Sir, In the week of the 60th anniversary of the second reading of the NHS Bill, we would like to take the opportunity to state our belief that the United Kingdom is fortunate to have one of the fairest health systems in the world where no one need fear becoming bankrupt because of their need to fund their healthcare. It has dedicated staff who are driven by a passion for patient care and has been transforming itself into a 21st-century healthcare system of which we can all be proud.

The continued commitment of funding through tax ensures equity for patients but also makes economic sense because it is the cheapest way of collecting money. If a system is unaffordable through tax it is not affordable through any other funding system. International experience shows there is no necessary link between how systems perform and how they are funded. Any move to a health insurance system to charge patients for their care would increase bureaucracy and would leave those who need the most care with the greatest financial burden.

We are not complacent. The NHS will need to respond to the tide of rising expectations and need by improving efficiency and responsiveness. With the dedication and commitment of staff we believe that the NHS can continue its transformation and be a model for other countries.

JAMES JOHNSON
Chair, British Medical Association

PHIL GRAY
Chief Executive,
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

DOUGLAS SMALLWOOD
Chief Executive, Diabetes UK

ANNE WEYMAN
Chief Executive, fpa (Family Planning Association)

PETER CARDY
Chief Executive,
Macmillan Cancer Support

MARGARET MYTHEN
Chief Executive, New Health Network

DR GILL MORGAN
Chief Executive, NHS Confederation

DAME KARLENE DAVIS
General Secretary,
Royal College of Midwives

BEVERLY MALONE
General Secretary,
Royal College of Nursing

ANGELA GREATLEY
Chief Executive,
Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health

LORD ADEBOWALE
Chief Executive, Turning Point

KAREN JENNINGS
National Secretary, Unison

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