for surgery, often bypassing local NHS Ophthalmology Departments and seemingly using different criteria for referral.
Would you please address the following questions as a Freedom of Information request?
– What criteria are there for NHS patients qualifying for cataract surgery?
– Are all relevant professionals required to work to the same cataract surgery qualifying criteria?
– Do opticians receive a fee for making a referral for cataract surgery?
Thank you for your assistance. (signed) Co-ordinator Keep Our NHS Public North East
No cuts or cash-driven closures | Fair pay for all NHS staff | A fully-funded, universal, publicly owned and publicly provided National Health Service
Sunday 23rd April 2023 – Private beds in NHS hospitals
Part of that slippery slope…..and privatisation by the FRONT door.
Whilst, for a long time, private patients have been treated in NHS hospitals, we are concerned by recent reports that NHS Trusts are increasingly promoting expensive private healthcare at their hospitals – effectively offering patients the chance to jump NHS waiting lists. Take Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust, for example. On their private treatment website NorthumbriaHealth, they blatantly outline that “as we move forward we aim to position ourselves in the market more strategically as a provider of private healthcare for those living in Northumberland, North Tyneside and beyond.” https://www.northumbria-health.co.uk/vision-values/
Earlier this year, Margaret Greenwood MP put forward an Early Day Motion (EDM 805) calling on the government to put an end to NHS facilities being used to provide services to private patients, referencing the provision in the Health and Social Care Act 2012 for NHS Foundation Trust Hospitals to make up to 49% of their money out of treating private patients. We will see how this progresses – but probably not very far, given the current Government.
In the interim, we needed to sample the temperature about this issue locally, and have sent off “Freedom of Information” requests to three prominent North East NHS Trusts – Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust, and South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Trust. We will keep you updated.
——-
Our FOI – NB: the three FOIs were slightly different to match with the circumstances of the individual Trusts:
Dear xxx NHS Trust
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST
I am writing on behalf of the campaign group “Keep Our NHS Public North East”, and your response will be shared.
We would be grateful if you would please provide information relating to the following:
– the names of private healthcare organisations utilising xxx NHS Trust beds / consultation or treatment rooms
– the relationship / partnership arrangements between xxx NHS Trust and private healthcare organisations utilising Trust hospital beds / rooms
– current level of private activity, as a percentage of the whole
– current income through private treatments, as a percentage of the whole
– the envisaged future uptake of private treatments
– copies of your modelling / impact assessments re the effect of increased private treatments on the waiting time for NHS treatments
We appreciate that the whole NHS organisation is under great pressure at the present time, and we thank you for your attention to this important issue.
Signed xxx Keep Our NHS Public North East
——-
More information is on our website page here
Friday 14th April 2023 – Huge support for North East Doctors strike demo
No doubt about it – today, as always, the City of Newcastle shows a huge support, good wishes, thanks and solidarity to our North East medics. And some puzzling questions – Where IS Steve Barclay? What IS the Government doing to resolve the pay dispute? Where is the workforce plan? Why aren’t they at the negotiating table? And a clear message to our medics – we are proud of you and we stand alongside you. We stand with all NHS staff who are fighting not only for fair pay, but for the safety of us all and for the future of our NHS. We send solidarity from KONPNE to all public sector workers.
Click here to go to the Workforce page
Thursday 6th April 2023 – Campaign discussion and planning
Monthly Campaign meeting this evening (always the first Thursday at 7pm, via Zoom) and a packed agenda and constructive discussions and planning….
CLICK HERE
to read the notes from the meeting – these are open for all to read
and please join us at the next KONPNE meeting in May…. Thursday 4th May (this time at 7.30pm as a one-off change to the time, due to it being election day….) The meeting is open to ALL supporters of the NHS. Log on details are here.
Saturday 25th March 2023 – Tynedale Transformed / Hexham Debates
Out and about this morning, with a trip along the Tyne Valley to Hexham for a panel discussion on “Health – Having Your Say”, organised by Tynedale Transformed in partnership with The Hexham Debates.
The panel comprised Jude Letham (Co-ordinator, KONPNE), Professor John Dark (Cardiothoracic Surgery, Newcastle University) and Professor Jenny Cozens (retired Professor of Psychology and Public Governor of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust), chaired by Penny Grennan (Tynedale Transformed), along with many comments, questions and discussions from the floor.
Workforce issues, impact of Brexit, continuity of care, use of nurse banks (instead of agency staff), rural stresses, social determinants of ill health, poverty, hospital decision-making structures, underfunding of the NHS, recruitment and retention of clinical staff, NHS and migration, PFI contracts, NHS privatisation, administration costs, management systems, waiting lists, social care, increasing personal resilience, social prescribing, RCN nurse demands, NHS strikes, taxation, education, public health, health promotion…. a two-hour session and much was discussed, varied views expressed by panellists and the floor but – hey – that is what a debate is about. Many thanks for inviting KONPNE to take part, to the panellists for taking the hot seat, to Penny Grennan for Chairing and to Tynedale Transformed / Hexham Debates for organising. We need to Keep Our NHS Public,
Wednesday 22nd March 2023 – Question to the Integrated Care Board
“North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System” (NENC ICS) has been responsible for commissioning all health care in the region since July 2022. There are, of course, major difficulties with this organisational system, and these are identified on our webpage here.
The Board of the ICS meets every two months, the next meeting being on Tuesday 28th March 2023 – the Agenda and associated papers are published beforehand and are available on the web (click here). On reading the Agenda and papers for the forthcoming meeting, members of KONPNE were shocked to see the number of services in the region which, following CQC inspections, “require improvement” and, also, the required overall “efficiency” target of £48.4 million – all evidence of underfunding and the Governments strategic run down of NHS provision.
Members of the public are invited to submit questions to the ICS Board meeting, and the following question was submitted to the Board meeting by KONPNE. We will feedback.
