Date: 21 May 2007

Health service survey gives staff top marks

A leading US-based health foundation has given top marks to the UK health system in comparison to other large English-speaking countries and Germany.

The Commonwealth Fund, based in New York, put the NHS at the top of the league (replacing Germany) due to the fact that nobody is excluded by inability to pay; that the NHS delivers the correct and safest form of treatment more often than others; and that high levels of internal efficiency have driven down treatment costs.

UNISONScotland Head of Health Glyn Hawker said: "Today's news demonstrates that Scotland's health workers are part of a UK system that delivers world class health care, and that no patient should be excluded from this by their inability to pay.

"But politicians need to heed the warning from this survey. These results have been achieved without the so-called 'reforms' handed down from Whitehall to the NHS in England and Wales over the past year or so which has drained so much staff effort and financial resources lately. The last thing that the Scottish Health Service needs, are any attempts to introduce similar 'reforms' here."

ENDS

Notes for Editors: The findings of the report can be viewed at www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/publications_show.htm?doc_i d=482678

For Further Information Please Contact: Glyn Hawker (Scottish Organiser - Bargaining) 07876 441 237 (m) Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0771 558 3729(m)

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