Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/707/14043
From The Socialist newspaper, 29 February 2012
Stop North East NHS childcare cuts
Elaine Brunskill
Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland's primary care trusts (PCTs) are now working under a single management team, NHS South of Tyne and Wear, which is threatening to end all children's in-patient services in Gateshead and South Tyneside for cases where over 23 hours of care is needed.
The consultation document proposes just one single dedicated paediatric unit at Sunderland Royal Hospital.
Their website boasts: "We use your views to help improve, design and shape local NHS services." Yet Dr David Hambleton, at a recent consultation meeting, admitted that even two million negative responses wouldn't guarantee that the proposals would be scrapped.
In Gateshead there is growing anger over these savage plans. Activities by Socialist Party members and the Public Service Alliance campaigning against the proposals have been overwhelmed with support. Parents are fearful of the impact of these changes.
The PCTs argue that illnesses such as asthma and diabetes can be dealt with in the child's home with support from healthcare staff. However, their glossy brochure points out that the children's community nursing team will only be available "from early until late each day during the week and for reduced hours on Saturday and Sunday". What should parents do if their child is ill outside these hours?
Join the protest on 7 March, 12.30pm, QE Hospital's Main Entrance, Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Gateshead
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In The Socialist 29 February 2012:
Fighting workfare
Working class needs real political opposition to Con-Dem millionaires
A4e: workfare vultures in crisis
'We want jobs - not slave labour!'
Interview with a jobcentre worker
Socialist Party news and analysis
Solidarity with Occupy London protesters
Unison leadership found guilty of "unjustifiable discipline" against four Socialist Party activists
Sun launch can't hide corrupt practices
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Why I'm standing for the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition in the London Assembly election
Student walkout - build mass action
Kirklees Sure Start children centres
Voluntary sector cuts expose Big Society lies
Stop North East NHS childcare cuts
Sheffield housing - failed by privatisation
The battle against internet censorship
May Day Greetings in the Socialist
International socialist news and analysis
Iran: Tensions with the US and its allies are ratcheted-up
Europe - Young people fight ACTA
Socialist Party workplace news
'Priceless victory' of sparks against the Dirty Seven
Continuing the pensions battle: PCS consultative ballot
Continuing the pensions battle - Universities
Three-year pay freeze hits hard
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