“Keep Our NHS Public North East (KONPNE) is a group of people who strongly believe that the NHS should remain a public service.
Members of KONPNE are very concerned to read in the North East North Cumbria ICB: Integrated Delivery Report February 2023 (Agenda Item 8.1) that a number of services within the ICS are inadequate, according to the CQC. We are aware that the Board have noted this.
Please detail, specifically, what the Board’s plans are for addressing this situation, given the requirement for the ICB to meet an overall efficiency target of £48.4 million.”
Thank you
(signed)
Co-ordinator, Keep Our NHS Public North East
No cuts or cash-driven closures | Fair pay for all NHS staff | A fully-funded, universal, publicly owned and publicly provided National Health Service
www.konpnortheast.com facebook.com/NHSPublicNorthEast twitter.com/KONPNorthEast konpnortheast@gmail.com
Email sent to NENC ICS Corporate Services 22nd March 2023
CLICK HERE
for the “Integrated Delivery Report”, described above – scroll to item 8:1 on page 96
Tuesday 21st March 2023 – Allelujah
Introducing “Allelujah”, the newly-released Alan Bennett film about healthcare for older people and the future of a NHS hospital, starring Jennifer Saunders, Judi Dench and Russell Tovey – 24 screenings at Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and also shown at other venues throughout the North East throughout March and April
….. plus tonights post-screening panel discussion with Jude Letham (KONPNE Co-ordinator) and North East health specialists Prof Claire Nally, Prof Louise Robinson and Dr Ellie Bond provided an insightful end to the evening. The panel discussion focused around death, aging, care of elderly people and NHS cuts and closures. Many thanks to Tyneside Cinema, Andy Jones of the Dead Good Film Club, and all panellists for an intriguing film (with a twist….. we won’t do a spoiler!) and a thoughtful discussion. It was good to be involved.
Saturday 11th March 2023 – SOS NHS National Rally, London
SOS NHS DEMONSTRATION – END THE NHS CRISIS – SUPPORT THE STRIKES
On Saturday 11 March thousands marched through the streets of London to show their support for the NHS and striking workers.
Great delegation from our friends at Save South Tyneside Hospital Campaign – wonderful that you were able to represent the North East.
Thursday 2nd March 2023 – KONPNE speaks
Much discussed and planned at tonights Campaign meeting
CLICK HERE
for notes from the meeting – these are open for all to read
But we need more assistance – and if we had more people involved we could do even more….
CLICK HERE
for over twenty actions you could get involved in, for details of our next Campaign meeting (6th April 2023 at 7pm) and for a video of our 2022 Campaign.
Don’t be shy!!
CLICK HERE
for information about our next meeting
Saturday 25th February 2023 – NHS Privatisation Kills
Members of KONPNE remember the 557 people who have died because of NHS privatisation, Parliament Square, 25th February 2023
We Own It organised todays action to highlight the disastrous effects of privatisation on our NHS. The action was inspired by a recent University of Oxford study which estimated that outsourcing (the provision of NHS services by private providers) led to 557 avoidable deaths between 2014 and 2020. 557 campaigners assembled on Parliament Square, each representing an avoidable death. Every demonstrator held a single white rose. After speeches from UNISON’s Vice-President Amerit Rait and the study’s author, Ben Goodair, we marched to the Department of Health and Social Care to hand deliver 557 letters to the Health Secretary, Steve Barclay, warning the Health Secretary of the dangers of privatisation.
CLICK HERE
to read the We Own It report on the Feb 2023 action in Parliament Square
CLICK HERE
for the We Own It video of the day
and
CLICK HERE
to read the research (Goodair and Reeves, 2022) which links preventable deaths with outsourcing (scroll to the “We Own It” section)
We were told that outsourcing was ‘the most efficient way to provide services’ and, for over a decade, the ideology of privatisation has been gaining a strong foothold in our NHS. But many people always knew that this wasn’t true, and now they’ve been proven absolutely right. NHS leaders now have to face the facts: privatisation fails our health. Please add your name to the petition and demand that local health leaders in the North East and North Cumbria commit to end outsourcing in our NHS now…..and then share it with family and friends
CLICK HERE
to sign the “We Own It” petition
—-
Saturday 18th February 2023 – One Clear Message
Defend the Right to Strike: Newcastle march and rally
Called by Newcastle upon Tyne TUC and Peoples Assembly North East – an impressive range of speakers…..and one clear message
Liz Blackshaw, TUC Northern Regional Secretary: “Defending the right to strike is critical. This Government is not listening – we need a Government that makes sure working people are not sacked for asserting their rights”
Mark Hugall, CWU Newcastle Amalgamated Branch Secretary: “Today we stand together to make a better future for everyone”
Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor: “Nurses are taking action for the first time in one hundred years…..they say the public doesn’t support the strikes – but it is the public who are on strike….”
Sarah Dodsworth, Regional Director, RCN Northern, Yorkshire and Humber: “We need to defend the right to strike – we need to make things better for our children and our childrens children”
Miles Elliott, Unison, Ambulance Workers: “Going on strike is a difficult decision as there is an acute staffing crisis and the staff who remain are under more pressure – but the Government response is dereliction of duty”
Simon Elliott, PCS Regional Secretary: “There is a crisis in the civil service. In a survey of members, 40,000 members are using food banks”
Adam Hansen, UCU Northumbria Branch Chair: “Thousands of staff are on zero hour contracts, and many staff work extra hours. Enough is enough……it is important to stand up for our rights, including the right to strike. Stand up, stand proud, stand together”
Alex Snowdon, NEU Regional Chair: “Together we are stronger – when we co-ordinate our actions we are a powerful force”
Jan Shortt, General Secretary, NPC: “We offer our solidarity and support for as long as you need it”
Karen Lockney, North East Peoples Assembly: “We need to fight inequality and hate – the Government are running scared of working people and we will not be silenced. Our ancestors won these rights and they cannot be taken away now”
Jude Letham, Co-ordinator, Keep Our NHS Public North East: “We stand with all NHS staff who are fighting not only for fair pay, but for the safety of us all and for the future of our NHS. It is clear that if you want a NHS, you will need to become a NHS activist. We send solidarity from KONP North East to all public sector workers, and we’ll see you on a picket line soon”
Martin Levy, Tyne and Wear Association of Trades Councils: “One very clear message is given today – we continue to join together to defend our right to strike”
CLICK HERE
to go to our Workforce page for info about local NHS strikes and resources
Friday 17th February 2023 – Your help is needed
Please help us to develop our Campaign activity further over the coming months.
