Wythenshawe

NHS cuts threaten lives

Lynn Worthington, Socialist Party candidate in Manchester Wythenshawe

MANCHESTER HEALTH campaigner Lynn Worthington has condemned as an "unnecessary and avoidable tragedy," the deaths of prematurely born babies due to a shortage of local premature baby (neonatal) units. Lynn is chairperson of the Save Our Baby Unit campaign which is fighting to save Wythenshawe Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit.

Lynn is also standing as a Socialist Alternative candidate in the local elections in Baguley ward in Manchester, "to give this campaign a voice on the council."

Responding to national news that yet more babies have died because no local neonatal facilities were available, Lynn said: "These avoidable tragedies are being caused by the government's cuts to the health service. There's not enough neonatal care as it is. We demand an end to the closure of hospital services. We want more baby units across the country, in local hospitals where the mother and baby can be kept together."

Lynn added: "Reduction from four beds to one stabilisation cot at Wythenshawe will mean more long journeys for babies, endangering more lives. At Wythenshawe, maternity services are due to be expanded - but with less neonatal care. What happens if two premature babies need the cot at the same time?"

Hugh Caffrey