A ‘Hands Off Our NHS’ protest that took place last week has been branded as ‘irresponsible scaremongering’ by a Swindon MP.

The group of worried health activists staged a protest against the new Health and Care Bill on Saturday over concerns it would allow private companies to to sit on decision making boards and influence how NHS money is spent.

They wore Richard Branson masks, as Virgin Health Care are currently sitting Partnership Board for Bath, North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, although they are not the only private company to do so, as Medvivo also do as well.

Margie Phillips is a long-time health care activist and she explained what she felt the issue was: “There’s been a generalised anxiety about the NHS for years and this bill has brought that to the forefront,” said the 69-year-old from Park South.

“This issue is especially relevant here as representatives from Virgin Care are currently sitting on the ICS board and are able to be involved in commissioning decisions without any scrutiny. We feel that this is completely wrong."

The protest took place at the Central Community Centre on Emlyn Square in Swindon, a place chosen specifically for its significance as the first hospital in Swindon.

Afterwards letters were handed to both of Swindon’s MPs, Robert Buckland and Justin Tomlinson.

"I would like both MPs to take seriously the amendments that are eroding the NHS," Margie added.

Both Swindon MPs have since responded to say the bill doesn't allow private companies to influence decisions.

South Swindon’s MP Robert Buckland said: The bill never allowed private sector providers to influence, or to make, decisions on spending

But to put that beyond doubt, the Government will bring forward an amendment at the next stage of the Bill’s passing through Parliament to protect the independence of integrated care boards by preventing individuals with significant interests in private healthcare from sitting on them.”

Justin Tomlinson took a stronger stance: “This is irresponsible scaremongering to suggest that Integrated Care Boards are being used to support either privatisation or a cut to NHS funding. The Bill very clearly excludes private operators from either influencing or making spending decisions

“This is about developing more integrated care between NHS, local government, social care providers and other partners to deliver much needed integration of local health and care services. Crucial for patients and local residents.”

Val Scrase, Virgin Care Managing Director for the area, said: “The government believes the future of health and care must be based on collaboration and partnership working at a local level, and we play a key part in the system as a provider of NHS services.

We believe in strong governance and in ensuring accountability for decisions being made – and we await and will welcome clear guidance on how these new systems will be governed.