Health workshop (launch report)

Launch report, 27th March 2004: workshops | indymedia lab | film room | ideas | feedback | media | finance | summing up

Within government system…

• Can we afford full health care?
• Blame culture – Wall of silence
• Assessment process – gate keeping
• Hospital equipment – political – drugs
• M.E. issues – no civic, political, business interest

Outside government system…

• Ambassadors and advocates for the vulnerable
• Market approach vs. voluntary care.
• Self-help – do it yourself – can you?
• Self help groups – campaigning and lobbying – funding £? – mutual support not care

Care

• Failure of the left to support.
• Sick are not able to complain
• No money for chronic illness from N.H.S.
• Understaffing of social services.
• £30 a week disability allowance – one nights care costs £120
• Vulnerable – children in care
• Many different care placements in Sheffield social services.

Power in health

• Environmental factors in health.
• Big business. Drugs companies/
• Campaigning does work vs. Change the whole system – BIG IDEA
• Reach the top levels of government

For progressive forces to embrace the issue of health as a cause

More money – salaries, resources etc. More money to pay for carers.