NHS reforms: the NHS Direct nurse's view

I joined the NHS at 19, and I've now been working for it for 31 years. I believe our current government is trying its best to make sure there is a health service free at the point of care for us all for another 50 years. The principles are right. But there is still work to be done on the actual delivery. It will be introduction of the NHS 111 service [for urgent but non-life-threatening situations] that will have the greatest affect on my job. NHS Direct will no longer be centrally commissioned. The government will give money to commissioners, and they will be responsible for the 111 service in their local area. We're competing to win that business. I wouldn't describe it as privatisation because for patients it will still be a free phone call, a free service. There seems to be a hurry to get the health bill in place. There are enough senior clinicians and managers across the country who are saying: "What you are trying to achieve is right, but you need to slow down." But going on strike, which will impact on patient care and safety, is not a principle I hold.