Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/495/2619
From The Socialist newspaper, 12 July 2007
Durham health cuts show need for new workers' party
SEVEN HUNDRED 'surplus' jobs were cut from Durham's NHS in the last year. Over 5,000 NHS staff received letters with their pay-slips last month asking them to take voluntary redundancy or early retirement. No compulsory redundancies have yet been announced but this worry is hanging over nurses' heads.
Hannah Walter
Staff report being unable to do their jobs properly due to under-staffing. Wards are being closed; hospitals are full; operating theatres are being shut while there are long waiting-lists for operations.
New Labour claim they want more 'care in the community'. People have the right to be looked after at home if they wish to be. However at the same time as hospital wards are closing and the number of hospital staff are cut, care in the community services are being reduced!
Local New Labour politicians claim to be against local NHS cuts but their party votes through these cuts on a national level. Labour today is a big business party. It was Gordon Brown that agreed the budgets that gave his big business pals huge tax cuts while selling off sections of the NHS on the basis that they were 'unaffordable'.
We need a new workers' party which will stand up in defence of the NHS and pensions and to fight against war and privatisation.
Campaign for a New Workers' Party public meeting hosted by the Socialist Party - Defend the NHS.
Speakers include Dr Jackie Grunsell, GP and Defend our NHS councillor.
7.30pm Tuesday 17 July, Elvet Riverside One (opposite Three Tuns Hotel), New Elvet, Durham.
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In The Socialist 12 July 2007:
Fighting low pay, defending jobs and services
Public support for Post Office counters strike
National Shop Stewards Network
National Shop Stewards Network conference: A good starting point for strengthening struggle
Socialist Party workplace news
TGWU/Unite conference delegates cheer call for action on anti-trade union laws
Socialist Party NHS campaign
Campaign saves Swansea hospital unit
Sussex must fight back against NHS cuts
Durham health cuts show need for new workers' party
Wales
Wales Assembly coalition no answer to workers' problems
Cardiff: Fight school cuts and closures
Tales from the council chambers
Nurseries campaign embarrasses councillors
Southall Labour councillors cross floor
Marxist analysis: history
The 'July days' - rich in lessons for today
Socialist Party news and analysis
London Underground derailment: Kick out dangerous profiteers!
Kwik Save workers betrayed by bosses and union
Socialist Party events
Socialist Party Youth and students
Socialist Party review
Political discourse can swing!
International socialist news and analysis
South Africa: union leaders call off biggest-ever strike
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