The London Chest Hospital in Bethnal Green was built in the 19th century in response to the tuberculosis pandemic. In 2015, the government sold it off to a private housing developer as part of its nationwide plan for ‘NHS surplus land disposal’. With London now the epicentre of the UKs coronavirus epidemic, a severe shortage of ITU beds will expose just how reckless and brutal NHS England policy is.
The pandemic is being likened to World War II in its global scale and impact on our way of life. As difficult as it may be to envisage just now, this frightening analogy could also serve as a source of hope for the future. World War II taught us the value of community solidarity and compassion towards others. We came out of it as a stronger, more unified nation. As a direct result, we went on to create the NHS and the welfare state.
In response to the current crisis, we’re already seeing inspiring examples of human resourcefulness that provide clues as to what a new and improved NHS – that once more prioritises our wellbeing – could look like. The Spanish government has nationalised its private hospitals, an Italian start-up is 3D printing breathing valves and, here in the UK, volunteers have created community mutual aid groups to support people in need.
