Gail Cartmail, Unite's assistant general secretary, said she feared the ideas put forward in the white paper would lead to a less dedicated workforce and increase the risk of the NHS no longer being free.
She added: "The white paper is also untested. We have been asking Unite members working in the NHS, 'why do you want to defend the NHS?'
"One said: ‘The NHS is probably the greatest achievement of any UK government’. Another said: 'It is a beacon to anyone who looks to fairness, equality and hope.’
"Hundreds have detailed cuts to staff and services. There are fears the level of support around post-natal depression and breast feeding will be lost as health visitors will have to concentrate on the most serious cases."
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