All of our supporters give freely of their time and expertise; no-one is paid. Expenses such as transport costs and parking charges are also paid willingly by the person concerned, and all this will continue.
We do, however, have a range of financial outgoings for a number of Campaign items and costs such as leaflets, posters, printing costs, banners, badges, room hire, Zoom, display materials, copies of the Health Campaigns Together newspaper (distributed free), annual membership of national KONP, and domain / website hire. After 12 years with a handheld megaphone, our big purchase in 2022 was a portable PA system (our voice will be heard even louder), and we have exciting Campaign plans for 2023 which will involve some financial outlay.
Click here to see our activity over the past year 2022!
And we could do more!!
If you are in a position to help financially with either a one-off donation or a monthly standing order, then this would be a HUGE help. All contributions are very gratefully received, however small.
Please CLICK HERE
to go to our DONATE page
All help is greatly appreciated, and every penny is used wisely in our campaign to Keep Our NHS Public.
Saturday 11th February 2023 – More than an AGM
Good to be at the national KONP AGM today – a mammoth 5 hr session, but the time flew by…. the pace was good, full involvement of members and some very interesting speakers. Events like this enable a sharing of experiences, help to set a sense of direction and provide a space to meet up with the wider Health Campaign community – thus much more than a dry business-orientated AGM….
The event was attended by reps from many Campaign groups from all over the country – and we were pleased that KONPNE were invited to do a 2 – 3 minute resume of our campaigning activity. This was presented by John Whalley
CLICK HERE
to read this brief presentation.
We will post links to the AGM minutes, when these become available
Monday 6th February 2023 – Picket line of strength at Newcastle RVI
A picket line of strength…..and absolutely no doubt that the public are also standing strong and supporting striking nurses at the RVI this morning. Cars, buses, taxi horns a plenty, and many thanks for the sustenance provided by passers by (it was calm, sunny….but damn chilly) and especially to the very kind member of public who parked opposite, set up a trestle table, and invited all to come over for a hot tea / coffee / cuppa soup throughout the day – his one comment: “Nurses were there when I needed you – this is the very least I can do…..”
John Whalley (KONPNE) and Rehana Azam (RCN National Officer) and a very strong picket line at the RVI Newcastle upon Tyne
Members of KONPNE were proud to stand with the RCN and we remember: NHS staff are striking for fairness regarding pay, our health, and the future of #OURNHS
Also great to meet up with long-time KONPNE supporter and fellow activist Rehana Azam, now a national officer with RCN. Rehana: “All of our members here today don’t want to be on a picket line. They are brilliant at their jobs and want to be back on the wards….but we need the Government to listen to what our members are saying. It is not safe on the wards. We need is the Government to invest in the NHS and in the nursing profession.”
We remember Rehana from the Darlo Mums organisation of the 999 Peoples March for the NHS – walking from Jarrow to Parliament in 2014… with music from Billy Bragg in London….
Thursday 2nd February 2023 – An active year ahead
Much discussed and planned at tonights Campaign meeting – and we still finished on time! Excellent chairing from Jude! Its looking like an active year ahead….
CLICK HERE
for notes from the meeting – these are open for all to read
But we need more assistance – and if we had more people involved we could do even more….
CLICK HERE
for twenty actions you could get involved in, for details of our next Campaign meeting (2nd March at 7pm) and for a video of our 2022 Campaign.
Don’t be shy!!
Wednesday 1st February 2023 – Protect the Right to Strike: TUC March and Rally, Newcastle upon Tyne
If you want a NHS, then you need to support the NHS Strike actions….and protect the right to strike.
Amazing scenes at Grey’s Monument today as thousands of people gathered in support of the right to strike – a HUGE march and rally – one of the biggest in Newcastle for a long, long time. Important to march together to show our teachers, firefighters, civil servants, rail workers, NHS workers and countless others that we support their action to defend pay, jobs and services. A clear message was sent to the government that we will not be ignored.
KONPNE were proud to be there and we remember: NHS staff are striking for fairness regarding pay, our health, and the future of #OURNHS
28th January 2023 – National Day of Action: The NHS Crisis is a Crisis of Government – Grey’s Monument, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
The Tory Government are quick to blame everyone and everything but themselves for the current crisis they have created in our NHS. Health Secretary, Steve Barclay told already exhausted NHS staff to work even harder if they want a pay rise. We believe it is Steve Barclay and the Conservative Government who should be working harder to fix the current NHS crisis that is now costing lives at an unprecedented rate. The NHS Crisis is a Crisis of Government,
A great turn out today at the SOS NHS event at the Monument in Newcastle upon Tyne – much assistance from members of KONP North East, Unite Community and North East Peoples Assembly – all demanding an end to the crisis and showing support for striking NHS staff…. and much support from people in the town centre!! Many sign ups on the information stall, hundreds of leaflets distributed and many conversations.
15th January 2023 – John Kennedy
It is with huge sadness that we inform you that our friend and colleague John Kennedy died on 11th January 2023.
John served as a valued member of the KONPNE Steering Group and health campaigner for a number of years and, to the end, he was pushing for a better health and social care system and for better pay and terms and conditions for workers within it. In his final weeks, John’s hospice room was a hub for debates with nursing staff, visitors, and volunteers on the importance of keeping the NHS public, the importance of strikes and the need for Unions.
