Save Our Hospitals step up protest against closures

Local health campaigners plan a high visibility 'Casualty Convoy' travelling through North West London on Saturday (8th December), the latest measure against proposed changes to local health services.

The convoy, comprising of cars decorated with posters and regalia, led by a Save Our Hospitals lorry, will drive past all four of the area's nine A&E departments facing closure, at Ealing, Charing Cross, Central Middlesex and Hammersmith Hospitals.

It's the latest in a series of actions protesting against planned changes to local health service. Last week a petition was delivered to Downing Street last week eight weeks ago several thousand people gathered on Ealing Common to contest the proposals in tandem with similar rallies across North West London.

NHS North West London has just announced the results of its consultation on health services in the area, including the potential closure of up to four of the area's nine A&E units and the Maternity Unit at Ealing Hospital, as part of a greater transfer of local health services to private providers.

The consultation has been heavily criticised by campaign groups including Ealing Council and campaigners have vowed to continue their battle to save local A&E Departments.

Convoy organiser Oliver New, from Ealing Trades Union Council said:"Turnout at meetings and events surrounding changes to local health services across North West London has been immense. With just five months until new proposed changes come into effect, it's vital that public awareness of the major changes to local health services is maintained. Our convoy will be made up of local residents to give the message to the Governement and NHS bosses that All We Want for Christmas is Our A&Es!"

Northfields resident and campaigner Ben Monks said:"The proposed changes are the biggest single threat to local health services I've known in my 30 years living in Ealing. If granted, the changes could leave a population the size of Leeds city centre with an A&E department within 30 minutes by public transport. It just doesn't make sense."

4th December 2012