Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/649/10703
From The Socialist newspaper, 1 December 2010
NHS walk-in centre saved, but campaign continues
On 13 November 30 people demonstrated their opposition to NHS plans to close Bitterne Walk-In Centre (BWC). BWC is a well-used facility, allowing the public speedy access to medical expertise, taking pressure away from GPs, the general hospital and the A&E service.
David Rawlinson, Southampton Socialist Party
Since the campaign started in July over 2000 signatures have been collected.
The NHS Trust aims to save £2.2 million. Under pressure, the trust has said the BWC could stay open, but with drastically reduced opening times. This has been rejected by the campaign. The campaign will continue until we have a promise from the trust that the BWC can remain open without a reduction in opening hours.
Among the unsavoury acts this campaign has exposed was a Tory councillor emailing people to say the BWC had been saved, not mentioning the reduced hours. The local Labour MP was seen putting in a token hours worth of petitioning but has not been seen since.
The meeting that followed the demonstration was presented with a broad picture of NHS cuts. A consultation period has now started over the next two months where we will make sure that the fight to protect frontline NHS services continues. There was enthusiasm to take the campaign out to schools, parents and ensure local councillors were urged to stop the cut in hours.
Why not click here to join the Socialist Party, or click here to donate to the Socialist Party.
In The Socialist 1 December 2010:
Youth Fight for Education
Young people lead fight against cuts
We can win: student struggle must escalate
Socialist Party editorial
Unity - but not unity of the graveyard
How can an anti-cuts movement be built? Coalition of Resistance conference report
Anti-cuts campaign
Riot police called to Lewisham town hall lobby
Irish working class in huge show of defiance
Fight against cuts continues to grow
Coventry council - stop job cuts
NHS walk-in centre saved, but campaign continues
Anti-racism
Nuneaton protest against racist EDL
The Socialist Interview
Len McCluskey speaks to The Socialist: Building workers' confidence
Socialist Party workplace news
PCS: Vote 'yes' for action against cuts
London Underground strike most solid so far
Wales TUC leadership tries to stifle action to stop the cuts
International socialist news and analysis
North Korean artillery attack raises tensions
Portugal: 'Biggest strike action ever'
Climate change
Climate change: Socialist planning needed to avert a global catastrophe
Readers' comments
Our health - A market for big business
Bankers: The new untouchables?
Home | The Socialist 1 December 2010 | Join the Socialist Party
Join us today!
Printable version
email to friend