At KONPNE, we remember John’s indomitable spirit, his energy and his wry sense of humour and he is hugely missed. Our sincere and deepest condolences and thoughts are with Ann and his family at this time.
5th January 2023 – …..And into the New Year
A very constructive meeting this evening – planning the Campaign for the New Year and beyond, with a range of national, regional and individual actions. If YOU care about the future of our NHS, there is an action for you to get involved in…
CLICK HERE
for notes from tonights planning meeting – these are open notes, and available for all to read
CLICK HERE
for details of current actions. This link also provides details of our next meeting via Zoom on Thursday 2nd February 2023 – ALL WELCOME
31st December 2022 – 2022 VIDEO….That was the year that was…..
Longsands, Tynemouth, 2022
New Year Good Wishes from all at KONPNE !!
CLICK HERE
to watch a short video log of the NHS Campaign in the NE throughout 2022….
and THIS IS YOUR INVITATION to join in with us in 2023!!!!!!!
We give our sincere thanks to all NHS staff, and we also thank all KONPNE supporters for persistence in fighting for a publicly funded, publicly provided and publicly accountable NHS, which is available to all.
We’ll be back in the New Year to join forces and to continue the fight. See you then – and wishing all a very happy and healthy New Year
x KONPNE
25th December 2022 – Christmas Day card deliveries to Keyworkers
KONPNE outside the Freeman Hospital on Christmas Day – MANY MANY THANKS to all NHS Staff
We all know it – but perhaps we don’t think about it….?
NHS staff provide comprehensive, expert healthcare and support 24 / 7 x 365 cover. All days and all nights, Christmas Day included. Surely THAT is worth saving??
We need to halt the steady erosion of our NHS. Join us with the Campaign in the North East….click here for details of the January meeting.….and, between now and then, wishing you a happy and healthy time at Christmas
KONPNE x
23rd December 2022 – Card deliveries to GP surgeries across the region
Our thanks go to the many health professionals working at GP surgeries across the NE. You are, more often than not, the first port of call and have the superhuman task of managing an ever-increasing patient list and ever-increasing demands at a time of service cuts, closures, staff shortages and slashed funding. We delivered our Thank You cards to a representative number of practices and, to EVERYONE in Primary Care across the region, we offer an unreserved and sincere THANK YOU.
21st December 2022 – Sincere thanks to NHS staff in Sunderland
A busy lunchtime – with the team at KONP Sunderland and District meeting, greeting and providing seasonal Thank You cards to nurses, receptionists, cleaners, physios and emergency response staff at Sunderland Royal. The NHS staff working in Sunderland make an impressive team, and we give our sincere thanks.
20th December 2022 – Clear statement to this “Government”
KONPNE solidarity with @RCNNorthern @theRCN picket at Newcastle RVI and North Tyneside General on the second day of the RCN Strike.
#FairPayforNursing KONPNE and, indeed, the vast majority of people in the country stand with NHS Staff – it can’t be made any clearer than that. More info is here
18th December 2022 – Festive KONPNE at North Tyneside General
This won’t shorten the waiting list, or improve working conditions, or put money in the wage packet – but our KONPNE Christmas Thank You cards for NHS staff are a small way of demonstrating a sincere Thank You, and were very well received by surprised North Tyneside General Hospital staff this morning. A sincere THANK YOU to all NHS staff in North Tyneside.
Final opportunity this year: Join us in giving out special edition KONP Christmas ThankYou Cards to NHS staff…. it’s the very least we can do……Wednesday 21st December at 12 noon at Sunderland Royal Hospital (meet at bus stop on Chester Road). Your assistance is welcomed.
17th December 2022 – North Shields Rally 2 for NHS Staff
Members of KONPNE were pleased to support the second in a sequence of two rallies in North Shields supporting the NHS strikes, hosted by the National Shop Stewards Network (NE). All trade unionists, patients & health workers were invited to speak on the open mic.
Craig Thompson, GMB North Tyneside, Assistant Branch Secretary: “This strike is not solely about wages. It is about safety, waiting lists, ambulances, shortage of doctors and nurses. This is a planned route to privatisation and must not happen”
Graeme Cansdale, RMT: “This demoralisation and underfunding is linked with the marketisation of our public services. Profit, the primary motive, is literally killing people”
John Hoare, Unite the Union Not for Profit branch: “The media vilifies anyone who stands up – not just political leaders, but also Union leaders. The National Shop Stewards Network brings together Trade Unionists from across the board, and that is what is now needed”
Caroline Cansdale, Unison North Tyneside: “Social care is an essential part of the picture. There is an need for additional funding”
Jude Letham, Co-ordinator, Keep Our NHS Public North East: “One of the easiest ways to encourage privatisation in the NHS is to underpay and overwork NHS staff. We are standing alongside the nurses on the picket lines”
John Whalley, Keep Our NHS Public North East: “The NHS runs on the goodwill of staff – working longer hours to provide adequate cover, staying on late to write up notes, covering shifts at short notice, facing up to very significant personal risks throughout the recent pandemic. If we’re not careful, this goodwill will be lost forever”
William Jarrett, National Shop Stewards Network, North East: “The NSSN stands in complete solidarity with NHS workers and all workers engaged in industrial action. Our purpose is to link and unite their struggles and to coordinate wherever possible”
17th December 2022 – 7am: frosty weather and a very warm response at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle
Frosty weather and a warm response – up at 7am to catch the early shift and the departing night shift…. our KONPNE Christmas Thank You cards were very well received by staff at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital. Our sincere thanks go to you for all you have done over the past year.
15th December 2022 – Pay Justice for NHS Staff
Proud to stand alongside nurses and supporters outside the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne this afternoon, and outside North Tyneside General Hospital this evening. The Royal College of Nursing are striking for pay justice AND ALSO for the integrity of our healthcare system and for the future of the NHS. We stand with NHS Staff.
