New campaign launched to save our services at Rotherham Hospital
Visitors to Rotherham Show this weekend will be asked to show their support for Rotherham Hospital following the launch of a new campaign today by the trade union Unison, MP John Healey and local Labour Party members.
The Labour Party and Unison will be asking visitors to the Show to sign a pledge card showing their support for the provision of local NHS services at the hospital, and expressing concern about cuts and possible privatisation.
The campaign comes after the Tory-led government has undertaken a radical reorganisation of the National Health Service and as hospital management are preparing a report setting out how the hospital will save £50 million over the next three years, and whether services will remain viable beyond that.
Wentworth & Dearne MP John Healey said: “Our NHS is under pressure and under threat because the government have cut budgets and forced through a massive £3 billion reorganisation so they can bring in more private companies.
“Our Rotherham Hospital is being forced to cut £50 million from its budget in three years, with costly consultants hired to make the plans.
“We’re fighting to keep our local services, the best care for patients and an NHS that remains free at the point of use, based on need.”
UNISON Branch Secretary, Gill Garnett said: “We want as many people as possible to come along to the Rotherham Show on the 7th and 8th September 2013 and sign our NHS Postcard Petition to defend our National Health Service from being sold off to private companies.
“The future of the NHS affects every single person in this country, young and old, and we must all stand together to save it from the hands of private companies whose only motive is to squeeze profits from the system.
“In Rotherham we have seen the financial problems in the NHS Trust, the uncertainty and insecurity caused to staff and patients alike. I hope the people of Rotherham will come out in numbers and support our campaign which will see thousands of people lobbying the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester on September 29.
“We will send out a powerful message that the Government has no mandate to privatise the NHS and the policy will face mounting opposition from ordinary people who bitterly oppose the destruction of their NHS.”
Anyone who can’t make the Show is encouraged to add their name online at: www.saveourservices.co.uk