Join the protest against heart centre closure consultation ‘farce’

March to defend Glenfield heart unit 11 February 2017 photo Steve Score, photo Steve Score

March to defend Glenfield heart unit 11 February 2017 photo Steve Score, photo Steve Score   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Families of heart patients at the threatened East Midlands Congenital Heart Centre at Glenfield Hospital have condemned NHS England for a “totally inadequate” public consultation due in Leicester on 9 March.

Only 96 seats were available to the public and patients. People attempting to register on NHS England’s website are now being told the event is full.

Campaigners plan to protest outside the meeting at the Tigers’ Welford Road ground from 4.30pm onwards on 9 March.

Socialist Party member Steve Score, spokesperson for the Save Glenfield Children’s Heart Centre campaign, said: “On 11 February 2,000 people marched in Leicester to oppose the ending of congenital heart surgery here, and over 130,000 local people signed the petition that was presented at 10 Downing Street.

“A meeting on a weekday evening makes it difficult for many parents to attend anyway, especially if they work and live a distance away.

“Why have they booked such a small room? The Tigers ground has the facilities for a much larger meeting. As parents, families and members of the public we demand to have our voice heard.”