14th December 2022 – A huge Thank You to NHS staff in Durham
What can we say to our NHS staff at the end of the year that was? Or maybe, at times, actions speak louder than words? A Christmas card won’t shorten the waiting list, or improve working conditions, or put money in the wage packet – but it is a small way of demonstrating a sincere Thank You.
KONPNE Santa’s were at the University Hospital of North Durham this lunchtime, and our KONPNE cards were very well received by staff. A sincere Thank You to all at Durham.
Join us in giving out our KONPNE Christmas ThankYou Cards to NHS staff over the next few days…. it’s the very least we can do……
Saturday 17th December at 7am – Freeman Hospital, Newcastle, meet at bus stop by main gate
Sunday 18th December at 7am – North Tyneside General Hospital, North Shields, meet at bus stop on Rake Lane
Wednesday 21st December at 12 noon – Sunderland Royal Hospital, meet at bus stop on Chester Road
….. and another action – we will be supporting the nurse picket lines in Newcastle and North Tyneside tomorrow – click here for info
10th December 2022 – Inspiring speakers at North Shields rally in support of NHS strikes
Dr Helen Groom (KONPNE) and Dr Pam Wortley (SHA and KONP)
An amazing @NSSN_AntiCuts North Shields #NHSStrikes rally! Speakers included Michelle Barrett-Ruecroft (RCN), Craig Toft (Unite), John Harrison (DPAC), Dr Pam Wortley (SHA), John Hoare (Unite) and Dr Helen Groom (KONPNE). Many thanks to William Jarrett (NSSN-NE) for organising and hosting.
Dr Helen Groom:
“What horrifies me is that over the last few years, as a country, we seem to believe that there’s nothing we can do to stop the increased privatisation of the NHS. We can. We need to start giving our politician’s very clear and unambiguous messages. WE (and that should include you) DEMAND that the government: 1. Pay Nurses properly: without fair pay, staffing shortages will cost lives 2. Invest in a fully publicly owned NHS & guarantee free healthcare for future generations”
Dr Pam Wortley:
We need -emergency investment to rebuild #OurNHS -deliver pay justice to all health and care workers @NHSStaffVoices -end private interests in the NHS
….and we do it all again next Saturday, same place! Saturday 17th December 2022, 1pm at Bedford Street, North Shields. Make sure that you show your support for NHS staff – this Rally is about supporting fair wages, the integrity of our healthcare and the future of the NHS.
Click here for event details
1st December 2022 – Campaign dates arranged for the run up to Christmas
A lively discussion at the monthly KONPNE meeting this evening, together with updates about recent actions, and a number of Campaign dates in the diary for the run up to Christmas – information about the local Integrated Care System, dates arranged to deliver Christmas Thank You cards to hospital staff, our solidarity and support confirmed for the RCN Nurses Strike, discussions around hosting the national touring art exhibition in the summer of 2023, and our ongoing Campaign with We Own It against outsourcing in the NHS.
Click here for notes from the meeting – available for all to read.
Our next meeting will take place on Thursday 5th January 2023 at 7pm via Zoom – all are welcome, and information about this is here.
In the interim, there is much happening – look out for our emails, plus updates are posted here
25th November 2022 – KONPNE responds to the draft strategy for the NHS in the North East
The local “Integrated Care System” (now responsible for all NHS commissioning in the North East and North Cumbria) is in the process of developing a strategy which set outs ambitions and goals for the future. The ICS invited feedback from the public and all stakeholders on their initial draft, and we responded accordingly – KONPNE supporters felt that there are a number of important issues to develop further in this document, including *the need for the NHS to be the default provider of services, to work towards decreasing outsourcing *a commitment to providing a free and comprehensive health service to all *no private sector representation on NHS decision-making bodies *Emergency Care for all – no need to be registered with a NE GP *thorough assessment of needs prior to discharge *commitment to nationally agreed pay and conditions for staff, and commitment to work alongside Unions.
CLICK HERE
to read our feedback to the local ICS
&
CLICK HERE
to read the ICS draft strategy 2022
19th November 2022 – Brisk November Campaigning Walk….
Out and about for a brisk campaigning walk along the Whitley Bay > Cullercoats promenade, refuel at the wonderful Cullercoats Coffee (where else), and then on to North Shields town centre with the megaphone, plus many conversations in support of OUR NHS and NHS STAFF, plus great to have sign ups to the new WE OWN IT petition.
PLEASE SIGN THE NEW PETITION HERE – this goes to the leaders of local health services, highlighting the recent research from Oxford University which links NHS privatisation to 557 deaths – this outsourcing needs to STOP NOW.
CLICK HERE
to sign the petition
12th November 2022 – SOS NHS
Powerful speeches at SOSNHS 2022 Conference today….. over twenty speakers including
**Dr Tony O’Sullivan, Co-Chair @keepnhspublic: “Nurses are striking for the safety of patients and the integrity of the NHS, as well as fair pay and conditions”
**Kate Osborne MP (Jarrow) @KateOsborneMP “This year history has been made – 300K nurses have voted to strike. As always, I will join them on the picket line. We will ensure that they win”
**Rachel Bannister @JustTreatment “Anger creates energy. We need to fight to end the outsourcing of care to private profiteers”
Info: https://sosnhs.org/
12th November 2022 – Response from Gateshead Council
A question was recently put to Gateshead Council regarding the new “Integrated Care System” – this is now responsible for commissioning all healthcare in the NE. This system fragments the NHS and and there remain a number of important issues to be worked on.
Good to see the commitment of Gateshead Council in supporting a “free, universal, comprehensive NHS, based on clinical need” and the thorough response from Cllr Caffrey. KONPNE are aware that many Councillors in the North East are supportive and stand by the NHS. There are, however, a number of issues associated with the Councils response to our question which, we feel, require development. Read the question from KONPNE, the Council response and our comments here
Many thanks to Tony Dowling, Gateshead resident and Chair of North East Peoples Assembly, for putting this question to the Council.
11th November 2022 – Feedback needed asap to ICS re draft Strategy
North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System has produced a draft strategy, and are inviting responses by Thursday 25th November 2022. Please view this document and email your comments. There are a number of important issues to consider highlighting, including *the need for the NHS to be the default provider of services, to work towards decreasing outsourcing *a commitment to providing a free and comprehensive health service to all *no private sector representation on NHS decision-making bodies *Emergency Care for all – no need to be registered with a NE GP *commitment to nationally agreed pay and conditions for staff, and commitment to work alongside Unions. Click here (and scroll to part 2) to read more about our concerns.
It is crucial that your views are made clear to the ICS.
CLICK HERE
for links to the ICS Draft Strategy and ICS email address
9th November 2022 – Mandate for strike action
The Royal College of Nursing have just been given a massive mandate for strike action to take place.
“Nurses will be striking for their pay, your health and the future of the NHS” @Pollytoynbee
5th November 2022 – Britain is Broken: Peoples Assembly National Demonstration, London
Remember, remember the 5th of November – this autumn the cost of living crisis has reached new peaks – raised food, heating, lighting, fuel and mortgage costs in the context of wage freezes, all brought about by an incapable Government lacking in strategic direction. Members of KONPNE were proud to join with Peoples Assembly North East at the national march and rally in London to make it clear to the Government that we won’t pay for their actions. The message is straightforward and clear: Wages up, bills down, Tories out.
Thousands join with the North East contingent to ensure a straightforward and clear message: Tories Out – Not Fit to Govern
Speakers Mick Lynch and Dr Andrew Mayerson | KONPNE meet up with national KONP Co-Chair Dr Tony O’Sullivan
Dr Andrew Mayerson, A & E doctor:
“I love the NHS and we are in deep, deep trouble right now.
I come from the States, the land of private healthcare, where you have to use your credit card to pay for healthcare, where medical care is routinely denied because the insurance company just says no – and that is the direction that the Tories are marching our NHS. That is why I’m here fighting for it because I believe so firmly in the NHS as the best model of healthcare anywhere in the world.
Every generation must fight for the NHS and this is our time to fight back for it, to save it. It’s worth it and we need to do this”.
Click here to hear the full speech on video
#CostOfLivingCrisis
#WagesUpBillsDown
And many thanks to all at Peoples Assembly North East for arranging the coach and for the great company on the way down to London. https://twitter.com/peepsassemblene
3rd November 2022 – KONPNE meeting
KONPNE members say THANK YOU; Leeds conference, October 2022
Much discussed at tonights meeting, held via Zoom – including our recent questions to full Council meetings across the NE, joint work with “We Own It” regarding procurement, feedback from the conference in Leeds, information about the forthcoming Peoples Assembly march and rally in London, joining info re the SOS NHS conference, planning for the “Threads of Survival” exhibition and Christmas events. Notes from the meeting plus links etc are posted here – these are open, and for all to read.
Our next meeting is on Thursday 1st December at 7pm via Zoom – please join us – there is a role for YOU. Zoom joining details are here
22nd October 2022 – Northern Health Campaign Groups meet in Leeds
Many thanks to John, Gilda, Nick and all at Leeds KONP for organising todays event in Leeds – a very warm welcome, excellent discussions and contacts made with other northern health campaign groups, and superb presentations from Dr Sally Ruane (Deputy Director of the Health and Social Policy Research Unit at De Montfort University, Leicester), Dr Colin Hutchinson (Chair of Doctors for the NHS and Calderdale Councillor), Felicity Dowling (Save Liverpool Womens Hospital Campaign), Rachael Tomlinson (Disabled People Against Cuts) and Adrian O’Malley (Unison).
Dr Colin Hutchinson delivered a detailed presentation, highlighting that the ICS Board is required to provide core clinical services – any other service is dependent on money left over, hence the further development of a postcode lottery. He further clarified his position that current cuts to funding will impact on patients and staff, probably both, with fewer treatments, patients travelling further, reduced access to treatments aby increased eligibility criteria and waiting lists, coupled with the possible ditching of national agreements on staff pay and conditions.
Dr Colin Hutchinson speaking, together with conference chair Dr John Puntis
Strong images from the Leeds Conference – October 2022
Five KONPNE members attended – a very useful day indeed. Updates from the day will be provided at the November KONPNE meeting. Thanks once again to all at Leeds KONP.
North East in Yorkshire
20th October 2022 – “We Own It” launch new petition against NHS privatisation
An impressive “We Own It” petition launch, with over 300 participants….and the action and underlying rationale for the petition is crystal clear – we need you to sign the petition to demand that local NHS leaders commit to end NHS outsourcing BECAUSE 557 deaths are 557 too many.
We were told that outsourcing was ‘the most efficient way to provide services’ and, for over a decade, the ideology of privatisation has been gaining a strong foothold in our NHS. But many people always knew that this wasn’t true, and now they’ve been proven absolutely right. A new national research study has found the evidence to be crystal clear: preventable deaths of 557 people have been linked to the outsourcing of NHS services. Ben Goodair, the Oxford academic behind the research, told over 300 people at the petition launch rally this evening: “My research found that wherever privatisation increased, deaths from preventable causes also increased. It is clear that there is a connection there”.
NHS leaders now have to face the facts: privatisation fails our health.
Please add your name to the petition and demand that local health leaders in the North East and North Cumbria commit to end outsourcing in our NHS now…..and then share it with family and friends
CLICK HERE
to sign the “We Own It” petition
and
CLICK HERE
to receive leaflets to distribute to houses on your street
Thank you for everything you do to protect our NHS from privatisation.
…..and read about the findings of the Goodair and Reeves research study (University of Oxford):
LSE British Politics and Policy (3rd August 2022) Areas of England with increased outsourcing of NHS services have more deaths of people with treatable conditions
The Lancet (July 2022) Outsourcing health-care services to the private sector and treatable mortality rates in England, 2013–20: an observational study of NHS privatisation
OpenDemocracy (29th June 2022) NHS privatisation linked to 557 ‘treatable’ deaths in five years
The Mirror (29th June 2022) ‘Treatable deaths’ rise under privatised NHS services, study finds
The Guardian (29th June 2022) NHS privatisation drive linked to rise in avoidable deaths, study suggests
13th October 2022 – Public Question Time at Gateshead Council
NHS campaigners in the North East are putting formal questions to seven North East councils to determine their stance on the new “Integrated Care System” – given that the ICSs are under instruction from NHS England, our local Councillors are our representatives regarding this new programme, and we need to ensure that they are accountable in standing up for our NHS.
Health campaigners have already questioned five local Councils, and today was the turn of Gateshead Council. Our thanks go to Tony Dowling, KONPNE supporter and chair of North East Peoples Assembly for presenting the following question:
I speak on behalf of “Keep Our NHS Public North East”.
Further to the deeply flawed Health and Care Act 2022, you will be aware that “North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System” is now responsible for commissioning all healthcare for Gateshead from 1st July this year.
There are potentially a number of problematic areas associated with the new Integrated Care System, and some of these difficulties may be addressed and remedied locally through attention to the wording of the Constitution of the new “North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board”.
Issues that need to be clearly stated within the Constitution include:
– the ICS commitment to maintain a comprehensive health service, free at the point of need, and accessible to all residing in the area
– the need to exclude representatives from private sector organisations on any ICS board or committee; this issue is noted in the Constitution, but there is a “let-out” clause which allows private sector involvement
– a commitment that NHS providers are the default providers of health services
– vigorous scrutiny, transparency and accountability with all new contracts
– a commitment that anyone who needs emergency care while present in Gateshead will receive the necessary treatment, whether or not they are registered with a GP in the county
– a commitment that the Integrated Care Board will include a Councillor from each local authority; the current Constitution identifies one elected member to represent 14 local authorities covering a population of 3 million. Locally, three additional Council officers are identified for the Board, but these are not elected members. There also need to be representatives from the range of health professionals and patient groups. This presence will uphold local democracy and transparency
– a commitment to hold all meetings of Boards and Committees in public, making papers available, and welcoming questions from the public
– the requirement for the full assessment of health and care needs, and availability of social supports, prior to a patients discharge from hospital
– the need for all NHS providers within the area to adhere to nationally agreed pay, terms and conditions, as negotiated with NHS staff Unions
I would be grateful if you would please outline what Gateshead Council is doing with regard to each of these issues when in contact with officers of the Integrated Care System, and please confirm the Council’s stance is to support the principle that the NHS must be comprehensive, universal and free at the point of use and based on the clinical needs of patients – not on the new Integrated Care Boards’ financial considerations.
Councillor Lynne Caffrey responded to the question, and this response will be posted here shortly.
The Council agenda and draft minutes are here: https://gateshead.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=140&MId=3195
How does your Council shape up…….? Click here to read about our questions to seven full Council meetings across the region this year….
13th October 2022 – North East and North Cumbria ICS replies
We have, at last, received a response from the local ICS regarding our concerns.
CLICK HERE
to read our initial email (26th June 2022)
&
CLICK HERE
for the response from NENC ICS (13th October 2022)
We are grateful for the detail in this response, although remain very concerned about much of the content. We will be considering this further and, of course, discussing with supporters.
6th October 2022 – Planning the Autumn and Winter campaigns
An energising discussion, creative thinking, and lots of action planned at tonights KONPNE meeting – always the first Thursday at 7pm via Zoom. All are welcome.
There’s a lot going on. To find out more about the “Enough is Enough” rally, interventions by Save South Tyneside Hospital Campaign, our formal questions to seven NE full Council meetings, our joint work with “We Own It” regarding the local Integrated Care System, the “Threads of Survival” exhibition, the forthcoming Peoples Assembly march and rally, and the Leeds and SOS NHS conferences…. then click here to read the notes from the meeting and/or BETTER STILL !!!!!….. join us at the next monthly KONPNE meeting on Thursday 3rd November 2022 at 7pm – information is here, and there is a role for YOU
1st October 2022 – Enough is Enough in the North East
…. and Hairy Biker demands that we Keep Our NHS Public
Great to join North East Peoples Assembly and the Enough is Enough campaign for the Day of Action rally this afternoon at Grey’s Monument, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. A huge attendance, huge support, and a clear message from speakers representing a range of Unions, plus Ian Lavery (MP), Jamie Driscoll (North of Tyne Mayor), Tony Dowling (Peoples Assembly), Stand Up To Racism, Tom Pickard (North East poet) and Si King (Hairy Bikers TV chef and presenter)….
North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll said: “Enough is Enough. People are asking for is a pay rise that stops them from losing money. It is not even a real pay rise, it is just keeping up with inflation. I don’t think its too much to ask that for the people we clapped for on a Thursday night, the people that keep this country running, the people that keep us safe, the people that put food in the shops, for them to be able to pay their bills.”
Hairy Biker supports Keep Our NHS Public NE
HAIRY BIKER Si King joins with KONPNE (and 1,500 others!) at todays Rally
Speaking to KONPNE after the rally, Hairy Biker Si King commented “Many of my family and friends work in the NHS here in the North East. We need to be calm, be informed, go into the community and tell it like it is. Truth will prevail”.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: We demand ** a real pay rise ** slash energy bills ** end food poverty ** decent homes for all ** tax the rich
Click here to read the report in the Chronicle
INFO: click here for the Enough is Enough website
30th September 2022 – We Own It, KONPNE and Unite
Thank you to Unite Community (Tyne & Wear and Northumberland Branch) for the invitation to speak at todays Branch meeting – there was an opportunity to outline the current demands facing the NHS, present major concerns about the new “Integrated Care System” (click here for info) and describe the forthcoming NHS anti-privatisation Campaign hosted by the national Campaign group “We Own It”. This specific Campaign will comprise a number of actions throughout the coming 12 months; KONPNE are joining with North East “We Own It” members and now, after this afternoons vote, to be joined also by Unite Community (Tyne & Wear and Northumberland). Great to have you on board!
Other groups in the North East have also expressed an interest in joining in with this specific unified Campaign as equal collaborators. Please rest assured that we will be passing all contacts and expressions of interest to the staff at “We Own It”, who will be arranging a virtual meeting and discussion with all interested individuals and groups in the North East and North Cumbria regions. Watch this space – we will be in touch with further details.
If you, or your group, would like to find out more or would like a speaker to address your meeting, please contact “We Own It” at info@weownit.org.uk or “Keep Our NHS Public North East” at konpnortheast@gmail.com
21st September 2022 – Questions in Northumberland
NHS campaigners in the North East are putting formal questions to seven North East councils to determine their stance on the new “Integrated Care System” – given that the ICSs are under instruction from NHS England, our local Councillors are our representatives regarding this new programme, and we need to ensure that they are accountable in standing up for our NHS.
Scroll down on this page for our contacts with Durham, Sunderland, and Newcastle Councils, and to read about a DISGRACEFUL response from North Tyneside Council.
Today, though, we faced Northumberland County Council in a…. pre-meeting meeting?? Unusually, Public Question Time for Northumberland County Council takes place immediately before the full Council meeting – it is not part of the formal full County Council meeting AND, unlike the full County Council meeting, there is no live stream…. It will be interesting to learn from the Council as to why they have decided to manage public questions in this way as it does appear to minimise the importance of public questions, reduces accessibility and accountability, and may serve to decrease local democracy. We feel that Northumberland County Council would do well to follow the example of the other six city / borough / county Councils in the North East by scheduling questions from the public as an integral part of the full Council meeting.
Moving on to our question at this rather random “pre-meeting meeting”…..Many thanks to KONPNE supporter Ed Bober from Morpeth, who put the following question to the Council:
“What is Northumberland County Council doing to promote local participation and scrutiny of decision-making by Integrated Care Systems and to ensure that the Integrated Care Systems do not permit private sector representatives to participate in decision making on its board, committees, or other bodies with delegated powers?”
Given that it was a pre-meeting meeting, there is no official video record from Northumberland County Council and, unless we have missed it, there appears to be no link to public questions and responses on the Council website….. the record of the proceedings is all….. very… vague. Rest assured that our question did definitely happen!! …and there was definitely a response!! We have asked for a written copy of the Council response, and also details as to where public questions and responses may be viewed. Fortunately, a KONPNE supporter in the public gallery made a video, and this is posted here.
Read our commentary on the Northumberland meeting PLUS…… How does your Council shape up…….? Click here to read about our questions to seven full Council meetings across the region this year….
Ist September 2022 – KONPNE speaks
Our monthly meeting tonight – and much discussed; click here to read the notes from the meeting.
Meetings always take place on the first Thursday of the month at 7pm via Zoom – please join us on 6th October. Everyone is welcome. More information about the meeting and the Zoom link is here.
31st August 2022 – Help with our admin, monitoring and scrutiny
KONPNE is a busy regional NHS campaign group – and we can do even more campaigning with your help….
There are a number of background routine tasks and jobs that need to be done – everyday tasks that keep the Campaign ticking over – but which are also VITAL in providing a strong structure for our campaign work.
Some of these tasks are “one-off” and others are monthly commitments – but each one would take less than an hour or two… honest. Please contact us at konpnortheast@gmail.com if you are able to assist and wish for more information – we will provide the support and information to help you get started….
This month, we need help with
> updating our email address list of all Councillors in the North East (going on to the Council websites, and updating our word doc, so that we have email contacts for all new Councillors post-May 2022), This is a one off job!
>New “North East and North Cumbria ICS Board” – one or two people to research the meeting joining process, observe (online) the new ICS Board meeting, and feedback to our October meeting
> Research the “North East and North Cumbria ICS” strategy / operational policy / aims
> Our blog (on this website here) needs an injection of energy – please be a “one off” guest contributor and write about your NHS and campaign-related thoughts / reflections / experiences and musings. Maybe you have attended an event recently, or have reflections on campaigning
> Our campaigning in the North East primarily covers five local authorities (Northumberland, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Gateshead and County Durham….Sunderland KONP cover Sunderland, and Save South Tyneside Hospital Campaign covers South Tyneside) …..PLUS there are a number of meetings (as yet unspecified) connected to the new Integrated Care System. We need one person from each of the five areas to keep a monthly check / have a general awareness of their Council and NHS minutes and meetings, and to keep us updated regarding discussions and decisions regarding the NHS in their area, as identified in these minutes. This monthly task is more straight-forward (and not as onerous) as it sounds! Please contact us for more info if you are able to help with this valuable work.
4th August 2022 – Monthly KONPNE meeting
Another lively Campaign discussion and planning meeting this evening – notes from the meeting are here – these are open and available for all to read.
Our next meeting will take place on Thursday 1st September 2022 – always the first Thursday of the month at 7pm . All are welcome, and more information is here
3rd August 2022 – Email to Chair of Health and Wellbeing Board, North Tyneside Council
Given the three shameful “responses” (if you can call them that) from North Tyneside Council (see 22nd July 2022, below), KONPNE has today emailed Cllr Karen Clark, Chair of North Tyneside Health and Wellbeing Board, regarding our original question which, to date, has remained unanswered. We have also copied in all North Tyneside Councillors, and have provided details about our concerns. We will update all of our supporters when a reply is received.
Our email to Cllr Clark is here, and the information sheet which spells out our concerns is here
22nd July 2022 – Three unsatisfactory responses from North Tyneside Council – KONPNE members are following this up
